BOREAS TE-12 SSA Shoot Geometry Data Summary: The BOREAS TE-12 team collected shoot geometry data in 1993 and 1994 from Aspen, Jack Pine, and Black Spruce trees. Collections were made at the Southern Study Area FEN, YJP, OJP, OA, YA, MIX and OBS sites. A caliper was used to measure shoot and needle lengths and widths. A volume displacement procedure was used to measure the weight of the shoot or twig submerged in water. 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 TE-12 SSA Shoot Geometry Data 1.2 Data Set Introduction Measurements of shoot and individual needle length and width, orientation of needle to shoot axis, number of needles per shoot were made on collected samples. Calculations of shoot and twig volume, surface area, and shape factor were made based on the collected information. 1.3 Objectives/Purpose The purpose of the study was to characterize the needle and shoot geometry properties of several boreal forest tree species. 1.4 Summary of Parameters Orientation of needles to shoot axis in three planes, volumetric displacement of the entire shoot and twig, shoot axis widths and length, sample of 10 needle lengths (and widths for IFC-93 and FFC-W only). All measurements are for three age classes: growth from current year, last year and two years ago. 1.5 Discussion IFC-93: Measurements were made on samples collected at two sites in the Southern Study Area (SSA): near the Nipawin Fen (FEN) and Nipawin Jack Pine [Young-Dry] (YJP). Canopy access was limited to only ground level collection of samples. Samples from trees could be from various heights within the tree, but were generally from the lower third of the entire canopy height. Black spruce [Picea mariana] and jack pine [Pinus banksiana] were sampled near the SSA-FEN site. Jack pine needles were sampled at the SSA-YJP site. FFC-W Measurements were made on samples collected in the SSA: Old Dry Jack Pine (OJP). The measurement methods described for IFC-93 were used. Jack pine trees were sampled at SSA-OJP. FFC-T Measurements were made on samples collected at two sites in the SSA: OJP and OBS. Jack Pine trees were sampled at SSA-OJP and black spruce trees were sampled at SSA-OBS. IFC 1,2,3: Measurements were made on samples collected at in the SSA: Mixed (MIX), YJP and OBS. White Spruce [Picea glauca] shoots were sampled at SSA-MIX. Jack pine shoots were sampled at SSA-YJP. Black spruce shoots were sampled at SSA-OBS. Measurements were made also on samples collected at SSA-OA, SSA-YA, SSA-FEN sites. 1.6 Related Data Sets BOREAS TE-10 Shoot Biodirectional Reflectance BOREAS TE-12 SSA shoot Geometry Data BOREAS TE-12 SSA water Potential Data BOREAS RSS-08 Reflectance Data 2. INVESTIGATOR(S) 2.1 Investigators Names and Titles Elizabeth A. Walter-Shea, Assoc. Professor 2.2 Title of Investigation Radiation and Gas Exchange of Canopy Elements in a Boreal Forest 2.3 Contacts Contact 1 Mark A. Mesarch University of Nebraska- Lincoln Lincoln, NE Telephone: (402) 472-5904, (402) 472-0284 FAX: (402) 472-6614 E-mail: mmesarch@unlinfo.unl.edu Contact 2 Elizabeth A. Walter-Shea University of Nebraska- Lincoln Lincoln, NE Telephone: (402) 472-1553 FAX: (402) 472-6614 E-mail: agme012@unlvm.unl.edu Contact 3 Cynthia J. Hays University of Nebraska- Lincoln Lincoln, NE Telephone: (402) 472-6701 FAX: (402) 472-6614 E-mail: agme025@unlvm.unl.edu Contact 4 Shelaine Curd Raytheon STX Corporation NASA/GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-2447 (301) 286-0239 fax shelaine.curd@gsfc.nasa.gov 3. Theory Of Measurements Hemi-Surface Area Definition The most desirable foliage area to use in reporting results from conifer shoots and broad leaves is to use the total surface area (SA) and one-half the total surface area, which is referred to as half the area of the surface leaf (HASL). HASL can be calculated using the shoot volume (inferred from the volume displacement measurement), the number of needles, average needle length reported here and shape factor. For flat leaves the hemi-surface area is the same as the projected area, but for conifer needles or shoots "projected area" is not even well defined and generally not used consistently. Hemi-surface area is not easy to misinterpret for any object. Hemi-Surface Area Measurement Surface area for conifer shoots can be measured by several methods, but the two most common are volume displacement and projected area of detached needles using an optical planimeter. Using the optical planimeter is tedious because needles have to be carefully aligned so as to present their maximum area to the planimeter. Given the measured needle projected area of all the needles that have been detached from the shoot and a known cross sectional shape for the needles, the surface area can be calculated and divided by two to get HSA. A faster method that is as reliable as the planimeter method and does not require an expensive optical planimeter is the VOLUME DISPLACEMENT METHOD. This method requires a reasonably good, top-loading electronic balance; something common to any lab. The procedure is as follows: 1) A container that is large enough for an intact shoot to be submerged in is filled with water and about 3-5% detergent mixed in with the water. The detergent is necessary because it prevents small air bubbles and films from accumulating on the surface of the shoot. The container has to be large enough for the shoot to be submerged without touching the walls of the container. If shoots are too large, needles can be detached and submerged in the container using a fine wire. 2) The container and liquid are placed on a top loading electronic balance and tared to provide a zero reading. An intact shoot (or a group of needles from a shoot) is submerged in the liquid with out touching the walls of the container and the weight recorded. To push the shoot into the water a force equal to the buoyant force must be applied. The buoyant force is related to the mass of the volume of water displaced by the shoot. Thus, the volume of the intact shoot (V) in cubic centimeters is numerically equal to the weight increase indicated on the balance. 