NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 222

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Sara K. Conrad, Editors

Volume 222

BOREAS TGB-1/TGB-3 CH 4

Chamber Flux Data over the

NSA Fen

Jill L. Bubier, University of New Hampshire, Durham

Tim R. Rice, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

November 2000

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20010022732 2018-05-15T06:40:53+00:00Z
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NASA/TMm2000-209891, Vol. 222

Technical Report Series on the

Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS)

Forrest G. Hall and Sara K. Conrad, Editors

Volume 222

BOREAS TGB-1/TGB-3 CH 4

Chamber Flux Data over the

NSA Fen

Jill L. Bubier, University of New Hampshire, Durham

Tim R. Rice, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec

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, TGB-3 CH 4 Chamber Flux Data over the NSA-Fen

Jill L. Bubier, Tim Moore

Summary

The BOREAS TGB-3 team collected methane (CHIn) chamber flux measurements at the NSA fen site

during May-September 1994 and June-October 1996. Gas samples were extracted approximately every

7 days from chambers and analyzed at the NSA lab facility. 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/TGB-03 CH< Chamber Flux Data over the NSA-Fen

1.2 Data Set Introduction

The Trace Gas Biogeochemistry (TGB)-01 and -03 teams collected chamber flux measurements at

the BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) Northern Study Area (NSA) Fen site from May

to September 1994 and April to late October 1996.

Page 1
1.3 Objective/Purpose

Theobjectivesof thesemeasurementswere:

• To examinethetracegasexchangebetweentheatmosphereandtheborealwetlandsoils.

• To quantifyCI-hemissionsfrom therangeof peatlandsoilsin theNelsonHousearea,as

representedby asuiteof peatlandsin theTowerFen(TF)complex.

• To identify environmentalcontrolsonCH4emissionandthespatialandtemporalvariability

associatedwith thosecontrols,in orderto improvetheprocessmodelsthatdescribe

exchangesof tracegasesbetweentheborealecosystemandtheatmosphere.

• To examinethechangein CI_ flux associatedwith theevolutionof palsasandpeatplateaus

into collapse,throughthermaldegradationof permafrost.

• To identify therole of plantassociations,asintegratorsof theenvironmentalcontrols,in

determiningCH4flux in orderto provideaframeworkfor extrapolatingsingle-pointCI_

measurementsfrom thechamberto thelandscapescale.

1.4 Summary of Parameters

In the 1994 sampling season, CI_ chamber flux measurements were taken from six sites. These

sites were designated as collapse bog (CB), collapse fen (CF), TF, remote bog (RB), remote fen (RF),

and zoltai fen (ZF).

In the 1996 sampling season, CI_ chamber fluxes were measured at four subsites in the NSA fen.

These sites were designated as CB, CF, TF, and ZF. A spur (1, 2, 3, or 4) further designates each

collar location along the boardwalk at each subsite. The collar location is also designated by the

microtopography, or dominant ground cover, of the collar location: palsa, hummock, hollow, lawn,

open water at the edge of the collapse scars, brown moss, sphagnum, lichen.

1.5 Discussion

In 1994, CH4 chamber flux measurements were taken at six subsites within the NSA fen site to

determine the soil surface exchange rate of CH4 at these locations. The locations represent the range of

plant communities, water chemistry, and peatland types found in northern peatlands, including bog,

rich fen, poor fen, and collapse scar (pH ranges from 3.8 to 7.2). The sampling collars were installed

in the spring of 1994 by the McGill researchers (TGB-03), and measurements of CH4 flux were made

during and between the 1994 Intensive Field Campaigns (IFCs).

In 1996, chamber CH4 flux measurements were taken at four subsites within the fen complex in

the NSA to determine the soil surface exchange rates of CH4 at these locations. A subset of the collars

installed by the McGill researchers (TGB-03) was measured again from June until the end of October

1996. In addition, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) researchers (TGB-01) installed 15 collars

in the fall of 1995; 9 additional collars were installed by the UNH researchers in the spring of 1996.

CH4 flux measurements began in early April 1996 and continued until the end of October 1996.

Two different types of data are presented:

• CH4 flux measurements using the UNH collars.

• CH4 flux measurements using the McGill University collars.

1.6 Related Data Sets

BOREAS TGB-01 CO2 and CH4 Chamber Flux data over the NSA

BOREAS TGB-01 CH4 Tower Flux data over the NSA

BOREAS TGB-03 CH4 and CO2 Chamber Flux Data over NSA Upland Sites

BOREAS TGB-01/TGB-03 NEE data over the NSA Fen

BOREAS TGB-01/TGB-03 Water Table and Peat Temperature data over the NSA Fen

BOREAS TGB-03 Plant Species Composition Data over the NSA Fen

Page 2
2. Investigator(s)

2.1 Investigator(s) Name and Title

Dr. Jill L. Bubier

Research Associate

University of New Hampshire

Dr. Patrick M. Crill

Research Associate Professor

University of New Hampshire

Dr. Tim R. Moore

Professor

McGill University

2.2 Title of Investigation

Magnitude and Control of Trace Gas Exchange in Boreal Ecosystems

2.3 Contact Information

Contact 1:

Dr. Jill L. Bubier

Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space

Complex Systems Research Center

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-4208

(603) 862-0188 (fax)

jill.bubier@unh.edu

Contact 2:

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)

patrick.crill@ unh.edu

Contact 3:

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)

ruth.kerwin@unh.edu

Page 3
Contact 4:

Dr. Tim R. Moore

GeographyDepartment

McGill University

805SherbrookeSt.W.

Montreal,QuebecH3A 2K6

Canada

(514)398-4961

(514)398-7437(fax)

moore@felix.geog.mcgill.ca

Contact 5:

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

Chamber fluxes measure the changes in mixing ratio of trace gases (CH4) in a closed headspace over a

period of time. This headspace is isolated from the atmosphere; therefore, we can quantify the

exchange of material between the covered soil and the headspace.

4. Equipment

4.1 Sensor/Instrument Description

The CI-I4 flux measurements were measured with PVC collars (26 cm in diameter) and chambers

made from polycarbonate bottles (26 cm in diameter; 40 cm tall; area of exposure 0.053 m2; Moore and

Roulet, 1991). Bottles were covered with aluminum foil to reduce heating. The neck of each bottle was

sealed with a rubber stopper that contained a glass tube with a rubber septum with a 1 m length of

Tygon tubing attached to the top to minimize disturbance. Syringes were made of polypropylene

syringes.

CH4 was quantified with a Shimadzu 14A Gas Chromatograph (GC) or a Shimadzu Mini2GC

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

°C using ultra-pure (99.999%) N2 as a carrier gas flowing at 30 mL/min. Analog signals (0-1 V) from

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

and logged using HP ChemStation software. Chamber fluxes were accomplished with aluminum

chambers manufactured at UNH and designed by Patrick Crill.

4.1.1 Collection Environment

The chamber fluxes were collected under all ambient environmental conditions. The GC analysis

was completed at the Heritage North Museum Lab in Thompson, Manitoba.

4.1.2 Source/Platform

CH4 flux collars were inserted into the peat approximately 4-6 inches. Chambers were set in a

groove in the collars.

Page 4
4.1.3 Source/Platform Mission Objectives

The ground supported the collars, which supported the chambers.

4.1.4 Key Variables

The key variable measured during the sampling period was CH4 flux. Net ecosystem exchange of

CO2 (NEE) was measured at the same time along with temperature and water table position. Percent

cover of vascular plant species and bryophyte species was also recorded for each collar.

4.1.5 Principles of Operation

The Shimadzu GC-14A is equipped with a FID and a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). The

FID is used to detect CH4 while the TCD is used to detect CO2. The FID employs 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 that is amplified and then measured as

the output signal. The TCD detects CO2 by passing a sample in a helium carrier gas past metallic

filaments with current flowing through them. The sample components with lower thermal conductivity

than the helium carrier gas raise the filament temperature when they pass through. The signal output

from the TCD is a measurement of the change in filament resistance caused by the temperature rise.

The signal output from both the FID and TCD is for a data processor, integrator, recorder, or computer

(Instruction Manual: GC-14A; Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan).

The GC-MINI2 was equipped with a FID and operated in the same manner as the GC-14A FID.

4.1.6 Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry

Not applicable.

4.1.7 Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument

The investigator manufactured collar and chambers.

Manufacturer of GC-14A FID/TCD and GC-MINI2:

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.

7102 Riverwood Drive

Columbia, MD 21046

(410) 381-1227

4.2 Calibration

4.2.1 Specifications

Analyses were conducted with a Shimadzu FID-GC using a Porapak Q column. Nitrogen was

used as the carrier gas and CH4 standards of 2.349 ppmv were used to calibrate. Precision of the

analysis (standard deviation as percent of the mean of 10-15 daily repetitions of the standard) was less

than 1% of the standards. Fluxes between 0.1 and -0.1 mg/ng/d were not detectable.

Signal peaks from the detectors were quantified with working standards calibrated against

Canadian Atmospheric Environment Services (AES) certified primary standards acquired by the

BOREAS project and a CO2/CH4 standard of Niwot Ridge air prepared by National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL).

Uncertainty in the standards' analyses on a given day ranged from 0.1 to 0.2%.

4.2.1.1 Tolerance

The sensitivity of the TCD is approximately 6,000 mV mL/mg. The FID's maximum sensitivity is

3 x 10 12 g/s for diphenyl.

Page 5
4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration

The instrument is calibrated on a daily basis. Standards are run generally before and after samples

on a given day of analysis.

4.2.3 Other Calibration Information

None given.

5. Data Acquisition Methods

A total of 124 PVC collars were placed along the moisture, chemistry, plant community, and

permafrost gradients in the peatland complex, and were sampled in 1994. At four of the sites (bog

collapse scar (BC), fen collapse scar (FC), TF, and ZF, boardwalks were installed spanning the

environmental gradients to minimize disturbance. CH4 was sampled at each of the collars once a week

from early May through mid-September 1994 using a static chamber technique (Crill et al., 1988).

Water was added to the groove in each collar before inserting the chamber in order to make an air-tight

seal. Air samples were obtained from each chamber by inserting a polypropylene syringe into the

Tygon tubing equipped with a three-way stopcock, pumping the piston four or five times to mix air in

the chamber before a 60-mL sample was drawn. A 10-mL sample was taken from the 60-mL syringe

using the three-way stopcock. Five 10-mL samples were taken at 4-minute intervals over a 20-minute

period. Samples were returned to a laboratory in Thompson and analyzed for CH4 within 4-6 hours of

collection. After analysis, the syringes were disassembled and allowed to equilibrate with ambient air.

Syringe barrels and plungers were reassembled immediately before sampling.

The 1996 chamber fluxes are determined by analysis of concentrations of methane (CH4) in a time

series of grab samples of headspace over the ground surface enclosed by a clear chamber covered in an

opaque shroud to prevent light from entering the chamber. For the TGB-01 collars, the NEE chambers

were used. The chambers were 0.3660 m2 in area and were either 0.905 m or 0.045 m in height. For

the TGB-03 collars, chambers were made of polycarbonate bottles (0.026 m in diameter; 0.040 m tall;

area of exposure 0.053 m2) and were covered with aluminum foil to reduce heating. The neck was

sealed with a rubber stopper that contained a glass tube with a rubber septum. Tygon tubing (1 m in

length), equipped with a three-way stopcock, was attached to the top of each chamber to allow

sampling at a distance that would minimize disturbance. TGB-03 collars were made of PVC tubing.

The rim of the collars were routed with a groove that was filled with water when the chambers were

put in place in order to create an air fight seal. TGB-01 collars were made of aluminum and were also

designed with a trough for creating an air tight seal.

For both types of chambers and collars, the chamber was placed on the trough of a collar imbedded

in the ground. Water was added to the trough of the collar to create an airtight seal. Five 60-mL

samples were removed from the headspace with polypropylene syringes and polycarbonate/nylon

stopcocks at 4-minute intervals for 20 minutes or at 2-minute intervals for 10 minutes (five samples per

chamber). Samples were returned to the Heritage North Museum lab in Thompson, Manitoba, and

analyzed for C02 and CH4, using gas chromatography within 12 hours after collection.

6.1 Data Notes

None given.

6.2 Field Notes

None given.

6. Observations

Page 6
7. Data Description

7.1 Spatial Characteristics

7.1.1 Spatial Coverage

1994 TGB-03 Collars:

The area of exposure for each collar and chamber was 0.053 m2. The 100 collars were placed so as

to cover the environmental gradients in the TF complex, an area approximately 6 km2. Global

Positioning System (GPS) coordinates based on the North Amercian Datum of 1983 (NAD83) for the

major sampling locations are:

Isite NLat SDev WLon SDev Elev SDev

ICollapse Bog (CB) 55°55'4.931" 2.75 98o25'5.294 '' 1.18 217.20 3.86

ICollapseFen (CF) 55o54'59.959 '' 5.60 98°25'6.109" 1.90 218.40 7.62

IZoltaiFen (ZF) 55o55'5.477 '' 2.07 98o25'26.396 '' 1.29 217.10 3.11

1996 TGB-01 Collars:

Collapse Bog (CB) collars were located in a small, circular collapse scar (75 m diameter) almost

completely surrounded by permafrost peat plateau, behind the generator shed. Three spurs were

located perpendicular to the boardwalk. Spur 1 was adjacent to the moat, or open water lagg area; spur

2 was in a hummock-hollow area; and spur 3 was in the center of the collapse scar. In addition to the

collars in the collapse scar, this subsite had two collars on the palsa (frozen peat plateau) adjacent to the

collapse scar. Collar designations were as follows:

CBlmoat = collapse bog, spur i, moat

CB2hk = collapse bog, spur 2, hummock

CB2hw = collapse bog, spur 2, hollow

CB3hk = collapse bog, spur 3, hummock

CBpalmoss = collapse bog, palsa, moss

Cbpallich : collapse bog, palsa, lichen

Collapse Fen (CF) collars were located in a small, linear collapse feature that was east of and

accessed from the main trail to the tower hut. Four spurs were located perpendicular to the main

boardwalk. Spur 1 was located adjacent to the moat; spur 2 was in a uniform lawn of Sphagnum

riparium; spur 3 was in a small treed ridge; and spur 4 was on the far edge of the collapse scar where

the influence of groundwater was apparent. Collar designations were as follows:

CFlmoat = collapse fen, spur i, moat

CF21wn = collapse fen, spur 2, lawn

CF3hka : collapse fen, spur 3, hummock (a)

CF3hkb : collapse fen, spur 3, hummock (b)

CF4bmoss = collapse fen, spur 4, brown moss

CF4sph = collapse fen, spur 4, sphagnum

Page 7
TowerFen(TF)collarswerelocatedalongtheboardwalkto themicrometeorological towerin the

NSA fen.Fourspurswerelocatedperpendicularto themainboardwalk.Spur1wasjust beyondthe

moatatthebeginningof theboardwalkin atreedareaof tamarack(Larix laricina),spur2 wasin atall

shrubzone(Betulaglandulosa),spur3wasin alow shrubzonejustbeforethehut,andspur4 was

just beyondthehut in amixedlow shrub/sedgezone.Collar designationswereasfollows:

TFlhk = tower fen, spur i, hummock

TF2hk = tower fen, spur 2, hummock

TF2hw = tower fen, spur 2, hollow

TF3hk = tower fen, spur 3, hummock

TF3hw = tower fen, spur 3, hollow

TF4hw = tower fen, spur 4, hollow

Zoltai Fen (ZF) collars were located in a sedge-dominated (Carex spp.) fen area of the peatland

complex, north of the fen tower, and accessed from Rt. 391. Three spurs were located perpendicular

to the main boardwalk. Spur 1 was on a treed ridge; spur 2 was in a shrub-dominated

hummock-hollow area; and spur 3 was in a wet, sedge-dominated area near the edge of a palsa. Collar

designations were as follows:

ZFlhk = zoltai fen, spur i

ZF2hk = zoltai fen, spur 2

ZF2hw = zoltai fen, spur 2

ZF3bmoss = zoltai fen, spur 3

ZF3hw = zoltai fen, spur 3

ZF3hk = zoltai fen, spur 3

hummock

hummock

hollow

brown moss

hollow (Sphagnum)

hummock (Sphagnum)

1996 TGB-03 Collars:

For chamber CH4 flux data from the McGill collars, the collars were the same as those sampled by

TGB-03 in 1994. Major locations and spurs are the same as for the UNH collars described above.

