Research Project

Eddy Covariance System

The eddy covariance (also known as eddy correlation and eddy flux) is a key atmospheric measurement technique to measure and calculate vertical turbulent fluxes within atmospheric boundary layers. The method analyses high-frequency wind and scalar atmospheric data series, gas, energy, and momentum, which yields values of fluxes of these properties. It is a statistical method used in meteorology and other applications (micrometeorology, oceanography, hydrology, agricultural sciences, industrial and regulatory applications, etc.) to determine exchange rates of trace gases over natural ecosystems and agricultural fields, and to quantify gas emissions rates from other land and water areas. It is frequently used to estimate momentum, heat, water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane fluxes.

Taken by Wikipedia

AVA Tower

The tower consisted of a 45 m triangular structure with three order of guy wires that was erected in 2018. The tower is located on the top plateau on Barro Colorado Island and serves as a platform for a suite of meteorological and environmental sensors to monitor forest-atmosphere interactions of energy, water, and carbon fluxes. It has access to grid power.

Pheno Cam

We have two live phenocams located at the Telecommunications and the AVA Tower. These cameras upload images at regular intervals, between 6 am and 7 pm, local time (-5 UTC). The full image catalog can be found hosted on Phenocam Network Servers here: Barro Colorado Image Catalog.

Be aware the images below doesn’t refresh automatically. You have to hit refresh to your browser to get a newer image. The map below shows the location and coverage for the two phenocams currently installed within Barro Colorado Island.