3) The number of needles on the shoot (n) are counted and their averaged length (L) determined from a subsample of 10 to 20 needles spaced over the length of the shoot. 4) For precise work, the needles can be removed from the shoot and the volume of the woody portion of the shoot measured by submerging it in the liquid-filled container on the balance. The needle volume is the difference between the total volume and the woody volume. The volume of the woody portion is generally 5 to 15% of the total volume. 5) The shape of the cross sectional area is determined from observations under a microscope. This shape is usually fixed for all needles of a given species and so has to be determined only once for a given species. This shape determines the coefficients in an equation that relates the above measurements to surface area (SA). The total surface area (SA) of a group of conifer needles is given by: SA = nLP (1) where n is the number of needles, L is their mean length and P is the length of the perimeter of the needle cross section. The volume of the needles is: V = nLA (2) where A is the needle cross section. Solving for A gives: A = V/(nL) (3) We can define a dimensionless "shape factor" X: X = P/sqrt(A) (4) thus P = X sqrt(A) (5) Substituting this into 1) gives: SA = nLX sqrt(A) (6) and from (3): SA = nLX sqrt[V/(nL)] = X sqrt(VnL) (7) This equation is valid for any arbitrary cross-sectional needle shape. Moreover, the factor will remain constant even if the needle tapers at its end, provided its shape remains the same. Shape Equation Species Square SA = 4.00 sqrt(V n L) Spruce Ellipse (1:3 ratio of axes) SA = 4.17 sqrt(V n L) Douglas-Fir Cylinder SA = 3.54 sqrt(V n L) Hemi-Cylinder SA = 4.10 sqrt(V n L) Black Pine Rectangle (width=length/10) (width=length/4) (width=length/3) (width=length/2) SA = 6.96 sqrt(V n L) SA= 5.00 sqrt(V n L) SA = 4.62 sqrt(V n L) SA= 4.24 sqrt(V n L) Note: sqrt means square root of the quantity in ( ). Careful measurements of total surface area were done on several species by both the volume displacement method and optical planimeter method. Species Optical Planimeter (mm2) Volume Displacement (mm2) Blue Spruce 3276 3216 Douglas-Fir 9990 9705 Black Pine 4084 3900 With Douglas Fir, if detergent was not added to the water, the Volume displacement method overestimated the surface area by 35% in one case and 39% in a second case because of entrapped air. HSA is just one half the total surface area. Proposal: Investigators using the volume displacement method should report total and half surface area (SA and HSA, respectively) along with the shape factor (X). A description of the method used to calculate the shape factor should also be provided. 4. EQUIPMENT 4.1 Instrument Description A Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper (Series 500) was used to measure shoot and needle lengths and widths. The instrument has a 0.01 mm resolution and error of +/- 0.02 mm. A Mettler (Model PL1200) top loading scale was used in the volume displacement procedure to measure the weight of the shoot or twig submerged in water (BOREAS ExPlan; Appendix K.) The scale had a 0.01 g resolution and a 0-1200 g range. An image analysis system was used to measure the cross sectional area and perimeter length of needles, needed to determine the needle shape factor. The Cohu solid state camera of the image analysis was attached to a camera mount of a microscope. Cross sections of needles were placed on microscope slides and then placed under a Leica Wild M 3 Z microscope with a transmitting light stand, bright/dark field. The bright field of the light stand was used. The camera transmits a signal to the frame grabber board which translates the intensity of each pixel to a gray scale from 0 (black) to 255 (white) levels. The JAVA software program (version 1.4, Jandel Corporation) was set up to count the number of pixels in a defined area of interest for a range of gray scales that represented the "black" needle cross sections. 4.1.1 Collection Environment All measurements were made in the controlled environment of a laboratory, 4.1.4 Key Variables Twig, needle and shoot element lengths, needle inclination from twig and needle surface area. 4.1.5 Principals of Operation The Cohu solid state camera transmits a signal to the frame grabber board which translates the intensity of each pixel to a gray scale from 0 (black) to 255 (white) levels. The JAVA software program was setup to count the number of pixels in a defined area of interest for a range of gray scales that represent the "black" sample needle cross sections. 