Instrumented Collection Types
NEON deploys automated instruments to collect meteorological, soil, phenological, surface water, and groundwater data at NEON field sites.
Meteorology
Micrometeorological sensors collect weather and climate data, including fluxes of carbon, water, and energy between the terrestrial ecosystem and the atmosphere.
Phenocams
At terrestrial sites, a phenocam is mounted at the top and bottom of each micrometeorological tower to capture above and below canopy phenology. At aquatic sites, one phenocam collects data that can be used for qualitative estimates of snow cover, riparian characteristics, or weather.
Soil Sensors
A soil sensor array of five soil plots that are installed near the tower measure physical and chemical properties of soil at various depths, and soil heat flux at the soil surface.
Surface Water
In situ sensor stations at aquatic sites collect surface water quality and depth measurements, including but not limited to temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), turbidity, and dissolved oxygen.
Ground Water
Shallow groundwater wells are installed at most aquatic field sites and equipped with instrumentation to measure water table elevation, temperature, and specific conductance at high temporal resolutions.
