- 1Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- 2Institute for Atmosphere and Earth System Research, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- 3Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- 4Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
- 5Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research / Physics Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
- 6Suvilumi Oy
Chamber measurements are a common method for assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) exchange between ecosystems and the atmosphere. They are particularly useful for measurements at homogeneous sites and for partitioning fluxes and processes. Automated chamber measurements provide significantly improved temporal coverage compared to manual chambers. This factor is especially important for temporally variable soil N2O emissions. Although automated chambers are less labor-intensive, they typically rely on an electric grid. In contrast, manual chambers are relatively simple to operate and can function using batteries.
The test-operational MOBile MEasurement STAtion (MOBMESTA) offers a solution for automated chamber measurements without access to an electric grid. This is achieved by: 1) minimizing power use and implementing power-saving features, 2) utilizing compressed air to operate (open and close) the chambers, 3) employing bifacial solar panels to provide power, and 4) incorporating large interchangeable lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
The system is designed for year-round operation, even in snowy, cold, and dark conditions. The system is designed for a maintenance cycle of few weeks. The design stems from decades of experience at both the Hyytiälä Forest Station and the INAR Ecosystems Research Group at the University of Helsinki.
While the primary focus of MOBMESTA is on soil GHG exchange measurements, it is also capable of operating shoot or stem chambers. Although the initial design is based on pneumatic operation of the chambers, electric motors are also supported. The system features 16 sample channels capable of both closed-loop and flow-through operation. The station will provide meteorological and environmental background measurements, along with optional site-specific ecological measurements.
The system is compact enough to fit in a van. Each individual component has a maximum weight of 22 kg, allowing for transport by a single person. The system itself is constructed on a two-wheeled trolley with a flat loading surface (load area 1 x 0.6 m, maximum load 400 kg). As of spring 2025, the system is undergoing field testing.
How to cite: Korhonen, J., Polvinen, T., Koskinen, M., Pihlatie, M., Lohila, A., Bäck, J., and Haapanala, S.: MOBMESTA – Automated GHG chamber measurements without electrical grid , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15438, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15438, 2025.