4.1.6 Instrument Measurement Geometry The digital caliper and a protractor were hand-held. The scale was placed on a table in the laboratory, leveled and checked daily for accuracy using a set of standard weights. The image analysis camera was attached to a microscope. The samples were placed on a microscope slide and then back-lit on the microscope transmitted-light base. 4.1.7 Manufacturer of Instrument Mitutoyo Corporation 31-19 Shiba5-chome, Minato-ku Tokyo 108, Japan Mettler Instrument Corporation P.O. Box 100 Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 448-3000 Cohu Solid State Camera: Cohu, Inc., Electronics Division 5755 Kearny Villa Road P.O. Box 85623 San Diego, CA 92138-0221 Phone: 619-277-6700 FAX: 619-277-0221 Frame Grabber Board: Data Translation, Inc. 100 Locke Drive Marlboro, MA 01752-1192 Phone: 508-481-3700 JAVA Software (ver. 1.4): Jandel Scientific 65 Koch Road Corte Madera, CA 94925 Phone: 415-924-8640 Wild Microscope: Leica Wild Microscope Leica Heerbruggs AG CH-9435 Heerburgg (Switzerland) Phone: + 41 71 70 31 31 4.2 Calibration 4.2.1 Specifications A Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper (Series 500) was used to measure shoot and needle lengths (and widths in 1993 only). The instrument has a 0.01 mm resolution and error of +/- 0.02 mm. A meter stick with 1 mm divisions was used if shoot or twig lengths were greater than 150 mm (limitation of the digital calipers). Resolution of the meter stick was considered 0.5 mm. A top loading scale was used to measure the weight of the shoot submerged in water used in the volume displacement procedure (BOREAS ExPlan; Appendix K). The scale had a 0.01 g resolution and a 0-1200 g range. A protractor was used to measure the angle of needle attachment to the twig. The resolution of the protractor was 5 degrees. 4.2.1.1 Tolerance The digimatic caliper operates in ambient temperatures from 0 to 40 degrees C. 4.2.2 Frequency of Calibration The digimatic caliper was not calibrated but rezeroed several times during the day. The top-loading scale was checked for calibration at the beginning of each day's use. Several containers were filled with a soap and water mixture (similar to that used in the volume displacement procedures) and covered. Container size depended upon sample size; the smallest possible container was used to comply with the buoyancy theory of the measurement. The mass was recorded and tared. Separately, nine standards (5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 mg) were placed on the container and the weight was recorded. The standards were chosen to correspond with the potential weight range of the conifer shoot samples. The container/water-soap mixture weight was recorded before each standard was placed on the container. The weight check showed that the scale was weighing the standards accurately. The scale was calibrated on 31-Aug-93 and 24-Sept-94. The check method described above was used after the last calibration and the weights of the standards were consistent with the measurements described above. The image analysis system was calibrated at least once each day of the shape factor measurements. An oval-shaped standard was prepared by Klarmann Ruling, Inc. (P.O. Box 4795, Manchester, N.H. 03108 USA) with perimeter of 3.1746 mm and area of 0.5554 mm2. The reported tolerance of these dimensions is 0.0001 mm. With a user defined threshold, the image analysis system was calibrated for lengths and areas. 4.2.3 Other Calibration Information Not applicable at this time. 5 DATA ACQUISITION METHODS The CANOPY_LOCATION parameter of the data set is a relative measure based upon the height of the sample location relative to the height of the canopy. Therefore, a sample collected from the top of a short tree in a tall canopy and a sample collected from the bottom of a short tree in a short canopy can both be designated as "low" for the HEIGHT parameter. Samples were collected from HIGH and LOW portions of the canopy at SSA-OBS and SSA-YJP. Samples were collected from LOW portions of the canopy at SSA-FEN. Canopy access at SSA-OBS was limited to the locations of the TE scaffolding towers. 5.1 Sample Collection Shoot Geometry Sampling: FOR IFC-93 and IFC 1,2,3: Branchlet samples (defined as a small tree limb consisting of shoots with growth from current year, previous year and two year ago) were cut from plants, covered with damp cheesecloth, sealed in a ziploc-type storage bag, and stored and transported in a cool ice chest to the lab for processing. Generally, processing required 2 to 3 days to complete. If the samples were not measured on the same day as when they were cut from the plant, the samples were stored in a refrigerator. FOR FFC-W and FFC-T: Branchlet samples were collected from trees and placed in ziploc-type storage bags containing damp paper towels. The samples were packed in ice and shipped to Lincoln for measurement. Shape Factor Sampling: For IFC 1,2,3: Samples for cross sectional perimeter and area measurements were collected from low and high heights in the canopy (bottom third of the canopy and top third of the canopy, respectively.) Three trees were sampled each IFC, one branch from each tree. Each branch had at least three shoots with each shoot having the three most recent age classes present. Samples were stored in ziplock-type bags and transported in cool ice chests to a non-defrosting freezer. Frozen samples were packed in coolers containing ice and shipped to Lincoln. There, the samples were stored in a non-defrosting freezer until cross sectional measurements could be measured. 