HR: 1340h
AN: B33D-1575    [Abstracts]
TI: Eddy Covariance Method: Overview of General Guidelines and Conventional Workflow
AU: * Burba, G G
EM: george.burba@licor.com
AF: LI-COR Biosciences, 4421 Superior Street, Lincoln, NE 68504, United States
AU: Anderson, D J
EM: dan.anderson@licor.com
AF: LI-COR Biosciences, 4421 Superior Street, Lincoln, NE 68504, United States
AU: Amen, J L
EM: jim.amen@licor.com
AF: LI-COR Biosciences, 4421 Superior Street, Lincoln, NE 68504, United States
AB: Atmospheric flux measurements are widely used to estimate water, heat, carbon dioxide and trace gas exchange between the ecosystem and the atmosphere. The Eddy Covariance method is one of the most direct, defensible ways to measure and calculate turbulent fluxes within the atmospheric boundary layer. However, the method is mathematically complex, and requires significant care to set up and process data. These reasons may be why the method is currently used predominantly by micrometeorologists. Modern instruments and software can potentially expand the use of this method beyond micrometeorology and prove valuable for plant physiology, hydrology, biology, ecology, entomology, and other non-micrometeorological areas of research. The main challenge of the method for a non-expert is the complexity of system design, implementation, and processing of the large volume of data. In the past several years, efforts of the flux networks (e.g., FluxNet, Ameriflux, CarboEurope, Fluxnet-Canada, Asiaflux, etc.) have led to noticeable progress in unification of the terminology and general standardization of processing steps. The methodology itself, however, is difficult to unify, because various experimental sites and different purposes of studies dictate different treatments, and site-, measurement- and purpose-specific approaches. Here we present an overview of theory and typical workflow of the Eddy Covariance method in a format specifically designed to (i) familiarize a non-expert with general principles, requirements, applications, and processing steps of the conventional Eddy Covariance technique, (ii) to assist in further understanding the method through more advanced references such as textbooks, network guidelines and journal papers, (iii) to help technicians, students and new researchers in the field deployment of the Eddy Covariance method, and (iv) to assist in its use beyond micrometeorology. The overview is based, to a large degree, on the frequently asked questions received from new users of the Eddy Covariance method and relevant instrumentation, and employs non-technical language to be of practical use to those new to this field. Information is provided on theory of the method (including state of methodology, basic derivations, practical formulations, major assumptions and sources of errors, error treatment, and use in non- traditional terrains), practical workflow (e.g., experimental design, implementation, data processing, and quality control), alternative methods and applications, and the most frequently overlooked details of the measurements. References and access to an extended 141-page Eddy Covariance Guideline in three electronic formats are also provided.
UR: http://www.licor.com/eddyPresentation
DE: 0416 Biogeophysics
DE: 0428 Carbon cycling (4806)
DE: 0430 Computational methods and data processing
DE: 0452 Instruments and techniques
DE: 0495 Water/energy interactions (1878)
SC: Biogeosciences [B]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting