Land Cover Boundary Orientation on Wind, Temperature and Humidity

Ecotones, or land cover boundaries, are transitions from one natural ecosystem or anthropogenic function to another over a land distance. New land cover boundaries are created as the population increases; and with rapid human expansion into natural environments over the past couple of centuries continuing into today, many land cover boundaries between anthropogenic lands and natural ecosystems are an increasingly prominent feature humans have to interact with. Thus, it is imperative to study and come to a better understanding of these boundaries and their impact on the environment. Currently, there are plenty of studies covering land cover boundaries, but relatively few studies done specifically on their spatial orientation. Therefore, we examine how the cardinal orientation of the boundary between temperate forest and harvested agricultural land impacts near-surface microclimatological variables such as wind, temperature, and moisture, specifically humidity. We will use instruments like the HC2S3 temperature and humidity probe, and a cup anemometer to collect this data. Of the studies done so far involving the orientation of a land use boundary, most take note of the significantly different solar radiation fluxes received between different orientations of a forest-grassland boundary. Our study aims to expand upon these slight microclimatological and environmental differences that land use boundary orientation can cause in hopes the information can be utilized to create a more effective land use design and be used by agricultural organizations.