Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00436

Correcting Measurements of Surface-Atmosphere in Complex Topography and Stable Stratification

Principal Investigator:: Professor J Moncrieff, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor YS Malhi, University of Oxford, Geography - SoGE
Grant held at:: University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences

ENRIs:: Natural Resource Management; Global Change
Science Topics:: Land - Atmosphere Interactions; Large Scale Dynamics/Transport; Boundary Layer Meteorology; Ecosystem Scale Processes

Abstract:: Eddy covariance flux towers provide a powerful technique for monitoring the carbon water and energy dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems, and are currently deployed at over 240 sites world wide. They do present problems, however, in measurement of the NET carbon balance, particularly over forest canopies and and/or in complex topography . The primary problem is believed to be poor understanding of the way carbon dioxide is transported out of forests at night. We propose here to develop methods to correct flux measurements through development of a model of nighttime flow in canopies on hills, and testing of this model using wind tunnel simulations field studies at test sites in Scotland, Australia and Brazil. Integration of this model with field data will be advanced through application of data assimilation techniques, where the field data continuously feeds and corrects the model.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £265,353

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Equipment	Total - Indirect Costs
£98,678	£34,707	£16,960	£53,056	£61,951

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