BOREAS TGB-03 Plant Species Composition Data over the NSA Fen Summary The BOREAS TGB-03 team collected several data sets that contributed to understanding the measured trace gas fluxes over sites in the NSA. This data set contains information about the composition of plant species that were within the collars used to measure NEE. The species composition was identified to understand the differences in NEE among the various plant communities in the NSA fen. The data were collected in July of 1994 and 1996. The data are contained in comma-delimited, ASCII 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 TGB-03 Plant Species Composition Data over the NSA Fen 1.2 Data Set Introduction As part of the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmopshere Study (BOREAS), Trace Gas biogeochemistry Team 3 (TGB-03) measured plant species within the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) collars to understand the differences in NEE among the various plant communities in the Northern Study Area (NSA) fen. Measurements were made from the period of snow melt and thaw through the full growing season to fall freeze up to examine the seasonal patterns of NEE, differences in phenology, and relative importance of vascular plants and bryophytes to the carbon balance. The following is a description of the acquisition of data and the final data sets. 1.3 Objective/Purpose Plant species compositions were characterized at the four subsites within the fen in the NSA. The locations represent the range of plant communities, water chemistry, and peatland types found in northern peatlands, including bog, rich fen, poor fen, and collapse scar (pH ranges from 3.8 to 7.2). Continuous measurements of water level and air and soil temperatures were taken to understand the thermal and hydrological gradients associated with each plant community. 1.4 Summary of Parameters The plant communities for each chamber were characterized. 1.5 Discussion Plant species compositions were measured at four subsites in the NSA fen, designated as collapse bog (CB), collapse fen (CF), tower fen (TF), and Zoltai fen (ZF). A spur (1, 2, 3, or 4) designates each collar location along the boardwalk at each subsite. The collars are further designated by the microtopography or dominant ground cover of the collar location: pal=palsa, hk=hummock, hw=hollow, lwn=lawn, moat=open water at the edge of the collapse scars, b_moss=brown moss, sph=sphagnum, and lich=lichen. The plant species composition of each collar where NEE measurements were taken was recorded as percent cover of the total collar area. The plant data for each collar at all four subsites are located in one American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) (DOS)-delimited text file: fen96_pla.txt. 1.6 Related Data Sets Other data sets of interest are: BOREAS TGB-01 CH4 Concentration and Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites BOREAS TGB-01 NSA CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data BOREAS TGB-01 CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites BOREAS TGB-01/TGB-03 NEE Data over the NSA Fen BOREAS TGB-03 CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites BOREAS TGB-03 CH4 Chamber Flux Data over NSA fen 2. Investigator(s) 2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title Dr. Jill L. Bubier Research Associate University of New Hampshire Dr. Patrick M. Crill Research Associate Professor University of New Hampshire Dr. Tim R. Moore Professor McGill University 2.2 Title of Investigation Magnitude and Control of Trace Gas Exchange in Boreal Ecosystems 2.3 Contact Information Contact 1 --------- Dr. Jill L. Bubier Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space Complex Systems Research Center University of New Hampshire Durham, NH (603) 862-4208 (603) 862-0188 (fax) jill.bubier@unh.edu Contact 2 --------- Dr. Patrick M. Crill Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space Complex Systems Research Center University of New Hampshire Durham, NH (603) 862-3519 (603) 862-0188 (fax) patrick.crill@unh.edu Contact 3 --------- Ruth K. Varner Research Scientist Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space Complex Systems Research Center University of New Hampshire Durham, NH (603) 862-2939 (603) 862-0188 (fax) ruth.kerwin@unh.edu Contact 4 --------- Dr. Tim R. Moore Geography Department McGill University Montreal, Quebec Canada (514) 398-4961 (514) 398-7437 moore@felix.geog.mcgill.ca Contact 5 --------- Sara Conrad Raytheon STX Corporation NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-2624 (301) 286-0239 (fax) Sara.Golightly@gsfc.nasa.gov 3. Theory of Measurements Plant species composition within the NEE collars was identified to understand the differences in net CO2 exchange among the various plant communities in the fen. 4 Equipment: 4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description 4.1.1 Collection Environment Data were collected in mid July 1994 and 1996. Deciduous and annual plants would be expected to be fully leafed out at this time. 4.1.2 Source/Platform Human members of the TGB-03 team identified the plant species within the collars. One of two chamber sizes was used to measure NEE depending on the height of the vegetation. The larger chamber covered 3660 cm2 of surface area and was 90.5 cm in height. The smaller chamber covered the same area as the larger chamber to fit the same collars (3660 cm2), but was half the height (45 cm). 