Dataset: Tree Average BAI

Methods

The methods followed in the creation of the dataset, including description of field, laboratory and processing steps, and quality control procedures

Current Methods

• Core collection and processing
  
  

  At each study site two xylem increment cores were collected at ~180º from 4-20 co-dominant trees present within a ~15-30m radius of plot center. Cores were dried, mounted and sanded, according to standard procedures, measured, and visually cross dated using the list method. This data was used to create the BAI. Annual vegetation indices were compared with the BAI using Landsat technology.

Dataset Fields

Detailed documentation of the fields comprising the dataset, including the type of measurement, units where applicable, and any controlled vocabularies or code lists present in the data

Sampling Equipment

Equipment and software used to collect data, including how that equipment was used.

Current Equipment

• Imagery from sensor
  
  

  Imagery from the Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor

• Software
  
  

  J2X software

• Velmex sliding stage
  
  

  Velmex sliding stage

Site Characteristics

The spatial extent of the dataset site coverage, and descriptions of the spatial extent and context for the data collection

• Site Description

  In order to capture forest growth rates across a range of species, decline condition and land use histories, we used data from 47 plots throughout northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Falling across a broad elevational gradient (96 m-1155 m above sea level), plots were dominated by red spruce (Picea rubens), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), yellow birch (Betula alleghensis), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), American beech (Fagus grandifolia),