Using networks of eddy covariance towers to explore linkages between ecosystem structure and function Marcy Litvak Assistant Professor, Biology Department, University of New Mexico YESS Workshop October 22-24, 2007

3-D Eddy Covariance Sensor Direct measurement of net ecosystem exchange of carbon, water and energy Advantages of using networks of these towers (Ameriflux, FLUXNET)

How does carbon cycling in boreal forests change following wildfire? km

%43.3 %54.8%63.4% Freeman Ranch Edwards Plateau in central Texas Woody encroachment in karst terrain: implications for regional carbon, water and energy cycles Positive = carbon sink Negative = carbon source

EPSCoR: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research – Hydrology Goal: Leadership in instrumentation and algorithm development for regional hydrologic modeling and ET estimation in semiarid environments Ground-Based Measurements (input and validation for Models) Satellite Imagery (input for maps of ET, vegetation change) Geospatial Integrated Modeling & Geographic Information System Databases and Products NM EPSCoR Hydrology NM EPSCoR Core Network   Rio Grande riparian corridor   Lower Rio Grande agriculture and open water   Arid upland (grassland, desert, juniper savanna, piñon-juniper, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer) Piñon mortality in piñon-juniper woodland in NM

Link to workshop  Eddy covariance towers give integrated measurement over large area  Need detail of how principal components of ecossytem function to interpret  Dispersed sensors across tower footprint crucial  Interested in learning about more efficient ways to link sensors in one tower footprint, across network, and synthesis efforts