BOREAS TE-05 Leaf Carbon Isotope

Summary

The BOREAS group TE-05 collected measurements in the NSA and SSA on gas 
exchange, gas composition and tree growth.  This documentation describes leaf 
carbon isotope data that were collected in 1993 and 1994 at the NSA and SSA OJP, 
OBS and NSA UBS sites.  In addition, leaf carbon isotope data were collected in 
1994 only at the NSA and SSA OA sites.  These data were collected to provide 
seasonal integrated physiological information for 10 to 15 common species at 
these 6 BOREAS sites.	The 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 TE-05 Leaf Carbon Isotope

1.2 Data Set Introduction

Leaf carbon isotope data were collected in 1993 and 1994 at the BOReal 
Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) Northern Study Area (NSA) OJP, Southern 
Study Area (SSA), SSA Old Black Spruce (OBS), and NSA T6R5S Terrestrial Ecology 
(TE) Upland Black Spruce (UBS) sites.  Leaf carbon isotope data were collected 
in 1994 only at the NSA and SSA Old Aspen (OA) sites.

1.3 Objective/Purpose

Leaf carbon isotope data were collected to provide seasonal integrated 
physiological information for 10 to 15 common species at six BOREAS sites.	

1.4 Summary of Parameters

Site, collection date, species, foliage age (relevant for conifers), replicate, 
delta 13C

1.5 Discussion

These measurements were made at both the NSA and the SSA in 1993 and 1994 at old 
jack pine and black spruce sites and in 1994 only at Aspen sites. 

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS TE-05 Surface Meteorological and Radiation Data
BOREAS TE-05 Leaf Gas Exchange Data
BOREAS TE-05 Air Stable Isotope Data
BOREAS TE-05 Tree Ring and Carbon Isotope Ratio Data

2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

J.R. Ehleringer, University of Utah, TE-05
Department of Biology
Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Dr. Larry Flanagan
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1K 3M4, CANADA
(403) 380-1858
(403) 329-2082 (fax)
larry.flanagan@uleth.ca

2.2 Title of Investigation

Vegetation-Atmosphere CO2 and H2O Exchange Processes: Stable Isotope Analyses.

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1
-------------
J. Renee Brooks
Dept. of Biology
University of South Florida
(813) 974-7352 (office)
(813) 974-3250 (dept)
(813) 974-3263 (fax)
rbrook@chuma.cas.usf.edu

Contact 2
----------------
Dr. Larry Flanagan
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, Alberta
CANADA
(403) 380-1858
(403) 329-2082 (fax)
larry.flanagan@uleth.ca

Contact 3
----------- 
Shelaine Curd
Raytheon STX Corporation
NASA GSFC
Greenbelt, MD
(301) 286-2447
(301) 286-0239 (fax)
shelaine.curd@gsfc.nasa.gov


3. Theory of Measurements

For complete information on stable carbon isotope ratios, please refer to Carbon 
Isotope Techniques (1991),  D. C. Coleman and B. Fry (eds).  Academic Press, 
Inc.  The stable carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C) are not presented as an absolute 
but as the relative difference between the isotope ratios of the sample and 
standard gases:  delta 13C (o/oo) = (Rsample / Rstandard -1) * 1000 where Rsample 
and Rstandard are the 13C/12C ratios of the plant sample and standard Pee Dee 
Belemnite (PDB).  The overall precision of the measurements of plant materials 
was  0.11 o/oo.

4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

Isotope ratio mass spectrometer (delta S,  Finnigan MAT, San Jose, CA)

4.1.1 Collection Environment

Environmental conditions on sampling day should be included in the BOREAS TE-05 
Meteorological data.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

Leaves were sampled from the upper canopy of each plant.  Samples were taken 
from all sides to ensure a representative sample. 

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

Leaf carbon isotope data were collected to provide seasonal integrated 
physiological information for the common species at six BOREAS sites.

4.1.4 Key Variables

Site, collection date, species, foliage age (relevant for conifers), replicate, 
delta 13C

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

The mass spectrometer is run by the Stable Isotope Ratio Facility for Ecological 
Research (SIRFER) at the University of Utah.

4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

None given.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

Finnigan MAT
355 River Oaks Parkway
San Jose, CA 95134
(404) 424-5284

4.2 Calibration

4.2.1 Specifications

The mass spectrometer is calibrated to standard PDB gas.  This international 
standard was a limestone of fossil Belemnitella americana from the Cretaceous 
Pee Dee formation in South Carolina. 

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

None given.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

Samples are always run in comparison to the standard gas.  The TE-05 team ran 
its own standard cabbage sample after every 12 to 24 leaf samples. 

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

None.

