| Development of Canopy Structure in the Douglas-fir Forests of the Pacific Northwest |
|
| |
| Investigators |
| Dr. Robert Van Pelt, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington
Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington
|
What is the Issue? |
| UNDERSTANDING FOREST DYNAMICS |
|
The controlling influence of tree canopy structure on many ecosystem functions is now widely recognized. Tree canopies can influence the light environment, the way rain is intercepted, the three-dimensional distribution of foliage and the understory microclimate. However, just how these effects develop through time and how they are influenced by canopy structure is still poorly understood. This study aims to provide the most comprehensive dataset available to date concerning the structural development of Douglas-fir forests, through sampling at both the stand scale and at the within-tree scale. Results from the study will contribute to a greater understanding of the complex structure of these forests and will in turn aid the conservation of this biological diversity.
|
What is our goal? |
| FOREST LIFE IN THE TREE TOPS OF ANCIENT DOUGLAS-FIRS.
|
| Development of canopy structure in Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific Northwest. |
Where we currently stand. |
| This study commenced in spring 2000 and will run for two years. Measurements of function (air temperature, throughfall, stemflow and light) will be carried out for two full years. Microclimate measuring equipment has been installed in eight tree stands. Three air temperature/relative humidity sensors have also been installed in the understorey in each of the eight stands. An additional sensor has been put in place at the top of the canopy in each stand, which will serve as a background sensor and will help indicate how much the forest at each site moderates its environment. Rain gauges have been installed to provide background level precipitation data. During 2001, the structural measurements should be completed, and work on the structural-functional connections will begin.
|
You can help this project - find out how. |
|
| |
