NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 220

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Sara K. Conrad, Editors

Volume 220

BOREAS TGB-1 CH 4 Concentration

and Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites

Patrick Crill and Ruth K. Varner

University of New Hampshire, Durham

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

November 2000

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20010022733 2018-05-14T19:00:37+00:00Z
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NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 220

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Sara K. Conrad, Editors

Volume 220

BOREAS TGB-1 CH 4 Concentration

and Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites

Patrick Crill and Ruth K. Varner

University of New Hampshire, Durham

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

November 2000
NASA Center for AeroSpace Information

7121 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 21076-1320

Price Code: A17

Available from:

National Technical Information Service

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, VA 22161

Price Code: A10
BOREAS TGB-1 CH4 Concentration and Flux Data from NSA Tower

Sites

Patrick M. Crill, Ruth K. Varner

Summary

The BOREAS TGB-1 team made numerous measurements of trace gas concentrations and fluxes at

various NSA sites. This data set contains half-hourly averages of ambient methane (CH4)

measurements and calculated fluxes for the NSA-Fen in 1996 and the NSA-BP and NSA-OJP tower

sites in 1994. The purpose of this study was to determine the CH< flux from the study area by

measuring ambient CH< concentrations. This flux can then be compared to the chamber flux

measurements taken at the same sites. The data are provided 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 TGB-01 CH4 Concentration and Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites

1.2 Data Set Introduction

Ambient CH4 was measured at two heights on a tower at the Northern Study Area (NSA) Tower

Fen (TF), Beaver Pond (BP), and Old Jack Pine (OJP) sites during the summers of 1994 and 1996 by

the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) Trace Gas Biogeochemistry (TGB)-01 team.

Gradients were calculated and fluxes were determined from the available meteorological data.

1.3 Objective/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the CH4 flux from the study area by measuring

ambient CH4 concentrations. This flux can then be compared to the chamber flux taken at the same

sites.

Page 1
1.4 Summary of Parameters

Ambient CH4 concentrations in parts per million (ppm), CH4 fluxes in micromoles/m2/sec, air

temperature in °C, and air pressure in kPa are reported.

1.5 Discussion

The ambient CH4 measurements at the tower were collected semicontinuously once every 3

minutes over the field period from 15-Apt through 22-Oct-1996 at the TF site. The measurements were

collected every 6 minutes over the field period from 03-Jun through 17-Sep-1994 at the BP site and

from 29-May through 19-Sep-1994 at the OJP site. The tower measurements of ambient methane are

used to calculate an integrated flux from a larger area than that which is measured with the chambers.

The tower flux calculations can be compared with the chamber flux measurements to show plant

community effects on flux rates. The towers had some problems throughout the field season that are

addressed in Section 6.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS TGB-01 NSA CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data

BOREAS TGB-01 Soil CH4 and CO2 Profile Data from NSA Tower Sites

BOREAS TGB-03 CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites

2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. Patrick M. Crill

Research Associate Professor

University of New Hampshire

2.2 Title of Investigation

Magnitude and Control of Trace Gas Exchange in Boreal Ecosystems

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1:

Dr. Patrick M. Crill

Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space

Complex Systems Research Center

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-3519

(603) 862-0188 (fax)

Contact 2:

Ruth K. Varner

Research Scientist

Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space

Complex Systems Research Center

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-2939

(603) 862-0188 (fax)

Page 2
Contact 3:

Jeffrey A. Newcomer

Raytheon ITSS

Code 923

NASA GSFC

Greenbelt, MD 20771

(301) 286-7858

(301) 286-0239 (fax)

Jeffrey.Newcomer@ gsfc.nasa.gov

3. Theory of Measurements

Tower measurements were completed to determine the turbulent exchange of energy and mass between

the atmosphere and a variety of surface types as well as the processes controlling these fluxes. The

towers measured radiation, heat, water, CO2, and CH4 fluxes. Using the meteorological data, the flux

of trace gases like CH4 can be determined and then compared with the chamber flux data. Refer to

TF-10, Harry McCaughey, and TF-08, David Fitzjarrald, for tower information at the TF and OJP

sites. Refer to BOREAS TGB-04 Water Table and Sediment Temperature, Nigel Roulet, for tower

information at the BP site.

