BOREAS HYD-08 1994 Gravimetric Moss Moisture Data

Summary

The BOREAS HYD-08 team made measurements of surface hydrological
processes that were collected at the NSA OBS Tower Flux site in 1994 and
at Joey Lake, Manitoba, to support their research into point
hydrological processes and the spatial variation of these processes. The
data collected may be useful in characterizing canopy interception,
drip, throughfall, moss interception, drainage, evaporation, and
capacity during the growing season at daily temporal resolution. This
particular data set contains the gravimetric moss moisture measurements
from June to September 1994. A nested spatial sampling plan was
implemented to support research into spatial variations of the measured
hydrological processes and ultimately the impact of these variations on
modeled carbon and water budgets. These data are stored in tabular 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 HYD-08 1994 Gravimetric Moss Moisture Data

1.2 Data Set Introduction

This particular data set contains the gravimetric moss moisture
measurements by the HYD-08 team at the NSA-OBS site and the Joey Lake,
Manitoba site from June to September 1994. A nested spatial sampling
plan was implemented to support research into spatial variations of the
measured hydrological processes and ultimately the impact of these
variations on modeled carbon and water budgets. These data are stored in
ASCII text files.

1.3 Objective/Purpose

The objective of these moss data is to provide the BOReal
Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) investigators with a data product
that characterizes the role of moss on the water budget at the forest
floor in the Northern Study Area (NSA) Modeling Sub-area (MSA). These
data are to be used for modeling purposes.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

This data set contains the weight of moss turfs for different layers of
moss

under conditions where the turfs were contained in plastic, to contain
water within the moss turf, and without plastic, to let water flow
through the moss.

1.5 Discussion

Hydrological processes such as canopy evaporation, moss storage, and
moss evaporation may play a significant role in controlling water fluxes
during the growing season in boreal wetlands. Canopy interception, moss
storage, and moss evaporation were measured using mass balance methods
(throughfall catch buckets and lysimeters) to give a quantitative
estimate of these processes for sparse black spruce stands. More
importantly, the spatial sampling scheme allowed quantification of the
expected variation of these processes within the footprint of a
colocated flux measurement tower. This will allow consideration of the

subtower-footprint controls on vapor fluxes that the tower is measuring.
In addition, the data set will be useful in parameterizing flux models
for the targeted site, as well as determining the typical variation in
fine scale processes that the models may have to account for when
scaling to watershed and regional extents.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS HYD-08 1994 and 1996 Throughfall Data

BOREAS HYD-08 1996 Gravimetric Moss Moisture Data

BOREAS HYD-08 1996 Gross Precipitation Data

BOREAS HYD-06 Moss/Humus Moisture Data

BOREAS HYD-01 Volumetric Soil Moisture Data

BOREAS HYD-01 Under Canopy Precipitation

2\. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. L. E. Band

Department of Geography

University of Toronto

2.2 Title of Investigation

Simulation of Boreal Ecosystem Carbon and Water Budgets: Scaling from
Local to Regional Extents

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

Xuewen Wang

University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario

\(416\) 978-5070

wangx@esker.geog.utoronto.ca

Contact 2

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

L.E. Band

University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario

\(416\) 978-3375

lband@eos.geog.utoronto.ca

Contact 3

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

David Knapp

Raytheon STX Corporation

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, MD

\(301\) 286-1424

\(301\) 286-0239 (fax)

David.Knapp@gsfc.nasa.gov

3\. Theory of Measurements

Turfs were located randomly; however, some turfs were relocated because
of the presence of live roots. A set of 20 cm x 20 cm square turfs was
extracted by hand either to the bottom of the live moss layer (defined
by the presence of a horizontal litter mat) for Pleurozium scheberi
turfs, or by the end of thalli for sphagnum turfs. Turfs were placed on
a mesh tray and then replaced in the pit from which they were extracted.
Turfs were weighed daily and after rain events by placing them directly
on a leveled electronic scale. If turfs were over field capacity (water
dripped from them), the phenomenon was noted and weighing proceeded
after the majority of drip water had ceased. Any large litter components
that appeared on turfs during the measurement period were removed and
placed on the moss surface beside the turf. Turf water equivalent depth
was computed by later oven drying the turfs and determining dry turf +
lysimeter tray weights to compute water weight, assuming a constant 1000
kg/m^3^ density of H~2~0 to compute water equivalent depth.

