Dear SWS members,

I would like to bring your attention to a new publication which presents guidelines for the micrometeorological technique of high-speed flux measurements of water, gas, heat, and momentum within the atmospheric boundary layer. This technique, known as the Eddy Covariance method, is widely used by micrometeorologists all over the globe. World-wide and regional flux networks (e.g., Fluxnet, Carboeurope, Ameriflux, Fluxnet-Canada, Asiaflux etc.) are set up to accumulate/share flux and auxiliary weather the data.

However, a number of scientists from related disciplines outside of micrometeorology may not have been exposed to the information about this method, or may not be familiar enough with it to assess its usefulness in their research. Specifically, this methodology may be of use to wetlands, agricultural and biological scientists/engineers working with melioration, water use efficiency, evapotranspiration & water loss rates, soil moisture sensing, remote sensing of NDVI, etc. With this in mind, please find below information on a document entitled “Introduction to the Eddy Covariance Method: General Guidelines and Conventional Workflow”.

This document contains an overview of guidelines and typical execution of the method. It has been created to familiarize a beginner with general theoretical principles, requirements, applications, and processing steps of the conventional Eddy Covariance technique. The document is intended to assist readers in further understanding the method through more advanced references such as textbooks, network guidelines and journal papers. It is also intended to help technicians, students and new researchers in the field deployment of the Eddy Covariance method, and to promote its use beyond micrometeorology. In addition, this document or its parts will be useful material for lectures, handouts, or field training of new personnel.

There are three formats for these guidelines: (1) On-line lecture to view and listen; (2) Adobe Acrobat text file to print as a book; and (3) PowerPoint presentation to download.

The on-line lecture is a 2-hour slide presentation with detailed voice-over further explaining information on every slide. The lecture text can be seen by clicking the red checkmark titled "Notes" at the bottom of the screen. This section contains text and informal notes along with additional details. Nearly every slide contains references to other web and literature references, additional explanations, and/or examples. Slide "forward" and "backward" buttons are also at the bottom of the screen. This format is most suitable for listening.

The Adobe Acrobat text format is an electronic book-like format. It has the same information as the on-line lecture, but it is more convenient for someone who does not have time to listen to 2 hours of the lecture at once. The Adobe text (141 pages) can be printed out on paper and read as a book and/or could be used in the field as a quick reminder guide.

The PowerPoint presentation is 141-slide presentation containing the same information as the on-line lecture. The voice-over can be activated by using the slide-show mode or by clicking the sound icon at the bottom of each slide. The notes section with the text at the bottom of each slide can be expanded by clicking on the “view->normal” commands located at the top of the frame. This format is most suitable for downloading and using for parts (e-mail LI-COR for password), or for viewing on the computer without internet connection.

Access to all three formats: HERE

Specific links:

ON-LINE LECTURE TO VIEW AND LISTEN (depends on connection speed)

ADOBE PDF FILE TO PRINT (7MB)

MS POWERPOINT FILE TO DOWNLOAD (Zipped; 600+MB)

Electronic reference: Burba, G.G., and Anderson, D.J. (2007) “Introduction to the Eddy Covariance Method: General Guidelines and Conventional Workflow”. LI-COR Biosciences, http://www.licor.com, 141 pp. (download date)

Please feel free to distribute this message to interested parties within SWS. For specific inquiries about the content of this work, or for the PowerPoint password, please e-mail george.burba at licor.com with the subject “EC Guidelines”.

Sincerely,
George Burba



George Burba, PhD
Senior Scientist
Science & Technology Division
LI-COR Biosciences - Environmental
_________________________________
Phone: 1-800-447-3576; www.licor.com