BOREAS TF-04 CO2 and CH4 Soil Profile Data from the SSA Summary: The BOREAS TF-04 team measured distributions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations for the upper 5 meters of soil and unsaturated zone at the mature stand, upper 6 m at the 20-year old stand, and the upper 1m at the 8-year old stand and clear cut area at the Southern Study Area of the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) during August 1993 to March 1995. Particle size and carbon content of the unsaturated deposits, precipitation, soil temperature and moisture, carbon and oxygen isotopes of soil CO2 and soil water chemistry are also presented. 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 TF-04 CO2 and CH4 Soil Profile Data from the SSA 1.2 Data Set Introduction Data presented in this document were collected at the Old Jack Pine and Young Jack Pine tower flux sites and nearby clear cut areas at the SSA. The BOREAS TF- 04 team measured distributions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations for the upper 5 meters of soil and unsaturated zone at the mature stand, upper 6 m at the 20-year old stand, and the upper 1m at the 8-year old stand and clear cut area at the Southern Study Area of the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) during August 1993 to March 1995. Particle size and carbon content of the unsaturated deposits, precipitation, soil temperature and moisture, carbon and oxygen isotopes of soil CO2 and soil water chemistry are also presented. The data are stored in tabular ASCII files. 1.3 Objective/Purpose This study presents data relevant to understanding the transfer and storage of carbon among soil, the unsaturated zone, ground cover vegetation, and understory air in jack pine forest at the SSA. The data were collected continuously from May through September 1994 and during March 1995. 1.4 Summary of Parameters The primary focus is on the net concentrations of soil CO2 and CH4 measured. 1.5 Discussion Jack pine woodlands are an important component of the boreal forest, covering more that 2x1012 m2 of predominantly well-drained uplands in northern North America. As part of BOREAS, our study objectives were (1) to compare soil respiration at an undisturbed 65- to 90 year-old mature jack pine-lichen woodland with soil respiration at a formerly continuous portion of the stand that was clear-cut harvested during the previous winter, and (2) to identify and quantify the sources of CO2 and CH4 production within the soil profile. 1.6 Related Data Sets BOREAS TGB-01/TGB-03 CH4 Chamber Flux Data over the NSA Fen BOREAS TGB-03 Plant Species Composition Data over the NSA Fen BOREAS TGB-01/TGB-03 NEE Data over the NSA Fen BOREAS TGB-03 CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data over NSA Upland Sites BOREAS TGB-01 NSA CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data BOREAS TGB-01 CH4 Concentration and Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites BOREAS TGB-01 NSA SF6 Chamber Flux Data 2. Investigator(s) 2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title Dr. Rob Striegl Hydrologist, United States Geological Survey Dr. Kimberly Wickland United States Geological Survey 2.2 Title of Investigation Measurements of Soil Carbon Dioxide and Methane Concentrations and Fluxes, and Soil Properties at Four Ages of Jack Pine Forest in the Southern Study Are of the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1993-95. 2.3 Contact Information Contact 1 Dr. Rob Striegl Hydrologist, United States Geological Survey Denver, CO rstriegl@usgs.gov Contact 2 Dr. Kimberly P. Wickland Hydrologist, United States Geological Survey Denver, CO Contact 3 Sara Conrad Raytheon ITSS NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-2624 (301) 286-0239 (fax) Sara.Conrad@gsfc.nasa.gov 3. Theory of Measurements Atmospheric chemistry measurements and modeling studies identify a global imbalance between known CO2 production and uptake, with a potentially large terrestrial carbon sink possible in boreal forests. Northern woodlands are also perceived to be very sensitive to climate change. The predicted warming and drying of the boreal region could profoundly affect regional carbon sources and sinks. Carbon cycling of the boreal forest has consequently been a central theme of much recent field research. With the intent of eventually extrapolating land-based carbon, energy, and water flux measurements to the entire boreal forest biome, the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) subdivided northern and southern section of Canadian boreal forest into aspen, jack pine, and bog-fen landscapes for intensive study. Studies within these vegetation types focused on a variety of factors that influence carbon cycling, including forest stand age and land surface disturbances (Seller et al., 1995). Soil respiration, the second largest flux in the global carbon cycle, includes all CO2 produced by roots, soil organisms, and oxidation that is emitted across the soil-air interface. Although globally important, soil respiration is not well characterized spatially or seasonally for most ecosystems. 4. Equipment 4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description 4.1.1 Collection Environment Data were collected under all environmental conditions. 4.1.2 Source/Platform Ground. 4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives Support investigators and soil probes. 4.1.4 Key Variables CO2 and CH4 concentrations. 