4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives The objective was to determine the plant composition within the collars to help determine differences in observed NEE measurements. 4.1.4 Key Variables The key variable measured during the sampling period was plant species composition. 4.1.5 Principles of Operation Not applicable. 4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry Not applicable. 4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument Human parents. 4.2 Calibration 4.2.1 Specifications None given. 4.2.1.1 Tolerance Not applicable. 4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration Not applicable. 4.2.3 Other Calibration Information Not applicable. 5. Data Acquisition Methods Plant species composition was recorded in each collar during the height of the growing season in mid-July 1996. Visual estimates of percent cover of each vascular plant and bryophyte species were made based using the light/canopy intercept method (Daubenmire, 1968). Each species was assigned a percent cover value based on an estimate of spatial coverage (relative to the total area of the collar) when the canopy of that species was visually projected to the ground below. Percent cover of all species totals over 100 percent for each collar because of several layers of vegetation. Specimens for each unknown species were collected in plant communities outside of the collars and identified in the lab at the Heritage North Museum, Thompson, Manitoba or at Dr. Barry Rock's laboratory at Complex Systems Research Center, UNH, Durham, NH. 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 CB collars were located in a small, circular collapse scar (75 m diameter) almost completely surrounded by permafrost peat plateau, behind the generator shed. Three spurs were located perpendicular to the boardwalk. Spur 1 was adjacent to the moat, or open water area; spur 2 was in a hummock-hollow area; and spur 3 was in the center of the collapse scar. In addition to the collars in the collapse scar, this subsite had two collars on the palsa (frozen peat plateau) adjacent to the collapse scar. Collar designations were as follows: CB1moat = collapse bog, spur 1, moat CB2hk = collapse bog, spur 2, hummock CB2hw = collapse bog, spur 2, hollow CB3hk = collapse bog, spur 3, hummock Cbpalmoss = collapse bog, palsa, moss Cbpallich = collapse bog, palsa, lichen CF collars were located in a small, linear collapse feature that was east of and accessed from the main trail to the tower hut. Four spurs were located perpendicular to the main boardwalk. Spur 1 was located adjacent to the moat spur 2 was in a uniform lawn of Sphagnum riparium spur 3 was in a small treed ridge and spur 4 was on the far edge of the collapse scar where the influence of groundwater was apparent. Collar designations were as follows: CF1moat = collapse fen, spur 1, moat CF2lwn = collapse fen, spur 2, lawn CF3hka = collapse fen, spur 3, hummock (a) CF3hkb = collapse fen, spur 3, hummock (b) CF4b_moss = collapse fen, spur 4, brown moss CF4sph = collapse fen, spur 4, sphagnum TF collars were located along the boardwalk to the micrometeorological tower in the NSA fen. Four spurs were located perpendicular to the main boardwalk. Spur 1 was just beyond the moat at the beginning of the boardwalk in a treed area of tamarack (Larix laricina), spur 2 was in a tall shrub zone (Betula glandulosa), spur 3 was in a low shrub zone just before the hut, and spur 4 was just beyond the hut in a mixed low shrub/sedge zone. Collar designations were as follows: TF1hk = tower fen, spur 1, hummock TF2hk = tower fen, spur 2, hummock TF2hw = tower fen, spur 2, hollow TF3hk = tower fen, spur 3, hummock TF3hw = tower fen, spur 3, hollow TF4hw = tower fen, spur 4, hollow ZF collars were located in a sedge-dominated (Carex sp.) fen area of the peatland complex, north of the fen tower, and accessed from Route 391. Three spurs were located perpendicular to the main boardwalk. Spur 1 was on a treed ridge; spur 2 was in a shrub-dominated hummock-hollow area; and spur 3 was in a wet, sedge-dominated area near the edge of a palsa. Collar designations were as follows: ZF1hk = zoltai fen, spur 1, hummock ZF2hk = zoltai fen, spur 2, hummock ZF2hw = zoltai fen, spur 2, hollow ZF3b_moss = zoltai fen, spur 3, brown moss ZF3hw = zoltai fen, spur 3, hollow (Sphagnum) ZF3hk = zoltai fen, spur 3, hummock (Sphagnum) 7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map Not available. 7.1.3 Spatial Resolution The 24 collars spanned the full range of hydrologic, plant community, and water chemistry gradients found in the larger peatland complex. They were placed along those gradients at each of the four subsites to capture the spatial variability in CO2 fluxes. The area within each collar was 3660 cm2. 7.1.4 Projection Not applicable. 7.1.5 Grid Description Not applicable. 7.2 Temporal Characteristics 7.2.1 Temporal Coverage Plant species composition was recorded in each collar during the height of the growing season in mid-July 1994 and 1996. 