4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

CH4 was quantified with a Shimadzu GC-MINI2-Gas Chromatograph (GC) with a flame

ionization detector (FID) operated at 125 °C after separation on a HayeSepQ column at 40 °C using

ultrapure (99.999%) N2 as a carrier gas flowing at 30 mL/min. Analog signals (0-1 V) from the

detectors were digitized at 10 Hertz (Hz) with a Hewlett Packard (HP) 35000D A/D board and

quantified and logged using HP ChemStation software. Rotary valve switching and chromatography

start/stop were controlled with the HP board and software and a relay driver.

4.1.1 Collection Environment

The samples were collected with pumps pulling air through 1/8-inch Nyaflow tubing that ran from

the tower to the shack that housed the MINI2-GC. The equipment was operated under a range of

ambient atmospheric conditions during the period.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

Rohn towers located at NSA TF, OJP, and BP sites.

4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

The mission objective was to measure surface fluxes at the NSA TF, OJP, and BP sites.

4.1.4 Key Variables

Ambient CH4 was measured at two different heights on a tower at the two sites.

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

The Shimadzu MINI2-GC is equipped with a hydrogen FID. The FID uses a hydrogen flame in an

air atmosphere to burn components as they exit the column. In the flame, carbon-carbon bonds are

fragmented so that various organic ions and free electrons exist. Application of a voltage across a

collector electrode over the flame causes an ion current to flow, which is amplified and then measured

as the output signal. This single signal output is for a data processor, integrator, recorder, or computer

(Instruction Manual: MINI2-GC; Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan).

Page 3
4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

Not applicable.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.

7102 Riverwood Drive

Columbia, MD 21046

(410) 381-1227

Hewlett Packard

4.2 Calibration

A 1.898-ppmv (NSA-BP) or a 2.462-ppmv (NSA-OJP) working standard (1994) was run after

each sample. Working standards were calibrated against two Canadian Atmospheric Environment

Services (AES) certified primary standards by plumbing the standards into the sampling system and

running the system for 12 hours. The working standard was also calibrated in the lab before

deployment.

4.2.1 Specifications

None given.

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

The FID's maximum sensitivity is 3E x l0 12 g/s for diphenyl.

4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

Calibration gases were run after every set of high and low samples.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

Not applicable.

5. Data Acquisition Methods

Sampling ports were suspended at 6.65 m and 3.59 m on the NSA-TF tower and at 0.25 and 1.5 m

above ground level on the NSA-BP. The tower was located 88.0 m into the fen area from the access

road and 150 m into the beaver pond. A continuous stream of air was pulled through 1/8-inch outer

diameter (o.d.) nylon tubing at 2.5 L/min with diaphragm pumps. Using electronically actuated rotary

valves, a subsample of this flow is diverted through a 1-m perma-pure drier (to ensure consistent

humidity over a run period), then into the 1-mL sample loop, and then injected into the GC. A

1.898-ppmv working standard was run after each sample. The OJP ambient CH 4 sampling was

completed in much the same manner as the BP sampling. The sampling ports were suspended at 13.5

m and 30 m above ground level on the tower. A continuous stream of air was pulled through 1/8-inch

o.d. nylon tubing at 2.5 L/min with diaphragm pumps. Using electronically actuated rotary valves, a

subsample of this flow was diverted through a 1-m hydropurge tube in the NSA-TF and through a 1-m

perma-pure drier (to ensure consistent humidity over a run period), then into the 1-mL sample loop,

and then injected into the GC. At the NSA-TF, a 1.519-ppmv working standard (14-Apr through

22-Aug) and a 1.517-ppmv working standard (23-Aug through 22-Oct) were used. A 1.898-ppmv

CH4 working standard was run after each sample at the BP site. The standard for the OJP site was

2.462-ppmv CH4.

Page 4
6. Observations

6.1 Data Notes

None given.

6.2 Field Notes NSA-Fen (TF):

• 14-Apr-1996 - Hooked up gases and instrument at TF tower site.

• 15-Apr-1996 - MINI2-GC up and running.

• 30-Apr-1996 - Replaced valve fitting of CI_ standard due to small leak.

• 02-May-1996 - Generator turned off for maintenance at 09:00.

