BOREAS TE-20 SSA Site Characteristics Data Summary The BOREAS TE-20 team collected several data sets for use in developing and testing models of forest ecosystem dynamics. This data set contains measurements of site characteristics conducted in the SSA from 18-Jul-1994 to 30-Jul-1994. The data are stored in CSV files. Table of Contents * 1 Data Set Overview * 2 Investigator(s) * 3 Theory of Measurements * 4 Equipment * 5 Data Acquisition Methods * 6 Observations * 7 Data Description * 8 Data Organization * 9 Data Manipulations * 10 Errors * 11 Notes * 12 Application of the Data Set * 13 Future Modifications and Plans * 14 Software * 15 Data Access * 16 Output Products and Availability * 17 References * 18 Glossary of Terms * 19 List of Acronyms * 20 Document Information 1. Data Set Overview 1.1 Data Set Identification BOREAS TE-20 Site Characteristics Data 1.2 Data Set Introduction The Terrestrial Ecology (TE)-20 team studied site characteristics in the Southern Study Area (SSA) of the boreal forest as part of the BOReal Ecosystem- Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) from 18-Jul-1994 to 30-Jul-1994. 1.3 Objectives/Purpose The objectives of the work were to: 1) Provide data for developing and testing remote sensing algorithms for characterizing biomass and surface cover in the SSA modeling subarea. 2) Help place results from tower sites and auxiliary sites in context by sampling regional patterns of structural and compositional variation; in conjunction with remote sensing, these will facilitate scaling studies and surface flux modeling for aircraft flux data and taller tower sites having larger and more heterogeneous flux surface areas. 1.4 Summary of Parameters The data parameters include site coordinates, species, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, height to base of crown, surface cover, percent surface cover of subplots A and B, area, and site group (Random sampling (RAN) or sampling for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) studies). 1.5 Discussion From 18-Jul-1994 to 30-Jul-1994, investigators from TE-20 and Remote Sensing Science (RSS)-15, with support from the Forest Ecosystem Dynamics (FED) and Shuttle Imaging Radar - C (SIR-C) projects and TE-08, sampled an extensive series of sites in the SSA modeling subarea. Data from these new field sites are intended to complement process studies and more intensive continuous or multi-visit data from regular auxiliary sites and tower sites. When combined with data from the regular auxiliary sites, they will provide adequate sample size for developing and testing remote sensing algorithms for characterizing biomass and surface cover in the SSA modeling subarea. They will also help place results from tower sites and auxiliary sites in context by sampling regional patterns of structural and compositional variation; in conjunction with remote sensing, these will facilitate scaling studies and surface flux modeling for aircraft flux data and taller tower sites having larger and more heterogeneous flux surface areas. Each site was sampled in a single visit, without extensive prior screening. The data collected showed slowly varying soil and vegetation structural characteristics that could be compared with imagery covering a wide timespan. In the same field effort, we also sampled four sites of particular interest for SAR studies and four of the regular auxiliary sites for method intercomparison, using the same field methods. 1.6 Related Data Sets BOREAS RSS-15 SIR-C and Landsat TM Biomass and Landcover Maps BOREAS TE-08 Bark Chemistry Data BOREAS TE-08 Bark Optic Data BOREAS TE-22 Stem Map Data BOREAS TE-23 Map Plot Data 2. Investigator(s) 2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title Robert G. Knox Elissa R. Levine K. Jon Ranson S.M. Goetz 2.2 Title of Investigation Multidisciplinary Integrative Models of Forest Ecosystem Dynamics for the Boreal Forest Biome: Modeling Gas and Energy Fluxes from Landscapes 2.3 Contact Information Contact 1: Robert G. Knox NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-2837 (301) 286-0239 (fax) knox@spruce.gsfc.nasa.gov Contact 2: Elissa R. Levine NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-5100 (301) 286-0239 (fax) Elissa.R.Levine.1@gsfc.nasa.gov Contact 3: Andrea Papagno Raytheon ITSS NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-3134 (301) 286-0239 (fax) andrea.papagno.gsfc.nasa.gov 3. Theory of Measurements None given. 