Bowen Ratio Surface Flux Observations from 1987-1989 FIFE Study

Surface flux measurements collected at two sites within the FIFE study area during 1987, 1988, and 1989. The dataset includes daily observations of net radiation, sensible heat, latent heat, and soil heat flux from valley and ridge locations. Data were gathered by multiple groups using Bowen ratio equipment and are managed by ORNL_CLOUD.

Use Cases

• Analyzing diurnal and seasonal variations in surface energy balance components like net radiation and latent heat flux.
• Comparing soil heat flux and moisture dynamics between contrasting topographic positions (valley vs. ridge).
• Validating remote sensing estimates or model outputs of sensible heat and latent heat fluxes using ground-based measurements.
• Studying the relationship between atmospheric variables (pressure, temperature, wind) and surface flux exchanges.

Strengths

• Measurements span three consecutive years (1987-1989), providing multi-year seasonal context.
• Data collection from two distinct topographic sites allows for comparative analysis of microclimates.
• Includes a wide range of measured variables, from radiation and heat fluxes to soil temperature and moisture.

Limitations

• The exact row count and column names are not provided by any source, limiting precise assessment of data volume and structure.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one listing 2026-03 13 and another listing 1989-08-13.
• The license is specified only as 'other-license-specified', requiring further investigation for reuse terms.

Provenance

Source

ORNL_CLOUD

Collection Method

Field measurements collected using Bowen ratio equipment operated by several groups.

Time Range

1987 to 1989

Freshness

2026-03-13 07:44:18.297291

Geography

Two locations within the FIFE study area: one valley bottom and one ridge top.