5.2 Sample Measurement Shoot Geometry: A soap/water mixture was created for the volume displacement procedure (BOREAS ExPlan, Appendix K). The mixture was 1 part liquid soap to 31parts water. (Typically the soap/water mixture was made in bulk for several days use; 4 oz of soap and 124 oz of water). A shoot was selected from the cut branch that contained 3 ages of growth (current, past year's and two year's prior growth; i.e., in 1994 the 1994, 1993 and 1992 growths were sampled). Cones were removed if present. Each year's growth was cut from the shoot and placed in a separate small ziploc-type plastic bag until measured. The angle between needle and shoot twig was measured for five randomly selected needles in each of 3 shoot cylinder planes along the shoot for a total of 15 angle measurements per shoot-age section. The angle was measured for 5 random needles in the horizontal plane (0 degrees) and in the top and bottom perpendicular planes (90 degrees). The protractor was moved along the shoot length and angles at 5 locations along the twig length were recorded. (Distinguishing the planes in jack pine was difficult due to shoot cylinder symmetry, so the protractor was arbitrarily placed for the "top" plane and the shoot was rotated 90 degrees for each of the other two planes.) If a needle was absent at the location selected for measurement, the angles were recorded as a null reading. Bare twig length (lengths absent of needles), shoot-age section length and the "wide" and "narrow" shoot widths were measured with the caliper. If the shoot- age section was longer than 150 mm, a meter stick was used to measure the lengths. Shoot length was measured as the length from the cut twig end to the tip of the needle. The shoot-age section was submerged in the water/soap solution using a suspended alligator clip. The container was initially tared with the clip submerged in the water. The shoot-age section was clamped into the clip and completely submerged in the solution without touching the side of the container. The sample and container were weighed. The needles were then removed from the shoot- age section. The length and diameter of the twig were measured. If the shoot-age section was longer than 150 mm, a meter stick was used to measure the twig lengths. The container was tared with the clip submerged in soap/water solution. The twig was clamped into the clip and completely submerged in the soap/water solution without contact with the side of the container. The sample and container were weighed (taring resulted in the sample weight). The total number of needles and the number of dead needles were counted and recorded. Ten needles were randomly selected from which needle lengths were measured with the caliper. For IFC-93 and FFC-W the widest and narrowest widths of the 10 needles were measured. These procedures were repeated for each shoot-age class and remaining shoots. For Shape Factor: Needle shape factors were calculated for needles from 9 shoot samples collected from three branches during each IFC. Several needles from a particular age class were sampled from each shoot. Needles were placed in a bag from which 3 needles were randomly sampled. The mid-needle cross sections of three needles were placed on a microscope slide and the slide was placed on the light stand of the microscope. The image of the three cross sections was captured and the area and perimeter of each cross section were calculated by the image analysis system by counting the number of "blackish" pixels. The process was repeated for 32 additional needles randomly selected from the bag. A total of 35 cross sections was measured. The areas and perimeters were used in the shape factor equation (See Section 9.1.1) and averaged to give a mean shape factor by species, age class and canopy height. 6. OBSERVATIONS 6.1 Data Notes None. 6.2 Field Notes Needle ages measured in 1993 were 1993 growth, 1992 growth and 1991 growth. Needle and twig ages measured in 1994, unless otherwise noted, are 1994 growth, 1993 growth and 1992 growth. Sampled: August 4, 1993 Measured: August 5, 1993 Shoot geometry from jack pine shoots collected near SSA-FEN. 3 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications of shoots. Branches from tree 1 and 2 were sunlit and the branch from tree 3 was shaded. Sampled: August 6, 1993 Measured: August 7-10, 1993 Coordinate measurements of leaf gas exchange; leaf optical properties and shoot geometry on black spruce near SSA-FEN. 3 trees x 4 branches x 3 ages x 3 replications of adaxial needle surface. Tree 1 was sunlit, tree 2 was lightly shaded and tree 3 was deeply shaded. All trees were about 3 to 3.5 m tall in a grove of trees about 10 m tall. Sampled: August 16, 1993 Measured: August 17-18, 1993 Shoot geometry from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 age x 1 replication of shoot. Sampled: August 20, 1993 Measured: August 21, 1993 Coordinate measurements of leaf gas exchange, leaf optical properties and shoot geometry on black spruce shoots collected near SSA-FEN. 5 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 1 replication of shoot. Sampled: February 3, 1994 Measured: February 13, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-OJP and shipped to Lincoln, NE. 7 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot age sections were from the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Samples