The projects are ramping up here at Plymouth State with the FOS-TER (Forest Observation Sensing-Transformative Experience in Research) crew! As we mark two weeks until the official end of our summer employment, we begin to see the prototypes and discussions shift to installation and troubleshooting. The Moisture Variability in a Log and Micrometeorology Stations projects both have seen exciting new installments.
Dave Lutz installs the sensors into the data logging board. Photo: Sophia Adams
Last Thursday, the team spent the day at Hubbard Brook installing a small micrometeorology station measuring wind direction, temperature, relative humidity, and matric potential close to the Picarro Stable Water Isotope Analyzer and CCASE sites near Headquarters. After some troubleshooting with the micro-processing boards, Liz and Rachel were able to get all the sensors up and recording data. Shannon and I were able to help with the calibration of the Picarro instrument and learned some more about field instrumentation.
Dan, Mark, and Chris discuss the logistics of sensor placement at the log. Photo: Sophia Adams
Last Friday we installed over 60 sensors in the “Frankenlog” with the help of Dave Lutz from Dartmouth College, Chris Woodall from the US Forest Service, USFS Intern Louie, Dan Evans, and Mark Green. Rachel and I dug a few holes and organized quite a bit of wire, while Shannon and Liz took on the tough exterior of “Frankenlog” as they drilled the rest of the sensors deep into the log. After an intensive day of installation, we are happy to report that all sensors are active and taking in data!
Collaboration is key! Chris helps Shannon and Liz place a sensor at the log. Photo: Sophia Adams
This week, we’ve been finessing our presentations to the undergraduate research students at Plymouth State, and are preparing the rest of our micrometeorology stations, as well as analyzing some data received. We’re looking forward to a visit to Mount Washington to explore the Observatory and see where the snowpack sensors will be placed in the Fall. Stay tuned for another blog post about that project in the coming weeks. As always, stop by Boyd Hall in Plymouth or strike up a conversation at Hubbard Brook if you see us hiking to the Flux Tower or Watershed 3.