This is the continuing journal from yesterday.
This marker post holds the sample tubes from the experimental side of the fence. There is another marker for the control side.
The second set of data that we are collecting right now is the amount of CO2 being released from the study areas themselves. We take these samples through tubes that are extending from covered sample rings placed last summer. The sample tubes have all been connected to a wooden marker that is above the snow level. The three study sites have a sample marker at both the warming side of the fence and the control side of the fence. Remember the fences are there to pile the snow up on the warming side. (Watch the video about snow fences with this journal) These measurements give us a real look at how much CO2 is coming from both sides of the fence during the winter. These measurements can take hours to collect, so this is where the waiting comes in! All the time we need to keep an eye on the batteries in the computer because the cold really cuts their run time down.
This is the snow fence video: http://
Once this data has been collected, or the batteries run out, we pack up the gear, make sure that everything that needs to be tied down is tied down, and head back to the snowmobile. It is very surprising to see how the wind has changed the snow each day when we arrive. Even if the wind seems like it is blowing just a little bit, the next day we will come out and all of tracks from the day before are almost gone. That is one reason why we measure the snow depth every time we sample.
The gas analyzer in the case measures the samples and the computer records the data. This process can take hours, so Elizabeth has to be very careful with the data and the instruments.
The data does show that there is more CO2 coming from the experimental side of the fence than from the control side. At different times there is a little of a lot. The snow Fences do seem to be having an expected affect on the tundra. We will look at the ground temperature data when Dr. Natali arrives and I’m sure, as last year, we will see that the ground under the thicker snow has maintained a higher temperature than the ground with the less snow cover.
Mr. Wood is helping Elizabeth with her measurements. He's doing the waiting for her!
Once winter is over and the experiment is changed to summer operations we will then begin to look at what affect the warmer ground has had on the plants as they come back to life. It’s very cool to see the difference!
Here is a good question for the students to check for understanding. Give me an answer, even if you have to guess a bit. Don’t forget to tell me why! How do you think the warmer winter ground temperatures on the experimental side will affect how the plants grow in the spring, and why?