Changes in leaf area index (LAI) due to ice storm damage at Harvard Forest
Changes in leaf area index (LAI) due to ice storm damage at Harvard Forest
Lauren Sanchez, Middlebury College
In collaboration with Harvard University
Spring Student Symposium 2010
Lauren Sanchez, Middlebury College
In collaboration with Harvard University
Spring Student Symposium 2010
IntroductionIntroduction
Global carbon balance Carbon sink
Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) Long-term measurements Factors affecting NEE measurements
Global carbon balance Carbon sink
Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) Long-term measurements Factors affecting NEE measurements
Disturbance- Ice StormsDisturbance- Ice Storms
Impacts on ecosystems
Variable damage Tree species Nature of stand
New England ice storms Winter 1998 and 2008 Potential impacts due to the
changing climate
Impacts on ecosystems
Variable damage Tree species Nature of stand
New England ice storms Winter 1998 and 2008 Potential impacts due to the
changing climate
http://www.vividlight.com/39/images/01%20Vermont%20Ice%20Storm%201998.jpg
Leaf Area IndexLeaf Area Index
Interaction between vegetation and the atmosphere
Ratio = foliage surface area
ground area Values range from 0-7
Interaction between vegetation and the atmosphere
Ratio = foliage surface area
ground area Values range from 0-7
Eddy covariance method Whole-ecosystem function
approach Measurements- sonic anemometer
and eddy flux tower
Eddy covariance method Whole-ecosystem function
approach Measurements- sonic anemometer
and eddy flux tower
Research Question: Is there a correlation between ice storm damage
and change in LAI values?
Hypothesis:Plots with more ice storm damage, particularly
CWD, would experience a greater decrease in LAI
Research Question: Is there a correlation between ice storm damage
and change in LAI values?
Hypothesis:Plots with more ice storm damage, particularly
CWD, would experience a greater decrease in LAI
MethodsMethods
Biometry component CWD and FWD survey Classifications,
observations
Biometry component CWD and FWD survey Classifications,
observations
Site description Harvard Forest, Petersham, MA
Measurement locations and plots
Site description Harvard Forest, Petersham, MA
Measurement locations and plots
Observed LAI values at Harvard ForestObserved LAI values at Harvard Forest
A comparison of 2008 and 2009 LAI valuesA comparison of 2008 and 2009 LAI values
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The average amount of woody biomass in each plot due to the ice storm
The average amount of woody biomass in each plot due to the ice storm
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With D4 Without D4
The relationship between ice storm woody debris and the change in peak LAI for each plot
The relationship between ice storm woody debris and the change in peak LAI for each plot
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With D4 Without D4
R2= 0.37 R2= 0.09
= 0.191P= 0.172
The relationship between ice storm FWD and the change in peak LAI for each plot, excluding D4
The relationship between ice storm FWD and the change in peak LAI for each plot, excluding D4
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R2= 0.32
= 0.442P= 0.00038
Comparing the CWD, FWD, and change in LAI values between two deciduous plots
Comparing the CWD, FWD, and change in LAI values between two deciduous plots
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DiscussionDiscussion
The total FWD biomass is comparable to CWD High variability between plots Importance of FWD survey
Strong correlation between amount of ice storm damage and decrease in peak LAI Significant relationship for FWD data Also significant correlation for FWD
data in deciduous plots
The total FWD biomass is comparable to CWD High variability between plots Importance of FWD survey
Strong correlation between amount of ice storm damage and decrease in peak LAI Significant relationship for FWD data Also significant correlation for FWD
data in deciduous plots
Future StudyFuture StudyFuture StudyFuture Study
Continue to extensively track LAI valuesContinue to extensively track LAI values Investigate LAI trajectories and changes in green up and peaksInvestigate LAI trajectories and changes in green up and peaks Climatic modeling and PAR data to determine effect of weatherClimatic modeling and PAR data to determine effect of weather
Continue to extensively track LAI valuesContinue to extensively track LAI values Investigate LAI trajectories and changes in green up and peaksInvestigate LAI trajectories and changes in green up and peaks Climatic modeling and PAR data to determine effect of weatherClimatic modeling and PAR data to determine effect of weather
Steve Trombulak and Andi Lloyd
Dr. Steven C. Wofsy Leland Werden Tammy Connell
Department of Energy GCEP Program
Steve Trombulak and Andi Lloyd
Dr. Steven C. Wofsy Leland Werden Tammy Connell
Department of Energy GCEP Program
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Harvard Forest
Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Harvard Forest