Microclimate Measurement and Modeling
Service: Measure and model microclimate factors such as solar radiation and
temperature as they relate to ecology and conservation.
The Technique: Microclimate, local atmospheric conditions such as temperature,
precipitation, and incoming solar radiation (insolation), is a fundamental
determinant of habitat suitability. Gradients of microclimate, with marked variation
over short distances, can be characterized by a combination of sensor
measurements and GIS-based models, and in turn related to ecological processes.
Among the challenges are understanding how prevailing climate and microclimate
regimes are influenced by topography, water bodies, local energy balance,
vegetation cover, and local air/water flow patterns.
Our Contribution: Microclimate measurement and modeling is central to our work
with habitat characterization as it relates to conservation. We have pioneered the
use of solar radiation mapping tools, topoclimate models, distributed sensor
networks (DSNs), prediction of microclimate shifts resulting from climate change,
and conservation management practices based on the ecological ramifications of
microclimate.
More Information:
• Wikipedia Microclimate article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microclimate
Service: Measure and model microclimate factors such as solar radiation and
temperature as they relate to ecology and conservation.
The Technique: Microclimate, local atmospheric conditions such as temperature,
precipitation, and incoming solar radiation (insolation), is a fundamental
determinant of habitat suitability. Gradients of microclimate, with marked variation
over short distances, can be characterized by a combination of sensor
measurements and GIS-based models, and in turn related to ecological processes.
Among the challenges are understanding how prevailing climate and microclimate
regimes are influenced by topography, water bodies, local energy balance,
vegetation cover, and local air/water flow patterns.
Our Contribution: Microclimate measurement and modeling is central to our work
with habitat characterization as it relates to conservation. We have pioneered the
use of solar radiation mapping tools, topoclimate models, distributed sensor
networks (DSNs), prediction of microclimate shifts resulting from climate change,
and conservation management practices based on the ecological ramifications of
microclimate.
More Information:
• Wikipedia Microclimate article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microclimate
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Creekside Center
for Earth Observation
for Earth Observation
Selected Publications
Rich, P.M. and P. Fu. 2000. Topoclimatic habitat models. Fourth International
Conference on Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
Environmental Modeling. pdf
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., D.D. Murphy, and R.R. White. 1988. Sun, slope, and butterflies:
topographic determinants of habitat quality for Euphydryas editha bayensis.
Ecology 69:1486-1496. pdf
Rich, P.M. and P. Fu. 2000. Topoclimatic habitat models. Fourth International
Conference on Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
Environmental Modeling. pdf
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., D.D. Murphy, and R.R. White. 1988. Sun, slope, and butterflies:
topographic determinants of habitat quality for Euphydryas editha bayensis.
Ecology 69:1486-1496. pdf
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