• 06-May-1996 - Changed regulator on CH4 standard.

• 16-May-1996 - Generator turned off for maintenance at 11:30.

• 25-May-1996 - Column temperature of MINI2-GC reduced to 45 °C at 11:22 run#00048.

• 30-May- 1996 - Generator turned off for maintenance at 10:11. Replaced fallen air intake tubes

on tower in their original places. Restarted at 11:47.

• 02-Jun-1996 - Generator off for unknown reason. Restarted at 18:15.

• 05-Jun-1996 - Shut off CH4 standard at 10:19 and moved standard cylinder outside of fen

hut. Restarted at 10:54.

• 07-Jun- 1996 - Generator down at 11:11. Turned off CI_ standard, H 2, air compressor,

MINI2-GC, and unplugged pumps. Started back up at 13:15.

• 10-Jun-1996 - Switched the pump intakes from high point (6.65 m) to low point (3.59 m).

• 13-Jun- 1996 - Generator turned off for maintenance at 10:15. Restarted at 14:08.

• 23-Jun-1996 - Turned off MINI2-GC at 10:53.

• 24-Jun-1996 - Generator down for maintenance at 12:50. Switched intake pumps back to

original configuration. Relit GC 14:21.

• 27-Jun-1996 - Generator down for maintenance at 10:15. Restarted at 12:40.

• 11-Ju1-1996 - Generator down for maintenance. Restarted at 12:45.

• 14-Ju1-1996 - At run #01323 computer clock is 14:03, and 'real' time is 13:53.

• 21-Ju1-1996 - GC not operating, last file recorded was run#1532 on 19-Ju1-1997 at 02:57.

Restarted sequence on run #01533 at 15:59. Computer clock reads 16:11.

• 25-Ju1-1996 - Generator down for maintenance at 13:41. Started up at 14:30.

• 27-Jul-1996 - Stopped sequence at run #01801, column temperature of MINI2-GC raised to

120 °C at 12:44. Turned column temperature to 45 °C at 13:55. Restarted with run #01802 at

13:59.

• 01-Aug-1996 - Generator water pump replacement, system down at 12:30. Restarted for run

#02030. Shut down again at 13:45, run #2031.

• 08-Aug-1996 - Shut down system for generator maintenance at 12:47. Restarted at 13:55.

• 22-Aug-1996 - Generator down for maintenance at 12:47. Stopped sequence at run #02979.

New CH4 standard, 1.517 ppm at site now. At 14:30 quality standard peaks begin to appear

due to the CI_ standard regulator pressure.

• 23-Aug-1996 - Upper tower intake moved horizontally but kept at the same level. Tower

work done in the vicinity of the intake from 21:15 to 23:00.

• 25-Aug-1996 - Upper tower intake moved to original position at 20:20.

• 29-Aug-1996 - Changed Hydro Purge cylinder. Restarted sequence at 11:55.

• 07-Sep-1996 - Generator stopped due to power surge, restarted on 09-Sep-1997 at 11:00.

Last run recorded was run #03622.

• 09-Sep-1996 - Small fire in generator hut, system down at 11:15.

• 11-Sep-1996 - Bad filter in generator, system down for a few days. Fuse blew in MINI2-GC.

• 13-Sep-1996 - Replaced fuse in MINI2-GC. Started sequence at 11:15 with run #03623.

Looks good!

• 19-Sep-1996

• 04-Oct-1996

• 17-Oct-1996

- Generator down for maintenance at 09:30. Restarted at 13:45.

- Generator down for maintenance at 12:08.

- Generator down for maintenance at 12:00. Restarted at 12:30 with run #05097.

22-Oct-1996 - Sequence stopped after run #05328 (last run). Tape backup of data files,

system shut down for season at 13:40.

Page 5
NSA-BP:

• 02-Jun-1994- HookedupgasesatBPtower.

• 03-Jun-1994- MINI2-GC upandrunning.

• 04-Jun-1994- Generatorwasdown,backupat 15:16.Powerdownagainat 16:57in the

middleofrun#45.Powerbackonline at 17:15.Startedsequencewith run#45at 18:41.

• 05-Jun-1994- Powerdownagain.Startedwith run#45again.Switchedoutdrieritecolumn.

