Environmental measurement example

From a measured tree to a carbon estimate.

A credible estimate begins with tree identification, field measurements and an appropriate allometric model. The calculation is only as reliable as the evidence behind it.

01Record taxonomic identification
02Measure diameter and height
03Select density and model
04Estimate biomass and carbon
Blue radiograph of a forest clearing showing roots and soil Selected leafless radiographic tree whose dimensions respond to the measurement controls Tree measurement A selected tree is measured for height and diameter at breast height before its biomass and stored carbon are estimated. H 25 m TOTAL HEIGHT D 40 cm DBH AT 1.3 M ρ 0.60 g/cm³ WOOD DENSITY

Measurement inputs

Tree-level estimate

40 cm
25 m
0.60 g/cm³
TROPICAL WOODY TREE · SELECTED MODEL Chave 2014 pantropical model AGB = 0.0673 × (ρD²H)0.976
Aboveground biomass
1.27 t
Stored carbon
0.60 t C
Carbon estimate
2.19 t CO₂e

Species-level identification supports a species-specific wood-density lookup.

Illustrative estimate only. A project calculation requires a documented field protocol, validated model selection, belowground and other relevant carbon pools, and uncertainty assessment.