Sampling the canopy Taking samples and making measurements in the world's tallest forest is a challenge. Drawing on our experiences at SERC, we climbed ropes using methods modified from rescue workers and arborists to gain access safely and directly to virtually every part of the crown. We used small sensors carried aloft by specially designed helium balloons to measure the light transmitted between the trees. This simple balloon system, designed and made by George Rasberry at SERC, allowed us to take light measurements up to 90 meters above the forest floor. These efforts produced the first transmittance profile for the coast redwood forest.
Scientists measure light transmittance with balloons.
SERC scientists and collaborators release refrigerator-size balloons affixed with small light sensors to make light transmission measurements. Photographs by Peter Taylor Scientist gets up close and personal with the redwood forest canopy. The single rope technique is the only feasible way to gain direct access to the redwood canopy. The individual tree My study of the redwood canopy is a natural extension of my research on forest canopies at SERC and other locales. As is often the case, this comparative work challenged my previous assumptions and surprised me.