• 06-Jun-1994- Generatordownagain.Instrumentsbackupandrunningat 14:16.Startwith

run#66.

• 08-Jun-1994- Foundmachinesoff. Generatormaintenance.Turnedeverythingonat 14:24.

Run sequencestartedat 14:28.

• 10-Jun-1994- Problemwith automaticbackupontotapedrive.Haddelayedprogramfor 51

minutes.Copied*.txt files,don'tlike thelook of peaks.Pausedsequenceafterrun#254.

Startedsequenceat 18:02.

• 13-Jun-1994- Hadstoppedafterrun#268,06-11-94,01:11.Lit flameusingasimilar set-up

to OJPfor fuel air.Restartat 18:22.

• 14-Jun-1994- Poweroff. Thestandardwasoff. Powerbargot moved.Appearsto be

workingbeautifully.

• 15-Jun-1994- Snowedlastnight.Everythingwasdownsince17:30yesterday.Lastrunwas

#311.Eventhepumpwasswitchedoff. Goteverythingup,replacedIsobarwith another

surgesuppressor.Heatedovensanddetectorsto 150°C and165°Crespectively,for 2 hours.

Cappedairflow to seconddetector.Startedsequenceatrun#312at 12:35.

• 16-Jun-1994- Generatordownat 17:30.Startedbackupat 18:50,run#1847.

• 18-Jul-1994- Mini2-GCdownfor aweekdueto generatorfailure.Flow turnedonat 11:00.

• 20-Ju1-1994- Generatorwasdown.Runstartedat 12:43,Run#1604.

• 04-Jul-1994- Restartof system.

• 21-Jul-1994- Compressorwentdownat 15:03,backupat 15:05with run#1552.

• 25-Ju1-1994- Oil additionto generator.

• 02-Aug-1994- Generatoroff. Start-upat 15:40.

• 05-Sep-1994- Switchedgeneratorsandaddedoil to big one,17:27.

• 14-Sep-1994- Sequencestopped,restartedat 15:29.

• 15-Sep-1994- Calibratingfield standardwith AEScalibratedstandard.

• 19-Sep-1994- Breakdownof system,stoppedrunningat09:53.

NSA-OJP:

• 28-May-1994- GConat 14:00.Startedsequenceat 14:26.

• 29-May-1994- Pumpsoff briefly.

• 06-Jun-1994- Havingproblemswith pumps;finally upandrunningat 18:00.

• 09-Jun-1994- Downfor generatormaintenance.

• 19-Ju1-1994- Very noisybaseline.Radiotransmissionappearsto interferewith GCbaseline

trace.

• 04-Aug-1994- Problemwith GC; stoppedsequenceandrebooted.At 15:26startedupagain.

• 06-Aug-1994- Abortedsequenceat Run#2961.Spikeoutsin baseline.Bakedoutcolumnat

105°Cfor 26rain.Startedup againat 12:40.Not muchflow.

• 07-Aug-1994- Run#3007screwedupdueto messingwith pumpsto fix flow problem.

• 09-Aug-1994- Bakedoutcolumnagaindueto messybaseline;backupat 11:55.

• 29-Aug-1994- Peakslook good;injectvalvesoundsbad!!!

• 01-Sep-1994- Auto GC looksgood.

• 02-Sep-1994- Generatorwentdown;restartedandrelit at 15:02.

• 04-Sep-1994- Generatorhasbeendownfor maintenancethismorning.Bakedoutcolumnfor

2 hrs.at 180°C. Restartedat 14:05.

• 05-Sep-1994- Baselinelooksgood!

• 10-Sep-1994- Shutdown.Restartedat 11:22.

• 15-Sep-1994- Runningcalibrationof cylindersthroughautomaticsystem.Startedat20:00.

• 19-Sep-1994- Shutdownentiresystemfor theseason!

Page6
7. Data Description

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

The spatial positions of the areas from which the measured trace gasses originated vary depending

on the prevailing winds. The North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) coordinates of the sites where

the measurement equipment was set up are:

NSA-OJP Tower (55.93°N, 98.62°W)

NSA-BP Tower (55.84°N, 98.03°W)

NSA-Fen (TF) Tower (55.91481 °N, 98.42072°W)

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

Not available.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

The spatial resolution of the area of the measurement sites varies depending on the prevailing

winds.

