Tree Sway Time Series of 7 Amazon Tree Species (July 2015–May 2016)

Ideas and perspectives: Tree–atmosphere interaction responds to water-related stem variations

Land–atmosphere interactions depend on momentum transfer from the atmosphere to the canopy, which in turn depends on the tree drag coefficient. It is known that the drag coefficient, and thus tree–atmosphere momentum transfer, can vary strongly within a canopy. Yet, only few measurements are available to study the variation of tree–atmosphere...

Water stress detection in the Amazon using radar

The Amazon rainforest plays an important role in the global water and carbon cycle, and though it is predicted to continue drying in the future, the effect of drought remains uncertain. Developments in remote sensing missions now facilitate large-scale observations. The RapidScat scatterometer (K_u band) mounted on the International...

Measuring Tree Properties and Responses Using Low-Cost Accelerometers

Trees play a crucial role in the water, carbon and nitrogen cycle on local, regional and global scales. Understanding the exchange of momentum, heat, water, and CO 2 between trees and the atmosphere is important to assess the impact of drought, deforestation and climate change. Unfortunately, ground measurements of tree properties such as mass...

Dielectric Response of Corn Leaves to Water Stress

Radar backscatter from vegetated surface is sensitive to direct backscatter from the canopy, and two-way attenuation of the signal as it travels through the canopy. Both mechanisms are affected by the dielectric properties of {the individual elements of the canopy, which are primarily a function of water content.} Leaf water content of corn can...