4\. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

Turf Lysimeter Mesh Base

A 20 cm x 20 cm aluminum mesh tray with 10 gauge wire mesh and 1 cm mesh
holes was used as the base of each lysimeter. Monofilament fishing line
was used to form handles to extract the lysimeter from the turf pit.

Electronic Weigh Scales

The two scales used were manufactured by MARS, and were both in the
MS3000W series.

The scale used to measure weights less than 1 kg was a 900-g range scale
(accurate to +/- 0.1 g). The scale used to measure weights greater than
1 kg was a 2000-g range scale (accurate to +/- 1.0 g). Both balances
were tared before and after weighing and had been calibrated immediately
before the field campaign and at the University of Toronto after the
measurement campaign. The balances had an auto off condition where
taring was not possible or when battery power was low.

4.1.1 Collection Environment

These measurements were made in a spruce forest, near the NSA-Old Black
Spruce (OBS) tower site and the Joey Lake site, where moss covered the
ground.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

None.

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

None.

4.1.4 Key Variables

Moss turf weights

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

See Section 3.

4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

All throughfall and catch gauges were repositioned using a bubble level
to ensure that they were upright. The turf lysimeters were extracted
vertically from the pits even for pits on the sides of hummocks.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

Gauges and Lysimeters - Darryl Carlysle Moses and Kira Dunham

(University of Toronto, Dept. of Geography)

Weigh Scales - (2) MARS MS3000W Series.

4.2 Calibration

The weigh scales were calibrated to within the manufacturer\'s
specifications immediately before the measurement campaign and at the
University of Toronto after the campaign. The effect of the weigh scales
being off level were also tested with no appreciable difference for tilt
angles less than 20 degrees (which were defined by the first indent in
the bubble level gauge used in the

field).

4.2.1 Specifications

None given.

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

None given.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

The weigh scales were calibrated to within the manufacturer\'s
specifications immediately before the measurement campaign and at the
University of Toronto after the campaign.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

None.

5\. Data Acquisition Methods

The living moss carpet was cut in 20 cm by 20 cm squares with varying
depths: L layer consists of the living moss carpet and a small portion
of the brown senescing moss shoot bases, LF layer includes L layer plus
a brown, well-defined layer of partially decomposed but still
recognizable organic material, and LFH layer is LF plus the very dark
layer of more humified organic material above the Ae horizon of the
mineral soil. Two treatments were applied, one with a plastic sheet at
the bottom to prevent drainage from the turf and the other without
plastics. The cut turfs were placed back in their original holes and
taken out for weighing on a regular basis.

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

At the Joey Lake site, these data were collected at four different
plots.

At the NSA-OBS site, the data were taken from two plots located near the
flux tower. The plots were about 30 meters apart, about 10 m by 10 m
square each. The samples within each plot were about 5 meters apart.
Each turf sample was 20 cm by 20 cm is size.

The approximate locations of the various plots (based on the North
American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)) are as follows:

BOREAS Grid

[Site Longitude Latitude X \_ Y\_\_\_]{.underline}

NSA (Joey Lake) 98.15026W 55.46676N 807.025 571.969

NSA-OBS (Flux Twr.) 98.48139W 55.88007N 778.216 613.516

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

None.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

The samples were 20 cm by 20 cm, randomly distributed around the given
locations.

7.1.4 Projection

These data were collected at point locations. They are not in any
projection.

7.1.5 Grid Description

None.

7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

NSA-Joey Lake: 25-Jun-1994 to 07-Sep-1994

NSA-OBS: 15-Aug-1994 to 16-Sep-1994

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

None.

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

These data were collected once a day (twice a day when it rained) for
most days during the measurement period.

7.3 Data Characteristics

Data characteristics are defined in the companion data definition file
(h08gm94.def).

7.4 Sample Data Record

Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file
(h08gm94.def).

8\. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

All of the BOREAS HYD-08 1994 Gravimetric Moss Moisture Data are
contained in one dataset.

