| Principal Investigator: | Berg, Aaron A (3) |
| Licence Number: | 15902 |
| Organization: | University of Guelph |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2018
2017
2016
|
| Issued: | Jun 02, 2016 |
| Project Team: | Tracy Rowlandson, Christopher Derksen, Philip Marsh, William Woodley |
Objective(s): To monitor the spatial variability of soil moisture; and to test the soil moisture retrieval algorithms in high organic soils.
Project Description: The main objectives of this research are to: 1. monitor the spatial variability of soil moisture at approximately a 10km resolution in the region of Trail Valley Creek (TVC); and, 2. to test the soil moisture retrieval algorithms in high organic soils through both satellite based measurements and with the use of a ground based radiometer. To achieve the first objective, the research team will install soil moisture monitoring probes at both the Upper Plateau and Main Met sites at TVC. At each location 5 sites will be installed with sensors placed at depths of 5cm, 10cm and 20cm and connected to a data-logger and solar panel. These stations will be installed in early to mid-June, depending on the depth of the permafrost. The monitoring sites will remain installed until the beginning to mid-September when they will be removed. The installation process involves digging a hole to a depth suitable for the installation of the 20cm sensor. Soil cores will also be extracted at each depth and will be used to create a site-specific calibration of the sensors (calibration will be conducted at the University of Guelph). Each monitoring site has little to no influence on the natural environment. To evaluate the soil moisture retrieval algorithms, the data collected from the network will be compared to the satellite derived soil moisture estimates. In an effort to improve retrievals, a ground based radiometer will be deployed near the Main Met site at TVC. When deployed, this radiometer will measure a region of approximately 8m x 8m. The radiometer will be deployed over an area that is representative of the majority of land cover within the region. In the radiometer footprint, 3 soil moisture monitoring sites will be installed, with sensors placed vertically into the soil profile, and horizontally at 5cm, 7.5cm, 10cm and 20cm depths. Small regions of vegetation on the surface will be removed to estimate the water content and gravimetric samples of soil moisture (of known volume) will be extracted to provide a highly accurate estimate of soil moisture conditions. These samples will be taken at regular intervals during the study period of approximately two to three weeks beginning the end of July and proceeding through to mid-August, when the permafrost levels are well below the 20cm depth. The soil moisture monitoring network will require assistance for installation, removal and maintenance. These processes will require the assistance of local personnel who are or will be trained for the necessary tasks. A synthesis of data collected can be provided to the Aurora Research Institute upon completion. The results of this study will mainly be communicated through peer-reviewed journal articles and through national and international conference presentations. Publications will be made available to all parties interested. There is also the possibility of local presentations made by local research associate. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from June 3, 2016 to September 15, 2016.
