Leaf orientation measurement in a mixed hemiboreal broadleaf forest stand using terrestrial laser scanner

Abstract

Orientation of leaves in a mature hemiboreal mixed broadleaf stand (the Jarvselja RAMI birch stand) was measured using the high-density point cloud of terrestrial laser scanner hits. Leaf normal distribution in the upper part of crowns of tall aspen and birch trees is almost spherical, and slightly planophile in the lower part of crowns. Leaves of alder trees are rather planophile in the upper part of crowns, and strongly planophile in the lower part of crowns. Lime and maple trees form the lower layer of trees in the stand. Their crowns are mainly in shade, and therefore, their leaf orientation is strongly planophile throughout the whole crown. Parameters of beta distribution and elliptical distribution are provided for the approximation of empirical distributions. The acquired information about leaf orientation can improve performance assessment of radiative transfer models.