5. Data Acquisition Methods

Five replicate samples were collected for 10 to 15 of the most common species at 
each site.  Samples were collected from all sides of the plant to ensure a 
representative sample.  Plant leaf material was dried for 48 hours at 70 8C and 
then ground with a mortar and pestle to a fine powder.  A 2-mg subsample was 
combusted and analyzed for 13C/12C composition using an isotope ratio mass 
spectrometer (delta S,  Finnigan MAT, San Jose, CA).   A standard sample was run 
after every 12 to 24 samples.  

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

Samples were collected at NSA OJP, SSA OJP, SSA OBS, and NSA UBS in 1993 and all 
the sites listed below in 1994:

NSA OJP flux tower site: Lat/Long = 55.927 N, 98.62 W, UTM Zone 14, N:6,197,997 
E:523,501.

SSA OJP flux tower site: Lat/Long = 53.916 N, -104.69 W, UTM Zone 13, 
N:5,951,000 E:479,400.

NSA OA canopy access tower site: auxiliary site number T2Q6A, BOREAS Experiment 
Plan, Version 3.

SSA OA flux tower site: Lat/Long = 53.629 N, 106.197 W, UTM Zone 13, N:5,942,688 
E:420,874.

NSA UBS canopy access tower site: auxiliary site number T6R5S, BOREAS Experiment 
Plan, Version 3).

SSA OBS flux tower site: Lat/Long = 53.985 N, 105.122 W, UTM Zone 13, 
N:5,981,904  E:492,000.

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

Not available.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

These data are point source measurements at the locations given.

7.1.4 Projection

Not applicable.

7.1.5 Grid Description

Not applicable.

7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

SSA OBS  26-05-1994, 21-07-1994, 10-08-1994, 31-08-1994, 13-09-1994
SSA OA  30-05-1994, 25-07-1994, 03-09-1994
SSA OJP  25-05-1994, 23-07-1994, 10-08-1994, 11-08-1994, 12-08-1994, 13-08-
1994, 06-09-1994
NSA UBS  04-06-1994, 08-06-1994, 29-07-1994, 18-08-1994, 15-09-1994
NSA OA  11-06-1994, 07-08-1994, 06-09-1994, 07-09-1994
NSA OJP  04-06-1994, 07-06-1994, 25-07-1994, 16-08-1994, 30-08-1994

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

Not available.

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

Nominally, each site was visited once per month with some higher frequency 
measurements as time permitted.

7.3 Data Characteristics 
                                                       
Data characteristics are defined in the companion data definition file 
(te5lciso.def).

7.4 Sample Data Record

Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file (te5lciso.def).

8. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

All of the Leaf Carbon Isotope Data are contained in one dataset.

8.2 Data Format(s)

The data file contains 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 files (te5lciso.def).
                                                                               
9. Data Manipulations

9.1 Formulae

None given.

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 given.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None given.

10. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

All known errors have been removed from the data set.

10.2 Quality Assessment

Standard carbon samples were run every 12 to 24 leaf samples.  

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

None.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

The overall precision of the measurements of plant materials was 0.11 o/oo. 

10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

None.

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

None.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

Data was examined for general consistency and clarity.

11. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

None given.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

All known problems have been removed.

11.3 Usage Guidance

None given.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

None.

12. Application of the Data Set

Leaf carbon isotope data was collected to provide seasonal integrated 
physiological information for 10-15 common species at six BOREAS sites.	

13. Future Modifications and Plans

None.

14. Software

14.1 Software Description

None.

14.2 Software Access

None.

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

The data are available in tabular ASCII files.

17. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Coleman, D.C., and B. Fry (eds). (1991) Carbon Isotope Techniques.  Academic 
Press, Inc.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Flanagan, L.B., Brooks, J.R., and Ehleringer, J.R. 1997. Photosynthesis and 
carbon isotope discrimination in boreal forest ecosystems: a comparison of 
functional characteristics in plants from three mature forest types. Journal of 
Geophysical Research 102: 28861-28869.

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.

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
    NASA    - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    NSA     - Northern Study Area
    OA      - Old Aspen
    OBS     - Old Black Spruce
    OJP     - Old Jack Pine
    ORNL    - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    PANP    - Prince Albert National Park
    PDB     - Pee Dee Belemnite
    SIRFER  - Stable Isotope Ratio Facility for Ecological Research
    SSA     - Southern Study Area
    TE      - Terrestrial Ecology
    UBS     - Upland Black Spruce
    URL     - Uniform Resource Locator
    UTM     - Universal Transverse Mercator

20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

      Written: 04-May-1997
      Revised: 28-Sep-1998

20.2 Document Review Date(s)

     BORIS Review: 11-Jun-1997
     Science Review:

20.3 Document

20.4 Citation

Please contact Investigators listed in Section 2.3.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Keywords

Carbon Isotope
TE05_Leaf_C.doc
10/09/98