Videos
Featured Scientist: Eric A. Davidson, Ph.D. Executive Director and Senior Scientist
Project: Howland Forest
WHRC scientists are using the latest technology to measure greenhouse gas emission from forest soils. In a project led by Dr. Eric Davidson and carried out by Research Associate Kathleen Savage, a new laser instrument is being used to measure nitrous oxide and methane emissions at the Howland Forest of Maine. Previously, air samples had to be returned to the laboratory for analysis, but we are now one of the first to deploy this new instrument for automated, round-the-clock measurement of these important greenhouse gases. Kathleen Savage has added the laser to our system for measuring carbon dioxide fluxes, so that we are now measuring all three of the most important greenhouse gases simultaneously. The old-growth forest at Howland includes both wetland and upland soils, providing a good opportunity to study a landscape that is taking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also emitting some methane and nitrous oxide. We can now accurately add up the net effect of all three gases and the role that forests play in moderating the Earth’s climate.
Video: Produced by Research Associate Kathleen Savage.
Image: Howland Forest in Maine. Courtesy of Tad Ryan. Composite design by Development Solutions of New England (DSNE).
