A small device for monitoring thermal sensitivity of individual tree crowns

This work describes the development of a sensor pod with wireless connectivity to continuously monitor microclimate in individual tree crowns, and the sensitivity of leaf temperature and gas exchange to environmental drivers. The goal is to understand both the degree to which trees can manipulate their microclimate by crown architecture, leaf properties, and stomatal conductance, as well as to integrate how these factors impact a tree's sensitivity to changes in the environmental forcing, particularly temperature. By understanding the first order sensitivity of individual growth to temperature and its changes, we can better comprehend how these changes will affect forest ecology and demography. Consequently, we can refine our interpretation of remotely sensed observations of temperature into understanding of widespread changes in ecosystem function.