Distributed Sensor Networks (DSNs)
Service: Measure environmental variables such as temperature using
distributed sensor networks (DSNs).
The Technique: DSNs are revolutionizing the way we sense the natural
and human environment by expanding our ability to collect information
over an unprecedented range of spatial and temporal scales and with an
unequaled degree of localized accuracy. DSNs consist of a large number
of small, independent sensors, each of which is capable of reading and
storing one or more environmental variables such as temperature. To be
effective, sensors must be inexpensive, low-maintenance, low in power
consumption, and noninvasive. Deployment of DSNs allows us to address
long-standing problems in ecology and conservation biology.
Our Approach: We are using DSNs in a variety of applications for
microclimate and habitat assessment. For example, we deployed a DSN
to provide continuous temperature measurements throughout the San
Francisquito Watershed (south San Francisco Bay), allowing detailed
habitat characterization for steelhead trout, western pond turtle, and
red-legged frog. In another example, we used a DSN to characterize
microclimate requirements for overwintering butterflies in the Monarch
Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.
Learn more on our Stream Habitat Stewardship page
Examples
Service: Measure environmental variables such as temperature using
distributed sensor networks (DSNs).
The Technique: DSNs are revolutionizing the way we sense the natural
and human environment by expanding our ability to collect information
over an unprecedented range of spatial and temporal scales and with an
unequaled degree of localized accuracy. DSNs consist of a large number
of small, independent sensors, each of which is capable of reading and
storing one or more environmental variables such as temperature. To be
effective, sensors must be inexpensive, low-maintenance, low in power
consumption, and noninvasive. Deployment of DSNs allows us to address
long-standing problems in ecology and conservation biology.
Our Approach: We are using DSNs in a variety of applications for
microclimate and habitat assessment. For example, we deployed a DSN
to provide continuous temperature measurements throughout the San
Francisquito Watershed (south San Francisco Bay), allowing detailed
habitat characterization for steelhead trout, western pond turtle, and
red-legged frog. In another example, we used a DSN to characterize
microclimate requirements for overwintering butterflies in the Monarch
Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.
Learn more on our Stream Habitat Stewardship page
Examples
| Copyright 2008 © Creekside Center for Earth Observation LLC. All rights reserved. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Creekside Center
for Earth Observation
for Earth Observation
Select Publications
Weiss, S.B., et al. 2005. Topoclimate and microclimate in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
(Mexico). World Wildlife Fund Report. pdf pdf (text only)
Weiss, S.B., P.M. Rich, and A.E. Launer. 2008. San Francisquito Creek Habitat Monitoring Project:
Stream Temperature Characterization. San Francisquito Watershed Council Report. pdf
Weiss, S.B., et al. 2005. Topoclimate and microclimate in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
(Mexico). World Wildlife Fund Report. pdf pdf (text only)
Weiss, S.B., P.M. Rich, and A.E. Launer. 2008. San Francisquito Creek Habitat Monitoring Project:
Stream Temperature Characterization. San Francisquito Watershed Council Report. pdf
| Analyses of DSN temperature measurements illustrate that subsurface flow in the "CM Mouth" stream reach greatly decreases diurnal water temperature variation as compared with the "Dam Outlet" stream reach of San Francisquito Creek. |
| We are strategically deploying DSNs of inexpensive temperature sensors, iButton thermochrons, to characterize habitat for organisms of conservation concern. |
 |
| Temperature sensors were fastened to bricks and deployed at various locations and depths throughout the San Francisquito Watershed. |