Sensor Network Array

Austin Willbern - University of Colorado Boulder, Niwot Ridge LTER

Category: Water & Ice, Atmosphere

Spatial and temporal variability characterizes virtually all ecosystems, with resource supply changing over the course of growing season and across years due to climate variation. To better understand spatial heterogeneity in ecological response across landscape positions, we established a 16-node sensor array within a 45 hectare catchment landscape that measures temporal variability of important biogeochemical and hydrological controls on ecosystem processes. The array was established at the Niwot Saddle catchment in order to accompany long term water quality and discharge records taken at the top and bottom of this catchment. The region forms an important ecological linkage between the terrestrial areas of the Niwot Ridge LTER and the aquatic component in the Green Lakes Valley.

A researcher stand next to a sensor node in deep snow wearing full winter gear

Field technician, Austin Willbern, wiring a sensor node in wintery conditions.

A sensor node sticking out of deep snow on Niwot Ridge, only a couple feet of the sensor are visible.

Sensor Node #1 high up on the west side of the Saddle with about 4 meters of snow almost covering the top of the sensor node

A researcher stand next to a tall sensor and a ladder up on the ridge

Lead limnology technician, Bryan Gager, looking up at a tall sensor node preparing to install a snowdepth sensor

A short sensor tower sits on a dry brown ridge

Sensor Node #10 in the foreground with the Saddle catchment in the background.