4. Equipment 4.1 Instrument Description Surveying wheel, fiberglass tapes, belt transects. 4.1.1 Collection Environment Measurements were made in ambient outdoor conditions during the measurement dates. 4.1.2 Source/Platform Measurements were taken from the ground. 4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives The ground supported the trees and observers. 4.1.4 Key Variables The variables include site coordinates, species, DBH, tree height, height to base of crown, surfcover, percent surface cover of subplot A, percent surface cover of subplot B, area, and site group. 4.1.5 Principles of Operation To assist in precise registration to high-resolution imagery, distances from easily recognized landmarks were measured along roads with a surveying wheel. Most sites were reached by stopping at fixed 2-km intervals along major roads. Distances from road centers were measured with fiberglass tapes and selected randomly between 150 and 250 m. The bearings selected were perpendicular to the road (or its tangent line) and randomly assigned to either side. [Differential Global Positioning System (GPS) reading for the landmarks selected would be widely useful for aircraft image registration.] Similar randomization was used to reach exact site locations for the purposive sampling of four sites, but with median distances from a starting point adjusted to fall within the stand of interest. A soil scientist (E. Levine) recorded profile descriptions suitable for soil classification and comparison with broad-scale soil maps. Separate descriptions span the variation noted in a roughly 100 x 100 m area. 4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry None given. 4.1.7 Manufacturer of Instrument None given. 4.2 Calibration None given. 4.2.1 Specifications None given. 4.2.1.1 Tolerance None. 4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration None given. 4.2.3 Other Calibration Information None. 5. Data Acquisition Methods Sites were sampled with five plots (see diagram below). The DBH was recorded for all trees within the 3.99 m radius plot when DBH was at least 5 cm. Each tree was also assigned a species code and a live crown position code. In 1 x 10 m belt transects, living woody stems 1-5 cm were counted, by species and 1 cm diameter class. In two 1 x 1 m subplots, cover of vegetation less than 1 cm dbh and of litter, open water, and bare soil was visually estimated using a 100- point 10 x 10 cm grid counting technique. Cover percentages over 3% were rounded to the nearest 5%. Data from a site consist of 5 circular plots for trees, 5 belt transects for saplings and large shrubs, and 10 1 x 1 m surface cover subplots. Circular plots were centered on the randomly selected location and on points 30 m N, E, S, and W of that point. Belt transects were aligned to one side of the tape used to measure it to the center point, for 5 m either side of the plot center. Surface cover subplots, A and B, were within the belt transect, 2 to 3 m from the plot center. For each circular plot with sufficient live trees, two living trees were randomly selected for height measurements and increment boring at breast height, totaling up to 10 trees per site with height, crown depth, and age information. Nested Plot Diagram for sampling vegetation of randomized sites. This plot diagram shows the 5-plot layout and 10 subplots sampled at each site. 6. Observations 6.1 Data Notes Dominance Class Code Rating Criteria Dominant DOM Fully illuminated crown;some crown exposed at all angles. Co-Dominant COD Greater than or equal to 1/2 crown exposed. Intermediate INT Less than 1/2 crown exposed, but gets some direct light. Suppressed SUP Underneath a closed canopy. Dead DED No rating due to no live crown being present. 6.2 Field Notes None given. 