7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map Not applicable. 7.2.3 Temporal Resolution Plant species compositions were recorded once in each collar during the height of the growing season in mid-July of 1994 and 1996. 7.3 Data Characteristics Data characteristics are defined in the companion data definition file (tgb3plsp.def). 7.4 Sample Data Record Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file (tgb3plsp.def). 8. Data Organization 8.1 Data Granularity All of the Plant Species Composition Over the NSA Fen 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 a single apostrophe marks. There are no spaces between the fields. Sample data records are shown in the companion data definition file (tgb3plsp.def). 9. Data Manipulations 9.1 Formulae None. 9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms Not applicable. 9.2 Data Processing Sequence 9.2.1 Processing Steps Plant species composition was recorded in each collar during the height of the growing season in mid-July 1994 and 1996. Visual estimates of percent cover of each vascular plant and bryophyte species were made based on light interception of the canopy of each species. Percent cover of all species totals over 100 percent for each collar because of several layers of vegetation. Specimens for each unknown species were collected in plant communities outside of the collars and identified in the lab at the Heritage North Museum, Thompson, Manitoba, or at Dr. Barry Rock's laboratory at Complex Systems Research Center, UNH, Durham, NH. 9.2.2 Processing Changes Not applicable. 9.3 Calculations If -888 is present in the data set, it indicates that a measurement was taken, but was discarded for some reason. If -999 is present, then no data were taken. 9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments Not applicable. 9.3.2 Calculated Variables Not applicable. 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 Not given. 10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters Error for the light/canopy intercept method used (Daubenmire, 1968) is estimated to be 5-10% for percent cover values over 25%. 10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments Not applicable. 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 Note that the coverages are for mid-summer. These values may be different at other times of the year. 11.4 Other Relevant Information Not applicable. 12. Application of the Data Set Remote sensing images, the chamber plant community data, and the chamber NEE data can be used to scale the CO2 fluxes from the plot scale to wetland landscape. 13. Future Modifications and Plans These data are in draft format. 14. Software Not applicable. 14.1 Software Description Not applicable. 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 The TGB-03 plant species composition 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-separated ASCII files. 17. References 17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation Not applicable. 17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports Daubenmire, R. 1968. Plant communities. Harper & Row, New York. 300 pp. Sellers, P.and F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94). Sellers, P.and F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96). Sellers, P.and F. Hall. 1997. BOREAS Overview Paper. JGR Special Issue. Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPSDOC 94). Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPSDOC 96). 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 earlyresults from the 1994 field year. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 76(9):1549-1577. Whiting et al. 1991. J. Geophys. Res., 96: 13,067-13,071. 17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation None. 18. Glossary of Terms None given. 19. List of Acronyms AES - Atmospheric Environment Services, Canada ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange BOREAS - BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study BORIS - BOREAS Information System BP - Beaver Pond site, NSA CB - Collapse Bog CF - Collapse Fen CMDL - Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center ECD - Electron Capture Detector EOS - Earth Observing System EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System FID - Flame Ionization Detector GC - Gas Chromatograph GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center IRGA - Infrared Gas Analyzer LI-6200 - LI-COR portable photosynthesis system NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration NEE - Net Ecosystem Exchange of C02 NSA - Northern Study Area OBS - Old Black Spruce site, NSA OJP - Old Jack Pine, NSA ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory PANP - Prince Albert National Park SSA - Southern Study Area TCD - Thermal Conductivity Detector TF - Tower Fen TGB-03 - Trace Gas Biogeochemistry Team 3 UNH - University of New Hampshire URL - Uniform Resource Locator YJP - Young Jack Pine site, NSA ZF - Zoltai Fen 20. Document Information 20.1 Document Revision Date Written: Last updated: 05-Jun-98 20.2 Document Review Date(s) BORIS Review: 13-Mar-98 Science Review: 01-Jun-1998 20.3 Document 20.4 Citation None given. 20.5 Document Curator 20.6 Document URL Keywords --------- Carbon Dioxide Methane Flux TGB03_Plant_Species.doc 06/11/98