Subnivean Data Collection Information

Electronic Data Collection

All data collected at the subnivean lab is recorded every 10 seconds; means andstandard deviations of the data are computed and stored at 10-minute intervals. Totalizing data, such as tipping bucket counts, are totalized and stored at 10-minute intervals. Data are stored on a storage module, which is interchanged on a weekly basis. The retrieved storage module is brought to the C.U. Mountain Research Station, where the data are downloaded to a workstation. There, a copy of the raw data file is transmitted to the Niwot LTER data management computer at the Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research in Boulder, CO for archiving. The preliminary data analysis and quality control is performed either immediately at the Mountain Research Station, or is performed as soon as possible at INSTAAR.

Field Observations and Support

Field personnel visit the site on a daily basis during weekdays, weekend visits are infrequent. The field personnel examine the instruments, check the data recording equipment, raise or lower the aerodynamic profile instrument array, and make weather observations. Daily maintenance and weather records are maintained, which become part of the metadata file bundled with Level 1 and Level 2 data.

Ancillary Information Collection

A wide variety of research is performed year-round at and near this site. As a result, there may be ancillary information collected by other researchers that is relevant to interpretation of the Subnivean data.

If any problems arise please e-mail

Todd Ackerman (todda@culter.colorado.edu)