Harvard Forest Research

The impact of ice storm damage on the carbon balance of a temperate, mixed-deciduous forest

Principal Investigator: J. William Munger
Harvard University: May 28 2009 - Aug 13 2009:

Abstract:
Carbon uptake has been measured at the Harvard Forest Environmental Measurement Site (EMS) using the eddy flux technique for the past 19 years, making it the longest running eddy flux site in the world. For over a decade we have observed increasing rates of carbon sequestration at the Harvard Forest using both eddy flux and ground-based biometric measurements. The ice storm that took place in December of 2008 did significant damage to parts of the forest canopy surrounding the EMS. In order to understand how this event contributed to carbon cycling in the system, additional aboveground biometric measurements will be made.

This summer, our student will specifically be involved in the measurement of fine woody debris and coarse woody debris at the EMS. The student will additionally be involved in quantifying the damage that occurred during the December 2008 ice storm. An attempt will be made to identify how the ice storm impacted the carbon cycle at the EMS site. The student will also participate in ongoing measurements at the EMS of tree growth, LAI, and leaf chemistry.: