Surveys & Data

At the Britz intensive monitoring site, we collect data on deep percolation, biodiversity and phenology, and measure stem flow, stand precipitation and climate. All the data collected provides us with information about the diverse interactions in our forest ecosystems.

Here you will find further information on our activities in the Britz intensive monitoring area.

We collect these parameters at the Britz intensive monitoring site:

Meteorological measuring equipment on the open area of the Britz intensive monitoring site.

Open land climate

In comparison to the forest stand climate, the open land climate is characterized by more uneven temperatures, lower relative humidity, higher light intensity, higher wind speeds and higher precipitation.

Measuring system for measuring trace gases at the Britz intensive monitoring area.

Forest stand climate

There is a special, cooler climate in the forest. This so-called forest interior or forest stand climate not only balances out humidity and major storms, but also temperature extremes such as excessive cold and heat.

Deep seepage

Deep percolation is an important component in the water cycle. It refers to the water that leaves the soil area accessible to plants downwards and joins the groundwater after some time.

Image of a beech tree photographed from below with a dendrometer.

Growth

The growth of trees directly reflects the performance of entire forest stands. Forest growth is dependent on various biotic and abiotic factors.

Beech stand from a fisheye perspective..

Leaf area index

The leaf area index measures the area of leaves and needles per unit of ground area. For deciduous trees, it can be estimated, for example, by examining the litterfall or by taking special photographs.

Bioacoustics

We carry out bioacoustic recordings for birds at the Britz intensive monitoring area. These serve to identify and quantify the bird species present in a defined area.

Phenology

The periodically recurring developments of trees over the course of the year, e.g. leaf emergence, leaf discoloration and leaf fall, are recorded in the phenology.

Drone in flight in front of a stand of trees.

Drones

Drones give us a unique view of the test area from above. We use them, for example, to assess changes in the tree canopy

Further information on the Britz intensive monitoring area can be found in our app:

Thünen-Institute of Forest Eccosystems / App Britz intensive monitoring area and on Hydrological research site "Britz" - Germany

Further information and data are available on request. Please contact

Dr. Tanja Sanders, Mail: tanja.sanders@thuenen.de

Dr. Marco Natkhin, Mail: marco.natkhin@thuenen.de

Scroll to top