appeared somewhat flattened during shipment; needle orientation to twig and shoot diameter measurements may be invalid. Sampled: February 7, 1994 Measured: February 14, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS and shipped to Lincoln, NE. 8 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot age sections were from the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Samples appeared somewhat flattened during shipping; needle orientation to twig and shoot diameter measurements may be invalid. Sampled: April 14, 1994 Measured: April 20-21, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS and shipped to Lincoln, NE. 1 tree x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot age sections were from the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Sampled: April 15, 1994 Measured: April 20-21, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized on jack pine shoots collected at SSA-OJP and shipped to Lincoln, NE . 6 trees x 2 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot ages were the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Sampled: May 26, 1994 Measured: May 27-29, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Trees located about 150m east of hut and 20-50m north of access road. Branches were from south side of trees and generally in full sunlight at 1230-1600 local time. Branches were collected from 2-3m from the soil surface. Shoot age sections were from the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Sampled: June 1, 1994 Measured: June 2-4, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 trees x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot age sections were from the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Samples collected from top of the trees via canopy access tower and on the south facing side of the trees. Branches were sunlit. Sampled: June 4, 1994 Measured: June 4, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from jack pine shoots that were coordinated with gas exchange measurements. Samples were collected at SSA-YJP. 4 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot ages were 1994, 1993 and 1992 growth. Sampled: June 7, 1994 Measured: June 8-9, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from black spruce shoot collected at SSA-OBS. 3 trees x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Shoot age sections were from the 1993, 1992 and 1991 growth. Samples collected from lower in the canopy (approximately 9m from the soil surface) via canopy access tower. Branches from tree 1 and 2 were mostly shaded. Branches from tree 3 were sunlit most of the time. Sampled: June 10, 1994 Measured: June 10-12, 1994 Shoot geometry characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Trees located about 150m east of hut and 20-50m south of access road. Branches were from south side of trees and sunlit. Branches were collected from the top of the canopy. Sampled: June 18, 1994 Measured: June 18, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. Two shoots of 1993's growth were sampled from low in the canopy. Sampled: June 21, 1994 Measured: June 21, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. Three shoots of 1993's growth and two shoots of 1992's growth were sampled from low in the canopy. Sampled: June 26, 1994 Measured: June 26, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. Four shoots of 1993's growth and one shoot of 1992's growth were sampled from low in the canopy. Sampled: July 2, 1994 Measured: July 2, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. Four shoots of 1993's growth and four shoots of 1992's growth were sampled from low in the canopy. Sampled: July 6, 1994 Measured: July 6, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. Six shoots of 1993's growth and six shoots of 1992's growth were sampled from low in the canopy. Sampled: July 16, 1994 Measured: July 16, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from white spruce shoots collected at SSA-MIX. Five shoots of 1994's growth were sampled from middle of the canopy. Sampled: July 17, 1994 Measured: July 17, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 ages x 5 replications. Samples were collected, from the canopy access tower, from high in the canopy. Sampled: July 21, 1994 Measured: July 23-24, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Trees located about 250m east of hut and 80m south of access road. Branches were from south side of trees and sunlit. Branches were collected from the 1.5-2 m from the soil surface. Sampled: July 25, 1994 Measured: July 25, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from white spruce shoots collected at SSA-MIX. Five shoots of 1993's growth were sampled from middle of the canopy. Sampled: July 25, 1994 Measured: July 26-27, 1994 Measurements of shoot geometry on jack pine collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Trees located about 150m east of hut and 20- 40m north of access road. Branches were from south side of trees and sunlit. Branches were collected from the top of the canopy. Sampled: July 30, 1994 Measured: July 30, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 ages x 5 replications. Samples were collected, from the canopy access tower, from high in the canopy. Sampled: July 30, 1994 Measured: July 31- August 2, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 trees