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Facilities

Methods and Techniques

Our team uses a variety of methods and techniques to address research questions, including:

  • Dendrochronology (tree ring analysis)
  • Observational and experimental field ecology
  • Geographical information systems (GIS)
  • Remote sensing and air photo interpretation
  • Analysis of long-term monitoring data
  • Historical ecology

Lab Facilities and Equipment

We have dedicated laboratory space in the physical geography area of Macintosh-Corry Hall (room D107). It’s casually referred to as the “Danby Café” because many Q-LEG members are often known to be coffee or tea aficionados! A variety of tools and instruments are housed in the Café, including:

  • Dendrochronology equipment for measurement and analysis of tree rings including three stereo-microscopes, two Velmex sliding stages, a sliding microtome, a compound microscope, and digital measurement system, and a semi-automated WinDendro image analysis system with large format flat-bed scanner;
  • A contained room for preparing wood samples for analysis with a 4”x24” benchtop belt sander and a free-standing 6”x48” belt sander, both connected to a 2hp dust collection system;
  • A range of basic laboratory equipment for sample processing and measurement, including analytical balance and drying oven;
  • Dedicated computer workstations for GIS, remote sensing, and statistical applications (supported software includes ArcGIS, IDRISI, ENVI, MapInfo, SPSS, PC-Ord, Hyperniche);
  • Fume hood for safe work with chemicals;
  • Kettle and French press!

Field Equipment

We have a broad range of field equipment for vegetation sampling, environmental instrumentation, and general work in the outdoors, including:

  • Vegetation sampling equipment including increment borers, saws, tape measures, clinometers, etc.;
  • Portable TDR for in situ volumetric soil moisture measurements;
  • Two full-scale Onset meteorological stations (currently in operation in Yukon)
  • Micro-environmental monitoring equipment and data loggers (Onset Hobos and Maxim iButtons);
  • Trimble GeoExplorer 6000 field computer with differential GPS (sub-metre accuracy)
  • Semi-rugged Dell laptop and Lenovo Thinkpad
  • Handheld WAAS-enabled Garmin GPS units;
  • Two-way radios, SPOT emergency transponder, satellite phone;
  • Tents and other camping equipment
  • Collapsible 17’ freighter canoes