In 1996, scientists in Europe and the U.S. working on eddy covariance
concluded that to understand ecosystem fluxes of trace-gases, water, and
energy — and the interactions and feedbacks among ecosystems,
atmosphere, climate, disturbances, and management — the best solution
was to connect the existing sites in harmonized networks. AmeriFlux and
EuroFlux were established, each with fewer than 20 sites, and since then
they grew and are still growing, reaching a total of about 400 sites.
The central offices, supporting data processing and community functions,
have also grown, becoming the reference for the FLUXNET global network.
In this session, we will build upon the 20th anniversary of these
networks, with presentations on science highlights from site scientists
and data users, contributions from companies and stakeholders that have
participated in the development of these networks, and also
contributions that could help to find new directions and different
points of view.