March 29, 2014 to March 31, 2014

Science Flights to Costa Rica

Three sites were selected in Costa Rica: 1) La Selva; 2) Terraba Sierpe Mangroves; and 3) Corcovado National Park. Data from the science flights is available in the Data section.

In addition to the science flights, a forest inventory was carried out from March 5 to March 13, 2014 in Corcovado National Park and on a mangrove river in Drake Bay, Costa Rica. The inventory plot data were collected as part of the EcoSAR sensor development and calibration project.

Corcovado Rainforest and Drake Bay Mangrove Dataset

The following map details the locations of the 21 plots measured for the forest inventory. 

Inventory Plot Methodology:

The locations of the plots were measured using point averaging with a Garmin GPS. Within the plot boundaries, diameter at breast height or DBH (dbh tape), height (laser and clinometer) and species was recorded for every tree and woody vine over 5cm DBH. Standing dead trees, crown damage, leaning trees and woody vines were all noted and measured. Basal area, Lorey’s height and above-ground biomass was calculated using our plot measurements and published wood density values.

Field Work Photos