Abstract ID: 349

Below canopy spatial and temporal variability of enviromental variables at Caxiuanã National Forest.

The spatial and temporal variability of below canopy virtual potential temperature (Өv), specific humidity (q) and litter fall information have been investigated using data collected from April to July 2005, at Caxiuanã National Forest, in eastern Amazon. The meteorological data have been measured at four different levels (1, 8, 16, and 32m) at a 32m height meteorological tower. Interesting height variability patterns for hourly mean values of below canopy Өv and q have been obtained. Two particular months, April (rainy season) and July (dry season), have been analyzed. Concerning the virtual potential temperature variability pattern, both months presents similar results. During the day, the stability dominates (from 09 to 16:00h). At night, at the upper part (16 to 30 m), the instability remains during the whole nocturnal period. However, at the lower part (1 to 8 m), the air remains stable. Regarding the specific humidity, the values of both months are also very similar: at 1m, there is only one daily maximum and minimum during these two months, while up to 8m, there are two maxima and minima. Moreover, the humidity deficit of July is higher than April’s, when it reached a maximum of 16,53 g/kg, at 30m. On April, at the same height, the value was 12,18 g/kg. In a transect from Caxiuanã’s bay to PPBio site, it was found that there is a horizontal variation of litter amount. At the regions near the river, the organic matter variation is higher and the litter concentration is higher. This variation decreases with increasing distance form the water, while the litter concentration tends to increase.

Session:  Biodiversity - Data/metadata integration and information dissemination: PPBio challenges and solutions.

Presentation Type:  Poster