x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Samples collected from the top of the canopy via canopy access tower. Branches were sunlit. Sampled: July 31, 1994 Measured: July 31, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. Six shoots of 1994's growth were sampled from low in the canopy. Sampled: August 2, 1994 Measured: August 2, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 ages x 4 replications. Samples were collected, from the canopy access tower, from high in the canopy. Sampled: August 2, 1994 Measured: August 2-4, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 trees x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Samples collected from lower in the canopy (approximately 9m from the soil surface) via canopy access tower. Branches were mostly shaded. Sampled: August 5, 1994 Measured: August 5, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 3 ages x 10 replications. Samples were collected from low in the canopy. Sampled: August 9, 1994 Measured: August 9, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 3 ages x 3 replications. Samples were collected from low in the canopy. Sampled: August 7, 1994 Measured: August 7, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from white spruce shoots collected at SSA-MIX. 3 ages x 5 replications. Sampled were collected from middle of the canopy. Sampled: September 4, 1994 Measured: September 5-6, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 trees x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Samples collected from lower in the canopy (approximately 9m from the soil surface) via canopy access tower. Tree 1 and 3 are sunlit samples and tree 2 is shaded. Measurements were not made on tree 3 branch 2. Sampled: September 7, 1994 Measured: September 8-11, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from black spruce shoots collected at SSA-OBS. 3 trees x 3 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Samples collected from the top of the canopy via canopy access tower. Sampled: September 8, 1994 Measured: September 8, 1994 Shoot geometry, coordinated with gas exchange measurements, was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 3 ages x 4 replications. Samples were collected from low in the canopy. Sampled: September 11, 1994 Measured: September 11-13, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Trees located about 150m east of hut and 20-40m north of access road. Branches were collected from the top of the canopy. Sampled: September 14, 1994 Measured: September 14-15, 1994 Shoot geometry was characterized from jack pine shoots collected at SSA-YJP. 9 trees x 1 branch x 3 ages x 3 replications. Trees located about 100m east of hut and 20-40m north of access road. Branches were from south side of trees and sunlit. Branches were collected from 2-3 m from soil surface from trees near the canopy access scaffolding. 7. DATA DESCRIPTION 7.1 Spatial Characteristics 7.1.1 Spatial Coverage Samples were collected from portions of the canopy at SSA-OBS, SSA-MIX, SSA-OA, SSA-OJP, SSA-YA, SSA-YJP, and SSA-FEN sites. The North American Datum 1983 (NAD83) coordinates for the sites are: Latitude Longitude ---------- ----------- SSA-FEN-FLXTR 53.80206 N 104.61798 W SSA-MIX-TETR 53.7254 N 105.20643 W SSA-OA-FLXTR 53.62889 N 106.19779 W SSA-OBS-FLXTR 53.98717 N 105.11779 W SSA-OJP-FLXTR 53.91634 N 104.69203 W SSA-YA-FLXTR 53.65601 N 105.32314 W SSA-YJP-FLXTR 53.87581 N 104.64529 W 7.1.3 Spatial Resolution These data represent point source measurements taken at the given locations. Shoot selection came from a branch approximately 30-70 cm long. 7.2 Temporal Characteristics 7.2.1 Temporal Coverage Branches were collected from 1530 to 0023 GMT. The shoot geometry measurement times ranged from 1340 to 0459 GMT. Measurements were not made continuously but in August 1993, May 1994, June 1994, July 1994, August 1994, and September 1994. 7.2.2 Temporal Coverage Map The following list gives the date, site, and type of samples collected: Date Site Species ---------- ------- ---------- 04-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Jack Pine 04-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Aspen 06-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Black Spruce 16-AUG-1993 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 19-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Aspen 19-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Buck Bean 19-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Bog Birch 20-AUG-1993 SSA-FEN Black Spruce 26-May-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 29-May-1994 SSA-YA Aspen 01-JUN-1994 SSA-OBS Black Spruce 04-JUN-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 06-JUN-1994 SSA-OA Aspen 07-JUN-1994 SSA-OBS Black Spruce 07-JUN-1994 SSA-YA Aspen 10-JUN-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 15-JUN-1994 SSA-YA Aspen 21-JUL-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 25-JUL-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 30-JUL-1994 SSA-OBS Black Spruce 02-AUG-1994 SSA-OBS Black Spruce 04-SEP-1994 SSA-OBS Black Spruce 04-SEP-1994 SSA-YA Aspen 07-SEP-1994 SSA-YA Aspen 08-SEP-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 11-SEP-1994 SSA-YJP Jack Pine 7.2.3 Temporal Resolution A typical shoot geometry sample (one shoot-age section from one shoot) characterization required approximately 10 to 15 minutes. (IFC93 4AUG-20AUG93; IFC1-94 26MAY-15JUN94; IFC2-94 21JUL-2AUG94; IFC3-94 4SEP-11SEP94) No consistent changes in shoot geometry were observed during the 1-3 day period following the collection of the samples from the trees. 