7.1.4 Projection

Not applicable.

7.1.5 Grid Description

Not applicable.

7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

The automatic sampling of ambient CH4 at the TF sites was approximately every 3 minutes, and at

the BP and the OJP sites was approximately every 6 minutes, semicontinuously over the period from

15-Apr through 22-Apr- 1996, and 28-May through 19-Sep- 1994.

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

TIME PERIOD SITE

15-Apr-1996 Tower Fen

IFC-I Tower Fen

June Tower Fen

July Tower Fen

IFC-2 Tower Fen

August Tower Fen

September Tower Fen

October Tower Fen

IFC-3 Tower Fen

22-Oct-1996 Tower Fen

COLLECTION NOTES

Start of semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

Semicontinuous

End

data collection

data collection

data collection

data collection

data collection

data collection

data collection

data collection

data collection

of semicontinuous data collection

7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

The ambient CH4 at the towers was measured approximately every 3 minutes in 1996 and every 6

minutes in 1994.

7.3 Data Characteristics

Page 7
7.3.1 Parameter/Variable

The parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

CH4 CONC HI

CH4 CONC LO

GRADIENT

DIFFUSION COEF

AIR TEMP IM

AIR--PRESS IM

CH4 FLUX

REVISION DATE

CRTFCN CODE

7.3.2 Variable Description/Definition

The descriptions of the parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Description

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

CH4 CONC HI

CH4 CONC LO

GRADIENT

DIFFUSION COEF

AIR TEMP TM

AIR PRESS IM

CH4 FLUX

REVISION DATE

CRTFCN CODE

The identifier assigned to the site by BOREAS, in

the format SSS-TTT-CCCCC, where SSS identifies

the portion of the study area: NSA, SSA, REG, or

TRN; TTT identifies the cover type for the

site (999 if unknown); and CCCCC is the

for site (exactly what it means will vary with

site type).

The identifier assigned to the subsite by

BOREAS, in the format GGGGG-IIIII, where GGGGG is

the group associated with the subsite

instrument (e.g.) HYD06 or STAFF, and IIIII is

the identifier for the subsite (often this will

refer to an instrument).

The date on which the data were collected.

The Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) when the data were

collected.

Methane concentration at 30 meters above ground.

Methane concentration at 13.5 meters above

ground.

Gradient for methane measurement.

Diffusion coefficient.

The temperature of the air as taken 1 meter above

the ground.

Air pressure at 1 meter above the ground.

Methane flux.

The most recent date that the information in the

referenced data base table record was revised.

The BOREAS certification level of the data.

Examples are Checked by PI (CPI) , Certified

by Group (CGR), Preliminary (PRE), and CPI

but questionable (PI ???) .

Page 8
7.3.3 Unit of Measurement

The measurement units for the parameters contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Units

SITE NAME [none]

SUB SITE [none]

DATE OBS [DD-MON-YY]

TIME OBS [HHMM GMT]

CH4 CONC HI [parts per million]

CH4 CONC LO [parts per million]

GRADIENT [parts per million] [meter-l]

DIFFUSION COEF [meters2] [second-l]

AIR TEMP IM [degrees Celsius]

AIR PRESS IM [kiloPascals]

CH4 FLUX [micromoles] [meter-2] [second-l]

REVISION DATE [DD-MON-YY]

CRTFCN CODE [none]

7.3.4 Data Source

The sources of the parameter values contained in the data files on the CD-ROM are:

Column Name Data Source

SITE NAME Not Applicable

SUB SITE Not Applicable

DATE OBS Investigator

TIME OBS Investigator

CH4 CONC HI Shimadzu MINI2-GC

CH4 CONC LO Shimadzu MINI2-GC

GRADIENT-- Calculated by

DIFFUSION COEF See TGB-04

AIR TEMP IM See TGB-04

AIR--PRESS IM See TGB-04

CH4 FLUX Calculated by

REVISION DATE Not Applicable

CRTFCN CODE Not Applicable

Investigator

Investigator

7.3.5 Data Range

The following table gives information about the parameter values found in the data files on the

CD-ROM.