7. Data Description 7.1 Spatial Characteristics 7.1.1 Spatial Coverage The SSA measurement sites and associated North American Datum 1983 (NAD83) coordinates that were sampled for methods cross-comparison are: Site id F7J0P, Lat/Long: 53.88336°N, 105.05115°W, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 13, N: 5970323.3, E: 496667. Site id G9I4S, Lat/Long: 53.99877°N, 105.11805°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5983169.1, E: 492291.2. Site id G1K9P, Lat/Long: 53.9088°N, 104.74812°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5973404.5, E: 516546.7. Site id G4K8P, Lat/Long: 53.91883°N, 104.76401°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5974516.6, E: 515499.1. Systematic, randomized sampling at 2-km intervals along Rt. 120, between 265 and Rt. 106, and along Rt. 106 between 120 and Harding Road: 35 sites. Purposive sampling related to radar signatures, along Harding Road and on the fen site peripheral road (road loops around N end of fen with tower site): 4 sites. The SSA sites and associated NAD83 coordinates: Site id F0L9T, Lat/Long: 53.80206°N, 104.61798°W, UTM Zone 13, N: 5,961,566.6, E: 525,159.8. TE-20 sites: ID UTM Easting UTM Northing 1 485118.398 5951907.48 2 487070.262 5953387.69 3 488506.519 5954770.21 4 490291.434 5955712.15 5 491413.037 5957417.97 6 491128.714 5959406.83 7 490539.802 5961388.15 8 491385.859 5963332.67 9 493141.764 5964408.76 10 493466.405 5965974.29 11 494200.048 5967770.49 12 495409.564 5969388.52 13 496840.464 5970312.13 14 498854.505 5970488.04 15 500849.729 5970495.26 16 502874.042 5970381.72 17 504818.456 5971028.79 18 506682.775 5971811.04 19 508549.843 5972739.12 20 510074.302 5973917.86 21 511949.122 5974733.92 22 513819.033 5975422.04 23 515253.163 5976771.14 24 515853.96 5978776.69 25 516749.216 5980634.85 26 518318.562 5982003.86 27 519488.121 5983731.89 28 520928.126 5985159.56 30 521553.238 5984120.35 31 522241.113 5982316.86 32 522985.711 5980437.38 33 522988.604 5978403.79 34 523800.954 5976506.78 35 524197.555 5974554.87 36 524770.325 5972757.53 37 518568.234 5971769.73 38 526532.907 5972466.38 7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map Not available. 7.1.3 Spatial Resolution These data are point source measurements at the given locations. 7.1.4 Projection Not applicable. 7.1.5 Grid Description Not applicable. 7.2 Temporal Characteristics 7.2.1 Temporal Coverage Sampling took place from 18-Jul-1994 to 30-Jul-1994 7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map None given. 7.2.3 Temporal Resolution Each site was sampled during a single visit. 7.3 Data Characteristics Data characteristics are defined in the companion data definition file (te20site.def). 7.4 Sample Data Record Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file (te20site.def). 8. Data Organization 8.1 Data Granularity All of the SSA Site Characteristics Data are contained in one dataset. 8.2 Data Format(s) The data files contain numerical and character fields of varying length separated by commas. The character fields are enclosed with single apostrophe marks. There are no spaces between the fields. Sample data records are shown in the companion data definition file (te20site.def). 9. Data Manipulations 9.1 Formulae None. 9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms None given. 9.2 Data Processing Sequence 9.2.1 Processing Steps None given. 9.2.2 Processing Changes None given. 9.3 Calculations 9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments Not applicable. 9.3.2 Calculated Variables Not applicable. 9.4 Graphs and Plots Not applicable. 10. Errors 10.1 Sources of Error None given. 10.2 Quality Assessment 10.2.1 Data Validation by Source None given. 10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment None given. 10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters None given. 10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments None given. 10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center Data were examined for general consistency and clarity. 11. Notes 11.1 Limitations of the Data None given. 11.2 Known Problems with the Data None given. 11.3 Usage Guidance None given. 11.4 Other Relevant Information None given. 12. Application of the Data Set These data can be used to study the spatial and physical properties of boreal vegetation. 13. Future Modifications and Plans None given. 14. Software 14.1 Software Description None given. 14.2 Software Access None given. 