7.3 Data Description Data characteristics are defined in the companion data definition file (te12sgd.def). 7.4 Sample Data Record Sample data format shown in the companion data definition file (te12sgd.def). 8. Data Organization 8.1 Data Granularity All of the BOREAS TE-12 SSA Shoot Geometry Data are contained in one dataset. 8.2 Data Format The files contain numerical and character fields of varying length separated by commas. The character fields are enclosed with a single apostrophe marks. There are no spaces between the fields. Sample data records are shown in the companion data definition file (te12sgd.def). 9. DATA MANIPULATIONS 9.1 Formulas SA = X sqrt(V n L) [1] where SA = Total surface area of a group of conifer needles (mm2) X = Dimensionless Shape Factor V = Volume of the needles (mm3) n = number of needles (unitless) L = mean length of the needles (mm) 9.1.1 Derivation Techniques/Algorithms. The total surface area (SA), in mm2, of a group of conifer needles is given by: SA = n L P [2] where P = perimeter length of the needle cross section (mm). The volume (V), in mm3, of the needles is : V = n L A [3] where A is the needle cross section area (mm2). Solving for A gives: A = V / (n L) [4] A dimensionless "Shape factor" (X) is defined as: X = P/sqrt(A) [5a] thus P = X sqrt(A) [5b] Subsituting Eq. 5b into Eq. 2 gives SA = n L X sqrt(A) [6] and from Eq. 4 then: SA = n L X sqrt[V/(nL)] = X sqrt(V n L) [7] This equation is valid for any arbitrary cross-sectional needle shape. Moreover, the factor will remain constant even if the needle tapers at its end, provided its shape remains the same. 9.2 Data Processing Sequence 9.2.1 Processing Steps and Data Sets The weight of the entire intact shoot-age section is calculated from the volume displacement procedure (BOREAS ExPlan; Appendix K) and converted to volume based on 1 g equals 1 cm3. The twig volume is computed in the same manner. The total needle volume is calculated based on the difference between the shoot-age section volume and twig volume. The cross sectional area and perimeter of the three cross sections were measured at one time; the average area and perimeter are used in Equation 5a to calculate single shape factor. A total of 35 shape factor calculations was averaged to give an average shape factor for each species, canopy height, age class and IFC. The average shape factor, average needle length, number of needles and the corrected volume of shoot-age section are used in Equation 7 to calculate the total needle surface area. 9.2.2 Processing Changes Not applicable. 9.3 Calculations 9.3.1 Special Corrections/Adjustments Not applicable. 10. ERRORS 10.1 Sources of Error Errors can occur as a result of the technique used for the volume displacement procedure. The technique involves submerging the shoot-age section or twig with an alligator clip suspended by a wire into a container of soap and water mixture. The clip must be removed from the water to clamp and unclamp the sample. Water is inadvertently removed from the container with each touch of the alligator clip. Water removal will cause an underestimation of the true volume displacement of the individual sample (Approximately 0.01 g of water was removed each time the clip was touched.) The design of our submerging technique was flawed prior to 3-Jun-94. The wire attached to the alligator clip which held the shoot submerged in the water was attached to the water container. This was corrected so the alligator clip and wire were held and lowered into the water container without touching the container. Comparison of these two methods did not show any detectable difference with respect to the sensitivity of balance (0.01 g) used to make the measurements. A 0.01 g error translates into <1 to 5% relative error in calculated surface area based on the magnitude of the volume of the needles sample. Minor errors could result in the measurements of the angle between the needle and twig as a result of sample storage. Samples were cut from the tree, wrapped in damp cheesecloth and placed in a sealed plastic bag which was placed in a cooler. Placing the sample in the bag and many samples in the ice chest could cause a slight "deformation" of some of the samples, but care was taken to not place too many samples in each ice chest. Flagging tape was used to denote the shoots to be used in measurement of shoot geometry, water potential and needle optical properties. This practice could have changed the actual angle of the needle to shoot axis if the tape was placed on the needles to be measured on the shoot. The protractor was place perpendicular to the plane to be measured (i.e., parallel to the plane of the needles to be measured.) Curvature of the twigs and needles made measurements of angles, as well as length, difficult. The angle was estimated to the nearest 5 degrees. No attempt was made to straighten out the curved needles when the length was measured. The caliper could potentially squeeze the needle thus underestimating the needle length and width measurements. Because of the above mentioned problems, measurements with the calipers were considered to be accurate only to 0.1 mm, not the 0.01 mm resolution of the caliper. Using the image analysis system to measure the area and perimeter of the cross sections have produced a 5 percent relative error in measurement due to user defined thresholds of the pixel counting methods. Natural variation in cross section area and perimeter measurements in mid-needle sections and over the length of the needle was less than 5 percent, relative, in each case. These errors translate to less than a 5 percent relative error in shape factors. A sensitivity analysis of shape factor to other needle attributes showed that a 5 percent relative error in shape factor resulted in less than 5 percent relative error in needle surface area. (The sensitivity analysis test was conducted on samples from IFC-2 for jack pine and black spruce samples.) 