Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and the Super Science Initiative.
Multi-Scale Plot Network
Through integration of a network of ecological plots across Australia’s key terrestrial ecosystems, sampled at different spatial and temporal scales, TERN is collecting and archiving a coherent set of measurements and observations to develop a detailed understanding of the baseline stocks (biodiversity and soils), and behaviour and regulation of ecosystem function and processes, including the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors in landscape function.
This activity will be coordinated through the Long-term Australian Multi-scale Plot System (LAMPS) Sub-Facility. LAMPS oversees the Multi-Scale Plot Network which includes:
- AusPlots - baseline reference plots (rangelands and forests);
- Long-Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) - plots and transects; and
- Australian Supersite Network - intensive data collection
These facilities will build on extant plots, plot networks and transects as much as possible, and provide a unifying process to enable collection of consistent long-term data sets.
Key questions addressed by the Multi-Scale Plot Network include:
- How best do we develop a detailed understanding of the baseline stocks (biodiversity and soils) and regulation of ecosystem function and processes, including the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors in landscape function?
- How do we provide a continental perspective of changes in the status of Australian forested landscapes and thus improve understanding of forests in the national carbon budget?
Components of the Mutli-Scale Plot Network
Spatial, temporal and information scales of Multi-Scale Plot Network components
Facility Director:
Professor Andy Lowe |
Facility Coordinator:
Dr Nikki Thurgate |
If you are in Adelaide on Tuesday 27 March, you might be interested in attending The ACEAS Great Debate as a prelude to the TERN Symposium.
Registration to the 3rd TERN Annual National Symposium is now open. Program and registration information are on the symposium webpage.
TERN's AusCover Facility is holding a Data Users Workshop in Brisbane on 8 March. Visit the web page for links to the program and information on how to register.
TERN's AusPlots Sub-Facility is holding a Field Method Training workshop at the Renmark and Calperum Station Supersite in South Australia, 4-9 March. Limited places available, so get in quick!
In our December newsletter the TERN Director summarises — and celebrates — the huge effort that has gone into creating the TERN network so far. We introduce you to the complex world of the Australian Supersite Network. At workshops in Adelaide and Perth, TERN facilities work with various collaborators; we invite you to get involved in TERN; and there's some wild talk. You'll have to read the newsletter to find out more.
New research supersite will tell woodlands climate story (media release)
What would it take to get you to share (both deposit and use) data in TERN facility portals? If this question interests you join our discussion on LinkedIn.
