Study of forestecosystem dynamics, change drivers and other factors that shapeforest systems.
Collection ofmeteorological data. Meteorological studies can help researchers measure the efficacy of forest canopies in offsettingglobal climate change. Researchers at theAgricultural Research Service havecalibrated a model for forest canopies that measures and estimates the amount of carbon a forest canopy absorbs/releases due tophotosynthesis/respiration. The research found that the forest canopy shifted from a carbon “sink” (of net carbon absorption due to photosynthesis) to a carbon “source” (of net carbon respiration) following thedefoliation of the canopy due to thegypsy moth.[1] This research helps scientists determine the role of trees in offsetting carbon released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming, and the biological influences that impact it.
90% of animal and 50% of plant species in tropical rainforests live in the upper levels of the large trees. As many as 1000 different insects have been collected from one tree.[citation needed]
Canopy research is a relatively new scientific field which was hampered for a long time by lack of means of access to the tree canopies and lack of appropriate means of housing researchers.
Cranes have proven to offer the best three-dimensional access. The effort to set them up is worthwhile, as most research projects are long term.[citation needed]
Airships (or dirigibles, or blimps) offer the best means of accessing large areas of canopy.
Tree houses are best for housing because they offer dry, light and secure accommodation without cutting down an area of forest.
"Doing Canopy Science" Prof Stephen Sillett, photogallery with "brief description of... techniques and illustrations of their applications..."
Everhart, S.E. 2010. Upper canopy collection and identification of grapevines (Vitis) from selected forests in the southeastern United States. Castanea 75: 141-149.PDF
Everhart, S.E., J.S. Ely, and H.W. Keller. 2009. Evaluation of tree canopy epiphytes and bark characteristics associated with corticolous myxomycetes. Botany 87: 509-517.PDF
Everhart, S.E., and H.W. Keller. 2008. Influence of bark pH on the occurrence and distribution of tree canopy myxomycete species. Mycologia 100: 191-204.PDF
Keller, H.W., S.E. Everhart, M. Skrabal, and C.M. Kilgore. 2009. Tree canopy biodiversity in temperate forests: Exploring islands in the sky. Southeastern Biology 56: 52-74.PDF
Kilgore, C.M., H.W. Keller, S.E. Everhart, A. Scarborough, K. Snell, M. Skrabal, C. Pottorff, and J.S. Ely. 2008. Tree canopy research and student experiences using the double rope climbing method. Journal of Botanical Research Institute of Texas 2: 1309-1336.PDF
