CO2 Bowen Ratio

Energy Balance Bowen Ratio Techniques

Since the Li-Cor equipment has been retired, so has our Bowen Ratio program. We encourage use of the Eddy Covariance system in place of the retired one.

The components of Bowen ratio systems are designed to measure evapotranspiration using the energy balance Bowen ratio techniques. Variables measured are: water and air temperature at two heights, net radiation, and soil heat flux. Individual products are used to build this customized system for each application; data retrieval peripherals are typically added to complete the system. Additional meteorological sensors can be added to provide information on wind speed, wind direction, incoming shortwave solar radiation, and an independent measurement of air temperature and relative humidity.

Features

Measures water vapor, carbon dioxide, and temperature gradients using energy balance Bowen ratio techniques
Key system components:
- CR5000 Datalogger (purchased separately)
- Li-Cor 6262 CO2 and H2O analyzer to measure gradients and absolute concentration of both CO2 and H2O (purchased separately from Li-Cor)
Variables measured:
- H2O and CO2 gradient
- Air temperature (two heights) with 0.003" thermocouples
- Net radiation
- Total soil heat flux
023/CO2 includes:
- Mounting bracket for LI-6262
- Solenoid valves
- Flow controllers
- Soda lime and desiccant bottles
- Diaphragm pump
- 16" x 18" enclosure
Sample program (32 kb PDF)