A balloon for microclimate observations within the forest canopy.
Abstract
The construction of an inexpensive helium filled balloon, and its use as a platform for microclimatic observations within the forest canopy are described. The balloon is shaped like an inverted square pyramid, and is easily made, portable and rugged, allowing access to regions of the forest not previously available. To illustrate the balloon's utility some examples are presented of within-canopy light measurements from mixed species tall forest on the Maryland coastal plain.