8.2 Data Format(s)

A data record consists of a series of numerical and character fields of
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) characters of
varying length. The fields are separated by commas with the character
fields enclosed in single apostrophe marks. Sample data records are
shown in the companion data definition file (h08gm94.def).

9\. Data Manipulations

9.1 Formulae

None.

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

The mass of water in a lysimeter can be estimated from this data set
with the following equation:

mass_water(g) = wet_mass(g) - dry_mass(g) - tray_mass(g)

The computation of water equivalent depth for the lysimeters was
performed using:

d (mm) = 1000 (mm/m) \* mass_water(g) / ( 1000 kg/m^3^ \*
area_gauge_bottom(m^2^) )

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

1\) set up necessary equipment.

2\) performed daily weighings and empty weighed gauges.

3\) performed the necessary data manipulations and compute water
equivalent depth.

4\) added the necessary column headings.

5\) transferred the information to BORIS.

6\) BORIS loaded the data into its relational data base.

9.2.2 Processing Changes

None.

9.3 Calculations

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

None given.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

None given.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None.

10\. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

Sampling error: errors might have occurred because of a limited number
of samples.

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.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

The data were received from the Hydrology (HYD)-08 science team and
loaded into the BOREAS Information System (BORIS) relational data base.
After loading, the data were compared with the original data files to
make sure that they were loaded properly.

11\. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

None given.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

None given.

11.3 Usage Guidance

The weights that are reported in these data can be used to compute
equivalent water depth. Equivalent water depth can be computed by using
dry turf + lysimeter tray weights to compute water weight, assuming a
constant 1000 kg/m^3^ density of H~2~0 to compute water equivalent depth
for a 20 cm by 20 cm turf sample.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

The tray weights are included in the weights reported in this data set.
When comparing wet and dry turf weights, the weight of the tray cancels
out to yield the weight of the water.

12\. Application of the Data Set

The data collected may be useful in characterizing canopy interception,
drip, throughfall, moss interception, drainage, evaporation, and
capacity during the growing season at daily temporal resolution.

13\. Future Modifications and Plans

None given.

14\. Software

14.1 Software Description

None.

14.2 Software Access

Not applicable.

15\. Data Access

15.1 Contact Information

Primary contact:

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 HYD-08 gravimetric moss moisture 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

The data and documents are available as ASCII files.

17\. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

None.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Haddeland, I. and D.P. Lettenmaier. 1995. Hydrologic Modeling of Boreal

Forest Ecosystems. Water Resources Series Technical Report No. 143.

University of Washington, 123 pp.

Price, A.G., K. Dunham, T. Carleton, and L.E. Band. 1997. Variability of

water fluxes through the Black Spruce (Picea Mariana) canopy and Feather

Moss (Pleurozium Schreberi) carpet in the Boreal Forest of Northern
Manitoba.

Journal of Hydrology, 196, 310-323.

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., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal
Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC
94).

Sellers, P., F. Hall, and K.F. Huemmrich. 1997. Boreal
Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1996 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC
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 early results from the 1994 field year.
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 76(9):1549-1577.

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, BOREAS Special Issue, 102(D24), Dec. 1997, pp.

28731-28770.

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

CD-ROM - Compact Disk (optical), Read-Only Memory

DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center

EOS - Earth Observing System

EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System

FFC-T - Focused Field Campaign - Thaw

GMT - Greenwich Mean Time

GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center

HYD - Hydrology

IFC - Intensive Field Campaign

MSA - Modeling Sub-area

NAD83 - North American Datum of 1983

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NSA - Northern Study Area

OBS - Old Black Spruce Tower Site

ORNL - Oak Ridge National Laboratory

PANP - Prince Albert National Park

SSA - Southern Study Area

URL - Uniform Resource Locator

WWW - World Wide Web

20\. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written: 15-Nov-1995

Last Revised: 04-Aug-1998

20.2 Document Review Date(s)

BORIS Review: 23-Jul-1998

Science Review:

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

This data product was collected and processed by the BOREAS Science Team
HYD-08, led by Prof. Lawrence Band at the University of Toronto. Please
contact the principal investigator, Dr. Lawrence Band, before publishing
results that are based on this data set.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

KEYWORDS

MOSS

WATER EQUIVALENT DEPTH