4.1.5 Principles of Operation Soil surface temperature was measured using a Fluke model 51 K thermometer at 3 depths (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 m) at each pair of chambers in conjunction with flux measurements. Soil water content was determined from soil samples collected at each pair of chambers concurrent with flux measurements. Each sample included the top 0.05 m of soil and was sealed in an air-tight container until analysis. The samples were weighed, oven-dried at 105 C for approximately 24 hours, and weighed again. After subtracting the container weight, percent water content was calculated as the difference of the original sample weight and the dried sample weight divided by the original sample weight and multiplied by 100 (Klute, 1986) Concentrations CO2 and CH4 in soil gas were measured at chamber pairs at each of the four transects using 2.0 mm inside diameter stainless steel probes. The probes were inserted to soil depths ranging from 0.02m to 0.50 m, and soil gas was collected using nylon syringes. CO2 concentration was analyzed on-site using a PP Systems model EGM IRGA, and CH4 concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography using methods described above. Soil gas collection was concurrent with chamber measurements. In addition to the chamber pair probe measurements, each site had a series of permanent probes installed for soil gas collection. The Old Jack Pine site had permanent probes installed within 10 m of the first chamber pair (GH) to a maximum depth of 3.4 m. The Young Jack Pine site had permanent probes installed within 10 m of the first chamber pair (AB) to a maximum depth of 6.0 m. Additional probes were located 5 m south of the Young Jack Pine instrument shelter. Soil gas was collected from three series of depths in the unsaturated zone at Young Jack Pine. Carbon dioxide, extracted from the gas by cryogenic trapping, was analyzed for 13C and 18O content using mass spectrometry at the U.S. Geological Survey gas isotope laboratory in Denver, Colorado. Values were obtained from samples collected on one occasion. Stable isotope values are presented in delta notation in units of the parts per thousand relative difference (permil) between the ratios of 13C to 12C and 18O to 16O in the samples and Pee Dee belemnite for 13C and Standard Mean Ocean Water for 18O. Gravity drainage lysimeters were installed at the Young Jack Pine and Old Jack Pine sites to collect liquid water percolating through the unsaturated sands to a maximum depth of 1.00 m. Only one rainfall event (day 200, 1994) was large enough to initiate sufficient percolation at the Young Jack Pine site for water sample collection and analysis. Sufficient water volume was never collected at the Old Jack Pine site. 4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry Not applicable. 4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument Concentrations CO2 and CH4 in soil gas were measured at chamber pairs at each of the four transects using 2.0 mm inside diameter stainless steel probes. The probes were inserted to soil depths ranging from 0.02m to 0.50 m, and soil gas was collected using nylon syringes. Infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) PP Systems model EGM IRGA Fluke model 51 K thermometer 4.2 Calibration 4.2.1.1 Tolerance None given. 4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration Traceable gas calibration standards for all CO2 and CH4 analyses were provided by BOREAS operations. 4.2.3 Other Calibration Information None given. 5. Data Acquisition Methods Soil surface temperature was measured using a Fluke model 51 K thermometer at 3 depths (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 m) at each pair of chambers in conjunction with flux measurements. Soil water content was determined from soil samples collected at each pair of chambers concurrent with flux measurements. Each sample included the top 0.05 m of soil and was sealed in an air-tight container until analysis. The samples were weighed, oven-dried at 105 C for approximately 24 hours, and weighed again. After subtracting the container weight, percent water content was calculated as the difference of the original sample weight and the dried sample weight divided by the original sample weight and multiplied by 100 (Klute, 1986) Concentrations CO2 and CH4 in soil gas were measured at chamber pairs at each of the four transects using 2.0 mm inside diameter stainless steel probes. The probes were inserted to soil depths ranging from 0.02m to 0.50 m, and soil gas was collected using nylon syringes. CO2 concentration was analyzed on-site using a PP Systems model EGM IRGA, and CH4 concentration was analyzed by gas chromatography using methods described above. Soil gas collection was concurrent with chamber measurements. In addition to the chamber pair probe measurements, each site had a series of permanent probes installed for soil gas collection. The Old Jack Pine site had permanent probes installed within 10 m of the first chamber pair (GH) to a maximum depth of 3.4 m. The Young Jack Pine site had permanent probes installed within 10 m of the first chamber pair (AB) to a maximum depth of 6.0 m. Additional probes were located 5 m south of the Young Jack Pine instrument shelter. Soil gas was collected from three series of depths in the unsaturated zone at Young Jack Pine. Carbon dioxide, extracted from the gas by cryogenic trapping, was analyzed for 13C and 18O content using mass spectrometry at the U.S. Geological Survey gas isotope laboratory in Denver, Colorado. Values were obtained from samples collected on one occasion. Stable isotope values are presented in delta notation in units of the parts per thousand relative difference (permil) between the ratios of 13C to 12C and 18O to 16O in the samples and Pee Dee belemnite for 13C and Standard Mean Ocean Water for 18O. Gravity drainage lysimeters were installed at the Young Jack Pine and Old Jack Pine sites to collect liquid water percolating through the unsaturated sands to a maximum depth of 1.00 m. Only one rainfall event (day 200, 1994) was large enough to initiate sufficient percolation at the Young Jack Pine site for water sample collection and analysis. Sufficient water volume was never collected at the Old Jack Pine site. 6. Observations 6.1 Data Notes None given. 