Snow-Vegetation-Atmosphere Interactions over Heterogeneous Landscapes

Lead Research Organisation: Northumbria University
Department Name: Fac of Engineering and Environment

Abstract

See lead proposal
 
Description We have obtained detailed measurements of forest canopy structures and how they influence solar radiation fluxes at the surface for two Arctic sites with contrasting characteristics: sparse birch forest at Abisko, Sweden, and medium-density pine and spruce forests at Sodankyla, Finland. We have used these datasets in the development of models for the influence of boreal forests on snow melt. We then used these models to investigate sources of uncertainty reported by IPCC AR5 in snow albedo climate feedbacks, and concluded that these uncertainties could be reduced in the next generation of climate models.
Exploitation Route Our datasets are available through BADC and could be used for model evaluation. Model developments could be used in land surface schemes (such as JULES) required for climate modelling.
Sectors Environment
 
Title Snow-Veg: Sodankyla 
Description Vegetation and meteorological observations (snow and radiation) were collected by various ground instruments in an area of forest near Sodankyla (Finalnd) during measurement campaigns in March 2011. This data is made available through the BADC. An open area and five 20 m × 20 m forest plots were selected for shortwave and longwave radiation measurements and canopy characterization. The Arctic Research Centre of the Finnish Meteorological Institute at Sodankylä (67°22'N, 26°38'E) has continuous weather observations dating back to 1908 and is a major centre for meteorological and remote sensing field studies. The surrounding area includes forests of Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), extensive mires and numerous lakes that are frozen and snow-covered in winter. This was a NERC funded project. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2013 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Five publications and a Phd Studentship resulting from analysis of this database. 
URL http://catalogue.ceda.ac.uk/uuid/9c8c86ed78ae4836a336d45cbb6a757c
 
Title Snow-veg: Abisko 
Description Vegetation and meteorological observations (snow and radiation) were collected by various ground instruments in an area of forest near Abisko (Sweden) during measurement campaigns in March and April 2011. This data is made available through the BADC. This is a NERC funded project. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2013 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Five publications and a Phd Studentship resulting from analysis of this database. 
URL http://catalogue.ceda.ac.uk/uuid/6947880b98d32e249a8638ebe768efd2