Moving beyond single daylight images: Previously, in Photography [Part II], we addressed the need to use RAW image format and software for digital developing. We also reviewed some of the basic reasons why moving up to an adequate DSLR and
Field Photography Part II: use RAW, upgrade to DSLR
In the previous post, Photography [Part 1], we examined the importance of still picture photography in a field science context. We compared still photos to video production, and looked at some of the ways that an untrained person can immediately
Photography: the field scientist’s secret weapon [Part 1]
If there is one practice or tool that every single branch of field science could benefit more from, it is still-picture photography. Communication of your work, your application, and your environment is made infinitely easier when high quality photographs are
Mountains and Valleys: where are the highest wind speeds?
The search for the highest wind speeds usually leads us to the tops of mountains and ridges. Higher topography should result in greater air velocity, right? Intuitively, we expect windiness to increase with height and elevation. Tall buildings, towers, poles,
Field sampling: Ditch your paper forms and go digital
Every field scientist should have their general paper notebook handy at all times, in order to jot notes, organize thoughts, or even sketch unique observations. However, many different kinds of field research also involve repetitive observations or measurements that are
Tales from the Field: Desert’s Memory
Ever misplace something important, and know exactly where it is, but are unable to access it? A similar circumstance happened to my friend Xiaochun Wang during his time in the DendroLab as a visiting scholar. Xiaochun came to Nevada from
Spring Break: use it wisely, go to the field!
For most students and many researchers, the academic Spring Break is a chance to catch one’s breath during the crazy pace of the Spring semester/term. Some people choose to use it as a vacation, heading to some exotic spot or
How easy is it to measure temperature?
It would be understatement to say that air temperature is the single most important climate variable to measure. The growth of biologic organisms, especially plants, is closely tied to temperature regimes. That is, for any given organism there exists some
Tales from the Field: Naked Ben & the Cow Shower
It’s kinda like standing on a downtown corner: spend enough time in the field, and you’ll see a lot of crazy things. Sometimes, those crazy things happen to you, but those stories aren’t nearly as interesting as the ones that
PACLIM 2015: Pacific Climate Workshop
PACLIM 2015 is in progress at Asilomar, California! Over 100 scientists from around western North America have congregated at this biennial meeting to present and discuss their latest ideas and preliminary results on research related to past and modern climate