Minimum Maximum Missng Unrel Below Data

Data Data Data Data Detect Not

Column Name Value Value Value Value Limit Cllctd

SITE NAME

SUB SITE

DATE OBS

TIME OBS

CH4 CONC HI

CH4 CONC LO

GRADIENT--

DIFFUSION COEF

AIR TEMP IM

AIR--PRESS IM

CH4 FLUX

NSA-BVP-FLXTR

TGB01-FLX01

28-MAY-94

0

1 .469

1 .466

-0 3305

0

-2 32

98 2

-i 42133612

NSA-OJP-FLXTR None None None None

TGB01-FLX01 None None None None

22-OCT-96 None None None None

2358 None None None None

4.999 -999 None None None

5.129 -999 None None None

1.8834 -999 None None None

1.3339 None None None Blank

28.67 -999 None None Blank

101.7 -999 None None Blank

2.34546945 None None None Blank

Page 9
REVISION DATE 27-SEP-96 24-NOV-97 None None None None

CRTFCN CODE CPI CPI None None None None

Minimum Data Value -- The minimum value found in the column.

Maximum Data Value -- The maximum value found in the column.

Missng Data Value -- The value that indicates missing data. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Unrel Data Value -- The value that indicates unreliable data. This is used

to indicate an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the analysis personnel deemed the

value unreliable.

Below Detect Limit -- The value that indicates parameter values below the

instrument's detection limits. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

parameter value, but the analysis personnel determined

that the parameter value was below the detection

limit of the instrumentation.

Data Not Cllctd -- This value indicates that no attempt was made to

determine the parameter value. This usually

indicates that BOREAS Information System (BORIS) combined

several similar but not identical data sets into the same

data base table but this particular science team did not

measure that parameter.

Blank -- Indicates that blank spaces are used to denote that type of value.

N/A -- Indicates that the value is not applicable to the respective column.

None -- Indicates that no values of that sort were found in the column.

7.4 Sample Data Record

The following are wrapped versions of data records from a sample data file on the CD-ROM.

SITE NAME,SUB SITE,DATE OBS,TIME OBS,CH4 CONC HI,CH4 CONC LO,GRADIENT,

DIFFUSION COEF, AIR TEMP--IM, AIR PRESS IM, CH4 FLUX,REViSION--DATE CRTFCN CODE

'NSA-BVP-FLXTR', 'TGB01-FLX01',01-AUG-94,2303,2.449,2.537, .0702 0,13.84,100.4,

0,27-SEP-96, 'CPI'

'NSA-BVP-FLXTR', 'TGB01-FLX01',01-AUG-94 2334,2.351,2.478, .1012 0,13.3,100.4,

0,27-SEP-96, 'CPI'

8. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

The smallest unit of data tracked by BORIS is the measurements made for a given site on a given day.

8.2 Data Format(s)

The Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) files contain American Standard Code for

Information Interchange (ASCII) 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.

Each data file on the CD-ROM has four header lines of Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML)

code at the top. When viewed with a Web browser, this code displays header information (data set

title, location, date, acknowledgments, etc.) and a series of HTML links to associated data files and

related data sets. Line 5 of each data file is a list of the column names, and line 6 and following lines

contain the actual data.

Page 10
9.1 Formulae

9. Data Manipulations

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

• NSA-Fen (TF): Ambient CH4 mixing ratios were determined at 3-minute intervals at 6.65m

(ppm_CH4_6.65_m) and 3.59 m (ppm_CH4_3.59_m) over the NSA-TF site.

• NSA-BP: Ambient CH< mixing ratios were determined at 6-minute intervals at 0.25m

(ppmv_CH4 25 cm) and 1.5 m (ppmv_CH4_l.5_m) over the NSA-BP site. The

concentrations were determined by comparing the unknown ambient peak areas with the

known standard peak area that was run immediately following each set of ambient samples:

Rf = Cstd /Astd

Cs = Rf * As

Rf = Response factor

Astd> = Standard peak area

Cstd = Concentration of the standard

Cs = Concentration of the sample

As = Peak area of sample

The response factor was calculated for the GC and then multiplied by the ambient air peak to determine

the concentration of the tower sample.

