DOE Traditional Solar Conversion On Desert Ecosystems

Cover	1
Title Page	2
Executive Summary	3
Table of Contents	9
I. Introduction	11
II. Types of Solar Conversion Systems	13
Systems in Existence	13
Systems in Planning	14
III. Theoretical Ecological Impacts of Solar Conversion Systems	17
Ecosystem Structure	17
Biotic Components of the Ecosystem	17
Abiotic Factors	19
Ecosystem Cycles	20
Environmenta1 Modifications	21
Shading	22
Solar Radiation	22
Temperature	26
Soil Moisture	28
Plant and Animal Response	29
Wind Deflection	32
Velocity and Turbulence	32
Temperature and Heat Flux	34
Soil Moisture and Humidity	35
Plant and Animal Response	36
Physical Disturbance	37
Soil Structure	37
Runoff and Erosion	38
Soil Moisture	40
Temperature and Heat Flux	41
Plant and Animal Response	41
IV. Research Needs: A Function of Ecosystem Changes	45
Biotic and Abiotic Hypotheses	45
Biotic Hypotheses: General	46
Biotic Hypotheses; Site Preserved	48
Biotic Hypotheses: Site Cleared	50
Abiotic Hypotheses	50
V. Research Program	53
Chronological Program	53
Ecosystem Parameters; Establish a Theoretical Base	53
Ecosystem Parameters: Validate Responses	55
Monitoring Ecosystem Parameters: Alternative Methods	57
10 MWe STPS: Baseline and Monitoring Program	58
10 MWe STPS: Manipulations and Site Variables	59
Future STPS and Photovoltaic Systems: Monitoring Programs	60
Specific Monitoring and Manipulation Programs	61
Solar Powered Irrigation Pumping Site	61
Solar Conversion System Simulation Sites	63
10 MWe STPS: Barstow, California	67
100 MWe STPS: Proposed	69
VI. Literature Cited	70
Appendices	77
Glossary	78
Appendix Table 1	82
Data from Solar Power Collector Simulation Sites	85
Phoenix, Arizona	85
Field Set-up	85
Air Movement (Wind)	85
Air Temperatures	89
Soil Temperatures	89
Soil Moisture	93

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