10.2 Quality Assessment Angle measurements of needles to shoot axis were approximately within 5 degrees of true orientation. Calipers for measuring shoot length and width and needle length and width measured to the nearest 0.01 mm, but due to the conditions described in section 10.1 measurements were estimated to be accurate to the nearest 0.1 mm. The top loading scale, used in determining shoot volume, had an accuracy of 0.01 g, but due to the water loss when attaching the sample to the clip, the weights of sample and water may be underestimated by 0.01 g for the individual measurements of the shoot and twig. 10.2.1 Data Validation by Source None given. 10.2.2 Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgement None given. 10.2.3 Measurement Error for Parameters None given. 10.2.4 Additional Quality Assessments None given. 10.2.5 Data Verification by Data Center Data was examined for general consistency and clarity. 11. NOTES 11.1 Limitations of Data 11.2 Known Problems With The Data Sample volumes may be underestimated by 0.01 cm3 due to water loss as sample is attached to the clip. Missing data are coded with -999. 11.3 Usage Guidance Data acceptable for use with consideration of above mentioned known problems with data and estimated errors. 11.4 Other Relevant Information Acknowledgement of other research staff who assisted in measurements: Liquang Chen, UNL graduate student Brian P. Lang, UNL undergraduate student Cynthia J.Hays, UNL Research Technologist Dr. Blaine L. Blad, Agricultural Department Head at UNL Dr. Muhammad Chaudhury, UNL Research Technologist 12 Application of the Data Set None given. 13 Future Modifications and Plans None given. 14. Software 14.1 Software Description None given. 14.2 Software Access None given. 15 Data Access 15.1 Contact Information Ms. Beth Nelson BOREAS Data Manager NASA GSFC Greenbelt, MD (301) 286-4005 (301) 286-0239 (fax) Elizabeth.Nelson@gsfc.nasa.gov 15.2 Data Center Identification See section 15.1. 15.3 Procedures for Obtaining Data Users may place requests by telephone, electronic mail, or FAX. 15.4 Data Center Status/Plans The TE-12 shoot geometry data are available from the EOSDIS ORNL DAAC (Earth Observing System Data and Information System) (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) (Distributed Active Archive Center). The BOREAS contact at ORNL is: ORNL DAAC User Services Oak Ridge National Laboratory (865) 241-3952 ornldaac@ornl.gov ornl@eos.nasa.gov 16. Output Products and Availability 16.1 Tape Products None. 16.2 Film Products None. 16.3 Other Products The data are available as tabular ASCII files. 17. References 17.1 Satellite/Instrument/Data Processing Documentation Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper (Series 500) Manual, Tokyo, Japan Mettler (Series PL1200) Balance, Princeton, New Jersey 17.2 Journal Articles and Study Reports Sellers, P., F. Hall. 1994. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1994-3.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 94). Sellers, P., F. Hall. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: Experiment Plan. Version 1996-2.0, NASA BOREAS Report (EXPLAN 96). Sellers, P., F. Hall, K.F. Huemmrich. 1996. Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study: 1994 Operations. NASA BOREAS Report (OPS DOC 94). Sellers, P., F. Hall, 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., F. Hall. 1997. BOREAS Overview Paper. JGR Special Issue. 17.3 Archive/DBMS Usage Documenation None. 18. GLOSSARY OF Terms None. 19. List of Acronyms BOREAS - BOReas Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study BORIS - BOREAS Information System DAAC - Distributed Active Archive Center EOS - Earth Observing System EOSDIS - EOS Data and Information System FC - Field Campaign FEN - Nipawin Fen site FFC - Focused Field Campaign GSFC - Goddard Space Flight Center HASL - Half surface area of leaf IFC - Intensive Field Campaign NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration OBS - Old Wet Black Spruce OJP - Old Jack Pine ORNL - Oark Ridge National Laboratory SA - Surface area of the leaf SSA - Southern Study Area TE - Terrestrial Ecology UNL - University of Nebraska - Lincoln URL - Uniform Resource Locator YJP - Nipawin Young-Dry Jack Pine 20. DOCUMENT INFORMATION 20.1 Revision Date of This Document Written: 2-Dec-1997 Last Updated: 06-Aug-1998 20.2 Document Review Date BORIS Review: 30-Apr-1997 Science Review: 15-Jan-1998 20.4 Requested Form of Acknowledgment E.A. Walter-Shea, M.A. Mesarch, L. Chen, L. Yang from University of Nebraska at Lincoln. 20.5 Documentation Curator 20.6 Documentation URL Keywords Shoot geometry Southern Study Area TE12_ShootGeom 08/20/98