The concentration gradients were calculated by subtracting the lower sampling port CH<

concentrations from the higher sampling port CH4 concentrations and dividing by the difference in

height of the sampling ports (3.06 m, 1996; 1.25 m, 1994).

G = (CH41ow - CH4high) / (POrthigh - Portlow)

G = Gradient

CH41ow = Methane mixing ratio at the lower sampling port

CH4hig h = Methane mixing ratio at the upper sampling port

Porthigh = Height of the upper sampling port above the ground

Portlow = Height of the lower sampling port above the ground

Half-hourly averages were determined and used to calculate CH< emissions (CH4_flux) by comparing

the concentration gradient to the transfer coefficient (K), air temperature at 1 meter, and air pressure.

NOTE: The transfer coefficient (K), air temperature at 1 meter, and air pressure data were calculated

and provided by N. Roulet and N. Comer, McGill University, BOREAS TGB-03 CO2 and CH4

chamber flux data over the NSA. See BOREAS TGB-03 CO2 and CH4 chamber flux data over the

NSA for details on flux calculation.

• NSA-OJP: Ambient CH< concentrations were determined at 6-minute intervals at 13.5 m

and 30 m over the NSA-OJP site. The concentrations were determined by comparing the

unknown ambient peak areas with the known standard peak area that was run immediately

following each set of ambient samples using the above-described equations. The concentration

gradients were calculated by subtracting the lower sampling port CH4 concentrations from the

higher sampling port CH4 concentrations and dividing by the difference in height of the

sampling ports (16.5 m) as per above. Half-hourly averages were determined.

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

None given.

Page 11
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 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

None given.

10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

The analytical precision of the GC is 0.2% for CH4 at near-ambient conditions.

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

None given.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

Data were examined for general consistency and clarity.

11. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

The analytical precision of the GC is 0.2% for CH4.

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

Periodic power failures may cause incongruities in the data.

11.3 Usage Guidance

None given.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

None given.

Page 12
12. Application of the Data Set

These data sets may be used in comparison with the chamber flux data to determine if the tower flux

calculations agree with the small-scale flux calculations. These data can also be compared with the

larger scale aircraft studies.

None.

13. Future Modifications and Plans

14.1 Software Description

HP ChemStation.

14.2 Software Access

Contact Hewlett Packard.

14. Software

15. Data Access

The TGB-01 CI-I4 concentration and flux data from NSA tower sites are available from the Earth

Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC).

15.1 Contact Information

For BOREAS data and documentation please contact:

ORNL DAAC User Services

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

P.O. Box 2008 MS-6407

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6407

Phone: (423) 241-3952

Fax: (423) 574-4665

E-mail: ornldaac@ornl.gov or ornl@eos.nasa.gov

15.2 Data Center Identification

Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for Biogeochemical Dynamics

http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/.

15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data

Users may obtain data directly through the ORNL DAAC online search and order system

[http://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/] and the anonymous FTP site [ftp://www-eosdis.ornl.gov/data/] or by

contacting User Services by electronic mail, telephone, fax, letter, or personal visit using the contact

information in Section 15.1.

15.4 Data Center Status/Plans

The ORNL DAAC is the primary source for BOREAS field measurement, image, GIS, and

hardcopy data products. The BOREAS CD-ROM and data referenced or listed in inventories on the

CD-ROM are available from the ORNL DAAC.

Page 13
16. Output Products and Availability

16.1 Tape Products

None.

16.2 Film Products

None

16.3 Other Products

These data are available on the BOREAS CD-ROM series.

17. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Instruction Manual: MINI2-GC Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Newcomer, J., D. Landis, S. Conrad, S. Curd, K. Huemmrich, D. Knapp, A. Morrell, J. Nickeson,

A. Papagno, D. Rinker, R. Strub, T. Twine, F. Hall, and P. Sellers, eds. 2000. Collected Data of The

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM.

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 102(D24): 28,731-28,770.

17.3 Arehive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

None given.

