New metadata and data policy for the FLUXNET2015 dataset

Abstract:

With data from 212 sites globally, the FLUXNET2015 dataset includes ecosystem-scale measurements of surface-atmosphere exchanges of CO2, water, and energy, among other micrometeorological variables. The dataset is being used to study a wide variety of science themes, including drought intensity and effects, phenology and vegetation productivity responses to warmer temperatures, trends in soil respiration, among others. FLUXNET2015 was first introduced in December 2015, followed by updates in 2016, and now received an update in February 2020 with additional metadata and a new data policy. This recent update was accompanied by a data descriptor paper containing information on the original data and the updated metadata, as well as detailed documentation on the data processing pipeline used to create the dataset. Among the new metadata we highlight the availability of canopy height information as well as descriptions of sensor models and heights for flux variables and sensor depths for soil sensors. These pieces of information now allow more precise use of the dataset, e.g., taking into account turbulence changes from canopy growth or evaluating moisture conditions at different soil layers. Finally, and perhaps more importantly, 206 of the 212 sites in the dataset are now available under a streamlined data policy that adopts the CC-BY-4.0 open license, simplifying the process of accessing the data and acknowledging the data providers. Although in practice not very different from the previous FLUXNET Tier 1 policy, this new policy is compatible with the trends in open and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data. It also allows for combining FLUXNET2015 with other datasets more easily, supporting the use of eddy covariance more broadly, and overall making the dataset more accessible, transparent, and reproducible. Here, will present these new features and data policy for the dataset, showcasing new uses and applications.