Experimental Methods for Estimating the Fluxes of Energy and Matter

In meteorology and climatology, typically only specific atmospheric variables are measured in operational networks and energy and matter fluxes cannot easily be determined. However, increased research on climate change issues and associated feedbacks in the Earth system over the past 20 years has led to a need for reliable measurements of evaporation, carbon uptake by forests, agricultural lands, and lakes, and fluxes of other greenhouse gases. So far, these measurements were primarily for research purposes but their integration into operational networks is increasing. The measurements are very complex and need comprehensive micrometeorological knowledge. Most of the measurement methods are based on simplifications and special conditions, and therefore their implementation is not trivial. In the following chapter, overview tables provide guidance to the reader about areas of applications and related costs of the various methods.