Microtopography for the McGill collars is designated as:

• Hummock

• Hollow

• Lawn (uniform area with little microtopography)

• Carpet (uniform area with water table closer to the peat surface than in lawn areas, peat is

often a floating mat)

• Pool (water table above peat surface; submerged bryophytes, and Carex spp. or other

emergent vascular plants present in collars)

• Moat (open water area or lagg at edge of peatland)

Collapse Fen (CF) location and spurs are the same as for the UNH collars described above. McGill

collars are as follows:

FC4pl6 = collapse fen, spur 4, pool

FC4pl7 = collapse fen, spur 4, pool

FC4pl6new = collapse fen, spur 4, pool

position on 22-August-1996

within the collar

FC4pl7new = collapse fen, spur 4, pool

position on 22-August-1996

within the collar

FC4pI9 = collapse fen, spur 4, pool

FC4p20 = collapse fen, spur 4, pool

FCm3f = collapse fen, moat spur i,

FCm2f = collapse fen, moat spur i,

FCmlf = collapse fen, moat spur i,

collar 16

collar 17

collar 16 relocated to new

because vegetation was dying

collar 17 relocated to new

because vegetation was dying

collar 19

collar 20

collar 3 floating

collar 2 floating

collar 1 floating

Page 8
TowerFen(TF)locationandspursarethesameasfor theUNH collarsdescribedabove.McGill

collarsareasfollows:

TF4cI6 = tower fen

TF4nI7 = tower fen

TF4cI8 = tower fen

TF4nI9 = tower fen

TF4c20 = tower fen

TF3wll = tower fen

TF3kI2 = tower fen

TF3wI4 = tower fen

TF3wI5 = tower fen

TFmlf = tower fen

TFm2f = tower fen

TFm3f = tower fen

spur 4, carpet, collar 16

spur 4, lawn, collar 17

spur 4, carpet, collar 18

spur 4, lawn, collar 19

spur 4 lawn, collar 20

spur 3, hollow, collar ii

spur 3, hummock, collar 12

spur 3, hollow, collar 14

spur 3, hollow, collar 15

moat, collar 1 floating

moat, collar 2 floating

moat, collar 3 floating

Zoltai Fen (ZF) location and spurs are the same as the UNH collars above. McGill collars are as

follows:

ZF3kll =

ZF3new =

ZF3pI5 =

ZFmike =

ZF2w8 =

zoltai fen, spur 3 hummock, collar ii

zoltai fen, spur 3 new collar

zoltai fen, spur 3, pool, collar 15

zoltai fen, new spur used by Mike Waddington in 1994

(Carex rostrata, C. aquatilis lawn)

zoltai fen, spur 2, hollow, collar 8

7.1.2 Spatial Coverage Map

None given.

7.1.3 Spatial Resolution

The 24 UNH collars spanned the full range of hydrologic, plant community, and water chemistry

gradients found in the larger peatland complex in order to capture the spatial variability in CH< fluxes.

The 26 1996 McGill collars were placed along the same gradients with an emphasis on the wet end of

the moisture gradient in order to resample the 1994 sites that exhibited the highest CH< fluxes.

7.1.4 Projection

Not applicable.

7.1.5 Grid Description

Not applicable.

7.2 Temporal Characteristics

7.2.1 Temporal Coverage

CH4 flux, water table, and peat temperature measurements were made from mid-May through

mid-September 1994. The chamber CH< flux measurements for 15 of the UNH collars were made

from 15-April- 1996 to 23-October- 1996. The chamber CH< flux measurements for the other nine

UNH collars were made 15-June-1996 to 23-October-1996. Chamber CH4 flux measurements for the

McGill collars were made from 03-June-1996 to 22-October-1996.

7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map

Not applicable.

Page 9
7.2.3 Temporal Resolution

CH4 flux measurements were made once at week at each of the 124 collars throughout the 1994

season. The chamber CI-h flux measurements for 15 of the UNH collars were made approximately

every 7 days from 15-April-1996 to 23-October-1996. The chamber CH4 flux measurements for the

other nine UNH collars were made approximately every 7 days from approximately 15-June-1996 to

23-October-1996. Chamber CH4 flux measurements for the McGill collars were made approximately

every 7 days from 03-June-1996 to 22-October-1996.

