Specifications

TEAM Climate Monitoring Protocol 3.0

NRC 1999. Adequacy of Climate Observing Systems. Panel on climate observing systems status.

Climate Research Committee, National Research Council, National Academies Press.

Nystuen, J.A. 1999. Relative performance of automatic rain gauges under differental rainfall

conditions. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 16(8):1025-1043,

Phillips, O., Y. Malhi, et al. 1998. Changes in the Carbon Balance of Tropical Forests: Evidence

from Long-Term Plots. Science 282: 439-442.

Root, T. L. and S. H. Schneider.1995. Ecology and Climate: Research Strategies and

Implications. Science 269.

WMO. 2003. Guidelines on climate observation networks and systems. WMO/TD 1185.

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/wcp/wcdmp/documents/WCDMP-52_000.pdf

WMO. 2008. Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation. 8. World

Metereological Organization.

Wright, J. 2005. Tropical Forests in a changing environment. Trends in Ecology and Evolution,

20(10): 553-560.

8 GLOSSARY

Air Temperature. Refers to the surface air temperature without the influence of direct solar

radiation. Also defined as the temperature reading by a thermometer placed in a shaded

shelter 1-2 m above the ground.

Aspirated Radiation Shield. (see Radiation Shield)

AWG. American Wire Gauge, is a standard to measure wire diameter for round, electrical,

solid, conducting wire. The lowest the AWG, the thickest the wire. For more information and

a table of physical and electrical properties of wires of different gauges see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge .

Battery. A rechargeable battery is an essential component of the climate station that allows it

to work during cloudy conditions and at night. We recommend using a 12 VDC 100 Amp-h

sealed battery to provide enough charge for the system, in particular the aspirated radiation

shield (consumes 250 mA or 6 Amp-h in a 24 h period). The battery should be enclosed in a

enclosure that allows some flow of air (and avoid H buildup) but sturdy enough to protect it

from the elements (rain, heat).