The terrestrial organism and biogeochemistry spatial sampling design for the National Ecological Observatory Network

作者：David T. Barnett, Paul Duffy, David Schimel, Rachel Krauss, Kathryn M. Irvine, Frank W. Davis, John Gross, Elena I. Azuaje, Andrea S. Thorpe, David Gudex‐Cross, Michael Patterson, Jalynda M. McKay, Joel McCorkel, Courtney L. Meier · 发表于：Ecosphere · 年份：2019 · DOI：10.1002/ecs2.2540 · 被引用次数：34 · 研究领域：Species Distribution and Climate Change、Rangeland and Wildlife Management、Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Abstract The National Ecological Observatory Network ( NEON ) seeks to facilitate ecological prediction at a continental scale by measuring processes that drive change and responses at sites across the United States for thirty years. The spatial distribution of observations of terrestrial organisms and soil within NEON sites is determined according to a “design‐based” sample design that relies on the randomization of sampling locations. Development of the sample design was guided by high‐level NEON objectives and the multitude of data products that will be subjected to numerous analytical approaches to address the causes and consequences of ecological change. A requirement framework permeates the NEON design, ensuring traceability from each facet of the design to the high‐level requirements that make the NEON mission statement actionable. Requirements were developed for the terrestrial sample design to guide the key components of the design: Randomizing the sample locations ensures the unbiased collection of data, is appropriate for organisms and soil, and provides data suitable for a variety of analyses. Stratification increases efficiency and allows sampling to focus on those parts of the landscape measured by other NEON observation platforms. Attention to the sample size and spatial plot allocation ensures that data products will be sufficient to inform questions asked of the data and the NEON objectives. Establishing a framework with the capacity for re‐evaluate and desig...