6.2 Field Notes None given. 7. Data Description 7.1 Spatial Characteristics 7.1.1 Spatial Coverage The North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) coordinates at the sites are: OJP: 53.91634° N, 104.69203° W YJP: 53.87581° N, 104.64529° W CC: 53.9090° N, 104.6595° W RC: 53.9091° N, 104.6671° W 7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map Not available. 7.1.3 Spatial Resolution These are point measurements made 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 The data set covers the period from 26-MAY-94 to 21-MAR-95 7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map Not available. 7.2.3 Temporal Resolution Soil gas collection was concurrent with chamber measurements. 7.3 Data Characteristics Data characteritics are defined in the companion data definition file (tf4ssasp.def). 7.4 Sample Data Record Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file (tf4ssasp.def). 8. Data Organization 8.1 Data Granularity The CO2 and soil profile data are contained in six data files. 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 (tf4ssasp.def). 9. Data Manipulations 9.1 Formulae 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 None given. 9.3.2 Calculated Variables None. 9.4 Graphs and Plots None given. 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 See Section 10.1. 11.3 Usage Guidance See Section 10.1. 11.4 Other Relevant Information None given. 12. Application of the Data Set None given. 13. Future Modifications and Plans None given. 14. Software 14.1 Software Description None given. 14.2 Software Access Not applicable. 15. Data Access 15.1 Contact Information Ms. Beth Nelson BOREAS Data Manager NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-4005 (301) 286-0239 (fax) Elizabeth.Nelson@gsfc.nasa.gov 15.2 Data Center Identification See Section 15.1. 15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data Users may place requests by telephone, electronic mail, or fax. 15.4 Data Center Status/Plans These data are available from the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) 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 16. Output Products and Availability 16.1 Tape Products None. 16.2 Film Products None. 16.3 Other Products Comma-delimited ASCII text files. 17. References 17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation None given. 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, 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., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 94). 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 (OPS DOC 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. Journal of Geophysical Research 102 (D24): 28,731-28,770. Striegl, R.G., and Wickland, K.P., 1998, effects of a clear-cut harvest on soil respiration in a jack-pine lichen woodland, Can. Jour. Forest Research 28:534- 539. Wickland, K.P., and Striegl, R.G., 1997, Measurements of soil carbon dioxide and methane concentrations and fluxes, and soil properties at four ages of jack pine forest in the Southern Study Area of the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1993-1995. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report. 97-49. 17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation None. 18. Glossary of Terms None. 19. List of Acronyms ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange BOREAS - BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study BORIS - BOREAS Information System DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center EOS - Earth Observing System EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center IRGA - Infrared Gas Analyzer NAD83 - North American Datum of 1983 NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration NSA - Northern Study Area OBS - Old Black Spruce ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory PANP - Prince Albert National Pike PPFD - Photosynthetically Active Photon Flux Density SSA - Southern Study Area TF - Tower Flux TGB - Trace Gas Biochemistry URL - Uniform Resource Locator SSA - Southern Study Area 20. Document Information 20.1 Document Revision Date Written: 01-Dec-1998 Last Updated: 09-Dec-1998 20.2 Document Review Date(s) BORIS Review: 09-Dec-1998 Science Review: 20.3 Document ID 20.4 Citation Wickland, K.P., and Striegl, R.G., 1997, Measurements of soil carbon dioxide and methane concentrations and fluxes, and soil properties at four ages of jack pine forest in the Southern Study Area of the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1993-1995. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report. 97-49. Striegl, R.G., and Wickland, K.P., 1998, effects of a clear-cut harvest on soil respiration in a jack-pine lichen woodland, Can. Jour. Forest Research 28:534- 539. Fishman M.J. and Fiedman, L.C. 1985, Methods of determination of inorganic substances in water and fluvial sediments. Techniques of Water Resources Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey. Book 5 Chapter A1, 5445p. 20.5 Document Curator 20.6 Document URL Keywords: Carbon Dioxide Methane Carbon Isotopes Oxygen Isotopes Stable Isotopes TF04_Soil_profile.doc 01/13/99