18. Glossary of Terms

Page 14
19. List of Acronyms

AES

ASCII

BOREAS

BORIS

BP

CD-ROM

CGR

CMDL

CPI

- Atmospheric Environment Services

- American Standard Code for Information Interchange

- BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

- BOREAS Information System

- Beaver Pond

- Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory

- Certified by Group

- Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory

- Checked by PI

CPI-??? - CPI but Questionable

DAAC

ECD

EOS

EOSDIS

FID

GC

GIS

GMT

GSFC

HP

HTML

NAD 83

NASA

NOAA

NSA

OBS

OJP

ORNL

PANP

PRE

SSA

TCD

TF

TGB

URL

YJP

- Distributed Active Archive Center

- Electron Capture Detector

- Earth Observing System

- EOS Data and Information System

- Flame Ionization Detector

- Gas Chromatograph

- Geographic Information System

- Greenwich Mean Time

- Goddard Space Flight Center

- Hewlett Packard

- HyperText Markup Language

- North American Datum of 1983

- National Aeronautics and Space Administration

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

- Northern Study Area

- Old Black Spruce

- Old Jack Pine

- Oak Ridge National Laboratory

- Prince Albert National Park

- Preliminary

- Southern Study Area

- Thermal Conductivity Detector

- Tower Fen

- Trace Gas Biogeochemistry

- Uniform Resource Locator

- Young Jack Pine

20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Dates

Written: 22-Nov- 1994

Last Updated: 08-Jun- 1999

20.2 Document Review Date

BORIS Review: 06-Oct- 1997

Science Review: 08-May- 1998

20.3 Document ID

Page 15
20.4 Citation

Whenusingthesedata,pleasecontacttheinvestigatorslistedin Section2.3andciteanyrelevant

papersfrom Section17.2.

If usingdatafromtheBOREASCD-ROM series,alsoreferencethedataas:

Crill, P.M.,"MagnitudeandControlof TraceGasExchangein BorealEcosystems."In Collected

Dataof TheBorealEcosystem-AtmosphereStudy.Eds.J.Newcomer,D. Landis,S.Conrad,S.

Curd,K. Huemmrich,D. Knapp,A. Morrell, J. Nickeson,A. Papagno,D. Rinker, R.Strub,T.

Twine,F. Hall, andP.Sellers.CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

Also,citetheBOREASCD-ROMsetas:

Newcomer,J.,D. Landis,S.Conrad,S.Curd,K. Huemmrich,D. Knapp,A. Morrell, J.

Nickeson,A. Papagno,D. Rinker,R.Strub,T. Twine,F. Hall, andP.Sellers,eds.CollectedDataof

TheBorealEcosystem-AtmosphereStudy.NASA. CD-ROM.NASA, 2000.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Page 16
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FormApproved

OMB No. 0704-0188

Public reporting burden for this collection of informationis estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this

collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson

Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503.

1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED

November 2000 Technical Memorandum

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Technical Report Series on the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

BOREAS TGB-1 CH 4Concentration and Flux Data from NSA Tower Sites

6. AUTHOR(S)

Patrick Crill and Ruth K. Vamer

Forrest G. Hall and Sara K. Conrad, Editors

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

5. FUNDING NUMBERS

923

RTOP: 923-462-33-01

8. PEFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

2000-03136-0

10. SPONSORING / MONITORING

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

TM--2000-209891

Vol. 220

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

P. Crill and R.K. Varner: University of N ew Hampshire, Durham;

S.K. Conrad: Raytheon ITSS

12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassifie_Unlimited

Subject Category: 43

Report available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information,

7121 Standard Drive, Hanover, MD 21076-1320. (301) 621-0390.

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

The BOREAS TGB-1 team made numerous measurements of trace gas concentrations and fluxes at

various NSA sites. This data set contains half-hourly averages of ambient methane (CH4) measurements and calculated fluxes for the NSA-Fen in 1996 and the NSA-BP and NSA-OJP tower sites in

1994. The purpose of this study was to determine the CH 4 flux from the study area by measuring

ambient CH 4 concentrations. This flux can then be compared to the chamber flux measurements taken

at the same sites. The data are provided in tabular ASCII files.

14. SUBJECT TERMS

BOREAS, trace gas biogeochemistry.

17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF REPORT

Unclassified

NSN 7540-01-280-5500

18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF THIS PAGE

Unclassified

19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

OF ABSTRACT

Unclassified

15. NUMBER OF PAGES

16

16. PRICE CODE

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

UL

Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89)

Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18

298-102