7.3 Data Characteristics

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

COLLAR ID

AIR TEMP

CH4 FLUX

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

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

COLLAR ID

AIR TEMP

CH4 FLUX

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

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,

TRN, and TTT identifies the cover type for the

site, 999 if unknown, and CCCCC is the identifier

for site, exactly what it means will vary with

site type.

The identifier assigned to the sub-site by

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

the group associated with the sub-site

instrument, e.g. HYD06 or STAFF, and IIIII is the

identifier for sub-site, often this will refer to

an instrument.

The date on which the data were collected.

A TGB designation for the chamber collar site.

The air temperature.

Methane flux.

The BOREAS certification level of the data.

Examples are CPI (Checked by PI), CGR (Certified

by Group), PRE (Preliminary), and CPI-??? (CPI

but questionable).

The most recent date when the information in the

referenced data base table record was revised.

Page 10
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]

COLLAR ID [none]

AIR TEMP [degrees Celsius]

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

CRTFCN CODE [none]

REVISION DATE [DD-MON-YY]

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

SUB SITE

DATE OBS

COLLAR ID

AIR TEMP

CH4 FLUX

CRTFCN CODE

REVISION DATE

Supplied by BORIS

Supplied by BORIS

Investigator

Investigator

Not specified

GC-FID

Supplied by BORIS

Supplied by BORIS

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 NSA-FEN-FLXTR NSA-FEN-FLXTR None None None None

SUB SITE TGB03-FLX01 TGB03-FLXZF None None None None

DATE OBS 09-MAY-94 21-OCT-96 None None None None

COLLAR ID CBIc01 ZFC-03 None None None None

AIR TEMP -5 28 None None None Blank

CH4 FLUX -6.9921875 1.39266204 -999 -888 None Blank

CRTFCN CODE CPI CPI None None None None

REVISION DATE 14-APR-97 29-APR-98 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 value was deemed to be

unreliable by the analysis personnel.

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

Page 11
parameter value, but

Data Not Cllctd

instruments detection limits. This is used to

indicate that an attempt was made to determine the

the analysis personnel determined

that the parameter value was below the detection

limit of the instrumentation.

This value indicates that no attempt was made to

determine the parameter value. This usually

indicates that 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 sample data records from a selected file on the CD-ROM:

SITE NAME,SUB SITE,DATE OBS,COLLAR ID,AIR TEMP,CH4 FLUX,CRTFCN CODE,REVISION DATE

'NSA-9BS-T03BS', 'TGB03-FLXBM',07-JUN-94, 'C-BM-05',9.04900463,0, 'CPI',04-APR-97

'NSA-9BS-T03BS', 'TGB03-FLXBM',07-JUN-94, 'C-BM-06',27.877662,-.00425, 'CPI',

04-APR-97

8. Data Organization

8.1 Data Granularity

CH4 flux measurements 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 12
9.1 Formulae

9. Data Manipulations

9.1.1 Derivation Techniques and Algorithms

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

CH4 concentrations were calculated from the average of 10 peak areas of known CH4 standards. The

response factor was calculated as the concentration of the known standard divided by the average of 10

standard peak areas. The peak area of the unknown sample was multiplied by the response factor.

The flux calculations were made by fitting a regression curve to the time series of CI_

concentrations. The flux rate of a gas is calculated using the following equation:

Flux(mg/m2/d) = ppmv/min * (P/R'g/tool of the gas) * (1/T)*Vc>/Ac

• (1000rag/g* 1440rain/d)

where: P = pressure in atmospheres

R = 8.2054 x 10 5> m3atm/mol/K

gases: CH4 = 16 g/tool

T = degrees K of the chamber

Vc = chamber volume in m3

Ac = chamber area in m2

Vc=((E/100 x 0.047 x 1000) + Vt

Vc = volume of the chamber

Vt = volume of the top narrow part of chamber = 1.4

E = height of cylindrical part of chamber in cm

9.2 Data Processing Sequence

9.2.1 Processing Steps

The peak areas were taken directly from the HP ChemStation reports from the GC. They were

entered into spreadsheets and the concentrations were calculated by the formulas in Section 9.1. The

spreadsheets then automatically calculate the flux using the formulas in Section 9.1.

