Ricerc@Sapienza

The aim of this study is to test the applicability of GNSS receivers for monitoring the movement of trees associated with the wind. The analysis was carried out locating a single frequency GNSS receiver at the top of the trunk of an Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) and evaluating the results obtained in terms of speed, positions and frequencies. Subsequently, the values obtained were correlated to the characteristics of the wind. Preliminary goal of the experimental activity was investigating the quality of the data obtainable. Then, once error statistics were analysed, it was possible to investigate the time series of position, speed and frequency of trunk oscillation during wind storms. The presence of an anemometer, placed at almost 20 m from the object of study, allowed us to analyze the correlation between wind speed and tree movements. This experiment is a first step towards designing an autonomous early warning and monitoring sensor system in the near future.