| Eric Dubinsky climbing a 67m redwood in Big Basin State Park
S. Burgess |
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| Investigators |
| Dr. Todd Dawson, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Stephen Burgess, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Stefania Mambelli, University of California, Berkeley
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What is the Issue? |
| UNDERSTANDING REDWOOD WATER RELATIONS, FOREST HEALTH |
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Coast redwood trees inhabit a region of western North America characterized by the presence of cool fogs during most of the summer growing season. Early investigations into the influence of fog on redwoods suggested that the moisture input of fog might reduce plant water stress, enhance growth or even improve the nutrient status of forest soils. In recent years, studies have demonstrated the importance of fog water input to the water relations of redwood forests. It has now been shown that all of the plants which inhabit redwood forests use fog to various extents, and that this unique water source is particularly important for young redwood saplings and many understorey species, especially in years of below-normal rainfall. This study aims to extend previous work by investigating the role of redwood canopies in the direct uptake of fog moisture.
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What is our goal? |
| INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF FOG ON REDWOOD WATER RELATIONS.
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| Fog and its influence on the water relations of coast redwood, Sequoia sempervirens |
Where we currently stand. |
| This study commenced in June 2000 and will run for two years. Currently, 16 sap flow sensors are monitoring stems and branches at 1m and 50m heights. Meteorological sensors have also been installed in the understorey and at 50m height within the redwood canopy. Meteorological measurements include temperature, relative humidity, total and photosynthetically active radiation, leaf wetness, and fog water input. The researchers have also commenced leaf sampling along vertical and horizontal gradients within the tree canopies. Delta carbon 13 analysis is proving to be a powerful tool to map water stress and hydraulic architecture within the redwood canopy. Sap flow data are allowing the researchers to characterise the response of redwoods to various environmental conditions, and are also revealing information about internal water management within the plants.
Sponsored in part by Symantec Corporation and by Mrs. Adrienne Sloss.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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