The flux equation included the slope of the regression line of the five samples; the height and

volume of the chamber; air temperature (see above). Fluxes were calculated by linear regression of the

concentration change in the five samples. If one sample deviated from the line, the flux was

recalculated without the outlier. The correlation coefficient of the regression had to be significant to the

95% confidence limit for n=4 or 5 (r2 = 0.95 or 0.87); otherwise the sample was rejected. Sites with

ebullition were kept in the data set even if a large increase was observed between two of the samples as

long as the correlation coefficient was still significant at p < 0.05.

Page 13
9.2.2 Processing Changes

Not applicable.

9.3 Calculations

At sites where oxidation of CH4 occurred, the flux needed to start at or near ambient levels of CH4

and be drawn down below ambient. The correlation coefficient also had to show significant

correlation. If these criteria were not met, the flux was determined to be below our minimal detectable

flux and was regarded as a 0 flux rate. If an efflux of CH4 was measured at any of these sites, the data

were eliminated.

For sites where CH4 was known to have a positive flux (from the soil into the atmosphere), the

regressions of the time series were expected to have an 1-2of greater than 0.85 for n=5. If this was not

the case with five data points, then one or at most two points might be dropped to get a better fit. The

r2 would have to be greater than 0.92 for n=4, and 0.96 for n=3 (90% confidence interval). If the fit

was not good enough (1-2less than required for 90% confidence interval), the data were eliminated.

If -888 is present in the data set, it represents a measurement that was taken but discarded for some

reason. If -999 is present, then no data were taken.

9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments

Not applicable.

9.3.2 Calculated Variables

Not applicable.

9.4 Graphs and Plots

None given.

10. Errors

10.1 Sources of Error

One source of error was disturbance while sampling the chamber. If the peat or the chamber was

disturbed, a large pulse of CH4 was emitted. These samples were eliminated from the data set and the

number -9666 was recorded to note the error. If no data were taken at that collar on a particular date,

-999 was recorded to denote missing data. Field sampling error could also account for some error in

the concentration of the syringe samples:

• Not flushing the sampling line from the chamber before sampling could cause dilution of the

sample with air from the last sampling time.

• Not completely closing the syringes or having them come open during transport will cause

dilution from ambient air.

• Placing the chamber down with much force can change the pressure inside the chamber to

other than ambient and can effect the mechanisms and processes producing/taking up CH4.

(Errors such as these would have been written down in the lab/field books, and those data have been

edited out.) The analytical precision of the GCs is 0.2% for CH 4.

10.2 Quality Assessment

10.2.1 Data Validation by Source

Each flux measurement has been verified by checking the calculations in the spreadsheets and

assessing the slope and intercept for the linear regression.

10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgment

None given.

Page 14
10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters

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

10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments

None given.

10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center

Data were examined for general consistency and clarity.

1 1. Notes

11.1 Limitations of the Data

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

11.2 Known Problems with the Data

None given.

11.3 Usage Guidance

The manuscript by Bubier et al. (1995) contains predictive relationships developed from data

described in this document.

11.4 Other Relevant Information

Not applicable.

12. Application of the Data Set

The chamber flux data can be used in connection with the tower flux data to determine the CH4

exchange between the atmosphere and the boreal soils. The plant community and water table and

temperature data can be used in comparison with the flux data to determine controls on the fluxes for a

certain biome. The chamber CI-I4 flux data can also be compared with chamber NEE data to examine

the relationship between net ecosystem productivity and CH4 flux.

13. Future Modifications and Plans

This data set is in its draft format.

14.1 Software Description

None given.

14.2 Software Access

None given.

14. Software

Page 15
15. Data Access

The CH4 chamber flux data 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.

16.1 Tape Products

None.

16. Output Products and Availability

16.2 Film products

None.

16.3 Other Products

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

Page 16
17. References

17.1 Platform/Sensor/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation

Not applicable.

17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports

Bubier, J.L., T.R. Moore, L. Bellisario, N.T. Comer, and P.M. Crill. 1995. Ecological controls on

methane emissions from a northern peatland complex in the zone of discontinuous permafrost,

Manitoba, Canada. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 9: 455-470.

