The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a long-term ecological observatory focused on collecting and providing open, continental-scale data that characterize and quantify complex and rapidly changing ecological patterns and processes. As part of the broader Observatory design, specific components of the Observatory are available to funded researchers for Principal Investigator-driven studies as part of NEON's Assignable Assets Program. One available asset is the Mobile Deployment Platform (MDP).
The MDPs are mobile infrastructure platforms that include a mobile power and communications system, tower infrastructure up to 100 feet tall, and a selectable suite of automated sensor systems, analogous to those used at NEON sites, to collected micrometeorological, soil, and surface water data. The MDPs are designed for rapid deployment and installation allowing for observations of stochastic events at non-NEON sites, or other areas of scientific interest. The MDPs enable existing PI and agency researchers to increase the capture of spatial and/or temporal variations in ecological drivers and responses, provide a comparable suite of measurements to those at the NEON sites, as well provide a platform for testing or validating new technologies and sampling methods.
Results/Conclusions
NEON has five MDPs available via the NEON Assignable Assets Program. An MDP consists of a Rohn25G tower configurable to heights up to 100 feet, a trailer mounted instrument support hut powered by independent generators or (if available) connection to the electrical grid for main power, remote communications, and a selectable suite of automated sensors. A list of available measurements and instruments are presented.
The NEON Assignable Assets team includes scientists, engineers, technicians, and permitting specialists that can assist researchers for end-to-end campaign support of MDP deployments. Submission of all MDP requests are collaboratively reviewed along with the researcher to ensure scientific requirements and needs can be fulfilled.
NEON’s ability to provide researchers with access to an MDP depends on current availability and deployment schedule. Deployments are on a cost-recoverable basis.
More information can be found at: https://www.neonscience.org/assignable-assets/request-mobile-deployment-platform-mdp, or by emailing the NEON Assignable Assets Program at AssignableAssetRequests@BattelleEcology.org