Baseplate Perforations

Structurally, the environmental impact of the 8100-104/104C chambers is reduced with perforations in the baseplates to minimize disturbance of the environmental conditions surrounding the chambers. The perforations allow minimal perturbations to natural sunlight, precipitation, wind, etc., and they prevent a concentration gradient-induced impedance of CO₂ flux from the soil, which can occur under a nonperforated, uniform plate.

Diffusion simulation (Fick's Law), showing a representation of CO₂ flux rates at the soil/air interface (red = low flux rate, blue = high flux rate). In the graphic at left, a solid baseplate shows low (suppressed) flux rates with a nearly uniform effect under the baseplate. Perforations in the baseplate (right) greatly reduce this effect, preventing a concentration gradient-induced impedance of soil CO₂ flux.