Crill, P.M., K.B. Bartlett, R.C. Harriss, E. Gorham, E.S. Verry, D.I. Sebacher, L. Madzer, and W.

Sanner. 1988. Methane flux from Minnesota peatlands. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 2, 371-384.

Daubenmire, R.F. 1968. Plant Communities: A Textbook of Plant Synecology. Harper and Row,

New York, NY.

Moore, T.R. and N.T. Roulet. 1991. A comparison of dynamic and static chambers for methane

emission measurements from subarctic fens. Atmosphere-Ocean, 29, 102-109.

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.

Roulet, N., S. Hardill, and N. Comer. 1991. Continuous measurement of the depth of water table

(inundation) in wetlands with fluctuating surfaces, Hydrological Processes, 5, 399-403.

Roulet, N.T. 1991. Surface level and water table fluctuations in a subarctic fen, Arctic and Alpine

Research, 23,303-310.

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.

Sjors, H. 1950. On the relation between vegetation and electrolytes in Swedish mire waters. Oikos, 2,

241-258.

Page 17
17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documentation

None.

None.

18. Glossary of Terms

19. List of Acronyms

AES

ASCII

BOREAS

BORIS

BP

CB

CD-ROM

CF

CMDL

DAAC

ECD

EOS

EOSDIS

FID

GC

GIS

GPS

GSFC

HTML

IFC

IRGA

- Atmospheric Environment Services, Canada

- American Standard Code for Information Interchange

- BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study

- BOREAS Information System

- Beaver Pond site, NSA

- collapse bog subsite, NSA fen complex

- Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory

- Collapse Fen subsite, NSA fen complex

- Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory

- Distributed Active Archive Center

- Electron Capture Detector

- Earth Observing System

- EOS Data and Information System

- Flame Ionization Detector

- Gas Chromatograph

- Geographic Information System

- Global Positioning System

- Goddard Space Flight Center

- HyperText Markup Language

- Intensive Field Campaign

- Infrared Gas Analyzer

LI-6200 - LI-COR portable photosynthesis system

NAD83

NASA

NEE

NSA

OBS

OJP

ORNL

PANP

SSA

TCD

TF

UNH

URL

YJP

ZF

- North American Datum of 1983

- National Aeronautics and Space Administration

- Net Ecosystem Exchange of CO 2

- Northern Study Area

- Old Black Spruce, NSA

- Old Jack Pine, NSA

- Oak Ridge National Laboratory

- Prince Albert National Park

- Southern Study Area

- Thermal Conductivity Detector

- Tower Fen subsite, NSA fen complex

- University of New Hampshire

- Uniform Resource Locator

- Young Jack Pine, NSA

- Zoltai fen subsite, NSA fen complex

Page 18
20. Document Information

20.1 Document Revision Date

Written:

Last Updated: 11-Jun- 1999

20.2 Document Review Date(s)

BORIS Review: 10-Mar-1998

Science Review:

20.3 Document ID

20.4 Citation

When using these data, please contact the investigators listed in Section 2.3 and cite any relevant

papers in Section 17.2.

If using data from the BOREAS CD-ROM series, also reference the data as:

Bubier, J.L., P,M. Crill, and T.R. Moore, "Magnitude and Control of Trace Gas Exchange in

Boreal Ecosystems." In Collected Data of The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. 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, and P. Sellers. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

Also, cite the BOREAS CD-ROM set as:

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. Collected Data of

The Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study. NASA. CD-ROM. NASA, 2000.

20.5 Document Curator

20.6 Document URL

Page 19
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/TGB-3 CH 4 Chamber Flux Data over the NSA Fen

6. AUTHOR(S)

Jill L. Bubier and Tim R. Moore

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. 222

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

J.L. Bubier: University of New Hampshire, Durham; T.R. Moore: McGill University, Montreal,

Quebec; 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-3 team collected methane (CH4) chamber flux measurements at the NSA fen site

during May-September 1994 and June-October 1996. Gas samples were extracted approximately

every 7 days from chambers and analyzed at the NSA lab facility. 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

19

16. PRICE CODE

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

UL

Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89)

Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18

298-102