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Tower based observations of solar-induced fluorescence

Project Abstract: 
Solar induced fluorescence (SIF) scales with photosynthesis rates and is observable using remote sensing techniques. Global observations of SIF are available from several satellites, but a rigorous calibration chain for these observations has yet to be established. We will use grating spectrometers to measure SIF from the Ameriflux and FASET towers, and compare SIF against GPP inferred from eddy covariance observations at the same locations. We expect that this will allow us to quantify the relationship between SIF and GPP in a temperate forest ecosystem. We will investigate whether the quantitative relationship varies between the two towers as a consequence of disturbance or succession patterns. We will leverage other observations from UMBS, for example LIDAR data for canopy structure, soil moisture data, and in-canopy water vapor isotopes, to understand how these quantities affect SIF and GPP. We expect that this research will facilitate the use of space-based SIF observations as well as provide greater insight to ecosystem carbon uptake at the station.
Investigators: 
Status of Research Project: 
Years Active: 
2024 to 2027
Methods: 
We use grating spectrometers to measure SIF from the Ameriflux tower. A fibre optic cable with a scanning telescope lens will be mounted to the tower, approximately 10 m above the canopy level. The spectrometer and computer controller will be housed in the lab below. The spectrometer is thermally stabilized using heaters and a thermoelectric coller. Data collection will be automated, so we expect that after setting up the instrument, we will need minimal human intervention.