Integrated Surface Flux System (ISFS)

ISFF combines the capabilities of a network of surface weather stations with the ability to support intensive micrometeorological research at a single site. Investigators can configure ISFF resources to match the research objectives of each field project.

In the network mode, multiple sites can be instrumented to measure near-surface wind, temperature, humidity, pressure and precipitation. As needed, scientists can also request measurements of momentum fluxes, sensible and latent heat fluxes, short-wave and long-wave radiation, soil temperature, soil moisture and soil heat flux at each station.

In an intensive mode, multiple sensors can be deployed on an array of towers at a single site for detailed examination of the turbulence structure of the atmospheric surface layer. ISFF integrates data from both network and intensive modes with a common data ingest, archival and display system. Solar power, RF modems and satellite data transmission provide sighting flexibility to permit ISFF to operate almost anywhere.

ISFF Development Projects

Adaptive Sensor Array

To expand spacial coverage and mobility a new Adaptive Sensor Array approach is being pursued. This concept is based upon the emerging mesh-network techniques being developed at several educational institutions, NCAR and commercial companies. See the Adaptive Sensor Array Power Point Presentation that ISF provided for NSF which outlines this effort and the first deployment of our new data system.

TRAM

The TRAnsect Measurement (TRAM) system is a tool to investigate a variety of problems in which repetitive measurements of spatial gradients are required on scales of 1--200m (primarily horizontal). Operating similar to an electric train, TRAM consists of one or more instrumented trolleys that traverse a fixed cable supported by a set of many towers. This allows TRAM to be deployed in complex terrain with rugged topography and obstacles. Various groups have constructed other cable-driven systems, however TRAM is unique in using more than 2 towers, so that transects can be constructed with quite large extents. Also, with a closed path, multiple trolleys may be operated simultaneously, reducing sampling errors and allowing divergence to be calculated continuously. Much of the support for this development has been provided by ESSL/TIIMES, since it is a unique tool to sample within forest canopies, especially at night.  TRAM has been used in the NIWOT07 field project.