15. Data Access 15.1 Contact for Data Center/Data Access Information These BOREAS data are available from the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOS-DIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC). The BOREAS contact at ORNL is: ORNL DAAC User Services Oak Ridge National Laboratory (865) 241-3952 ornldaac@ornl.gov ornl@eos.nasa.gov 15.2 Procedures for Obtaining Data BOREAS data may be obtained through the ORNL DAAC World Wide Web site at http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/ or users may place requests for data by telephone, electronic mail, or fax. 15.3 Output Products and Availability Requested data can be provided electronically on the ORNL DAAC's anonymous FTP site or on various media including, CD-ROMs, 8-MM tapes, or diskettes. The complete set of BOREAS data CD-ROMs, entitled "Collected Data of the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study", edited by Newcomer, J., et al., NASA, 1999, are also available. 16. Output Products and Availability 16.1 Tape Products None. 16.2 Film Products None. 16.3 Other Products These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series. 17. References 17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation None. 17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94). Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPSDOC 94). Sellers, P., F. Hall, H. Margolis, B. Kelly, D. Baldocchi, G. den Hartog, J. Cihlar, M.G. Ryan, B. Goodison, P. Crill, K.J. Ranson, D. Lettenmaier, and D.E. Wickland. 1995. The boreal ecosystem-atmosphere study (BOREAS): an overview and early results from the 1994 field year. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 76(9):1549-1577. Sellers, P. and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96). Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPSDOC 96). Sellers, P.J., F.G. Hall, R.D. Kelly, A. Black, D. Baldocchi, J. Berry, M. Ryan, K.J. Ranson, P.M. Crill, D.P. Lettenmaier, H. Margolis, J. Cihlar, J. Newcomer, D. Fitzjarrald, P.G. Jarvis, S.T. Gower, D. Halliwell, D. Williams, B. Goodison, D.E. Wickland, and F.E. Guertin. 1997. BOREAS in 1997: Experiment overview, scientific results, and future directions. JGR, BOREAS Special Issue, 102 (D24), 28,731-28,769. 17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation None. 18. Glossary of Terms FED - Forest ecosystem dynamics, a model shell allowing the interfacing of several different models of forest ecosystem dynamics and, hence, several different ecosystem processes RAN - Random sampling 19. List of Acronyms ADC - Analytical Development Company ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange BOREAS - BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study BORIS - BOREAS Information System CD-ROM - Compact Disk-Read-Only memory DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center DBH - Diameter at Breast Height EOS - Earth Observing System EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System FED - Forest Ecosystem Dynamics GPS - Global Positioning System GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center HTML - HyperText Markup Language IFC - Intensive Field Campaign IRGA - Infrared Gas Analyzer MIX - Mixed NAD83 - North American Datum of 1983 NIR - Near Infrared Radiation NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NSA - Northern Study Area OA - Old Aspen OBS - Old Black Spruce OJP - Old Jack Pine ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory PANP - Prince Albert National Park PAR - Photosynthetically Active Radiation PPFD - Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density RSS - Remote Sensing Science SAR - Synthetic Aperture Radar SIR-C - Shuttle Imaging Radar - C SSA - Southern Study Area TE - Terrestrial Ecology TF - Tower Flux TM - Thematic Mapper URL - Uniform Resource Locator UTM - Universal Transverse Mercator YA - Young Aspen YJP - Young Jack Pine 20. Document Information 20.1 Documentation Revision Date Written: 29-Oct-1998 Last Updated: 04-May-1999 20.2 Document Review Date(s) BORIS Review: 29-Oct-1998 Science Review: 23-Dec-1998 20.3 Document ID 20.4 Citation Robert G. Knox and Elissa R. Levine of NASA GSFC. 20.5 Document Curator 20.6 Document URL Keywords: Diameter At Breast Height Height To Base Of Crown Tree Height Site Coordinates Spatial Characteristics Species Surface Cover TE20_Site_Char.doc 06/09/99