Howard Springs Flux Data Release 2025_v1 

This release consists of flux tower measurements of the exchange of energy and mass between the surface and the atmospheric boundary-layer using eddy covariance techniques. Data were processed using PyFluxPro (v3.4.18) as described by Isaac et al. (2017). PyFluxPro produces a final, gap-filled product with Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) partitioned into Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Ecosystem Respiration (ER).

The site is classified as an open woodland savanna. The overstory is co-dominated by tree species Eucalyptus miniata and Eucalyptus tentrodonata, and average tree height is 14-16 m. Elevation of the site is close to 64 m and mean annual precipitation is 1750 mm. Maximum temperatures range from 30.4 °C (in July) to 33.2 °C (in November), while minimum temperatures range from 19.3 °C (in July) to 25.4 °C (in November). Therefore, the maximum and minimum range varies from 7 °C (wet season) to 11 °C (dry season).

The instrument mast is 23 m tall. Heat, water vapour and carbon dioxide measurements are taken using the open-path eddy flux technique. Temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, incoming and reflected shortwave radiation and net radiation are measured above the canopy. Soil heat fluxes are measured and soil moisture content is gathered using time domain reflectometry. 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
The site is managed by the University of Western Australia and Charles Darwin University and supported by TERN. The flux station is part of the Australian OzFlux Network and contributes to the international FLUXNET Network. 

The primary purpose of Howard Springs Flux Station is to understand the effects of fire on heat, moisture and carbon dioxide fluxes in Australia's tropical savannas. Other aims include:

• to examine the water and carbon exchanges of tropical savannas
• understand the process of carbon cycling and storage in tropical savannas
• provide longer term measurements for future projects.

 

All flux raw data is subject to the quality control process OzFlux QA/QC to generate data from L1 to L6. Levels 3 to 6 are available for re-use. Datasets contain Quality Controls flags which will indicate when data quality is poor and has been filled from alternative sources. For more details, refer to Isaac et al. (2017).