Location

Evora LST validation station is located about 12 km south-west of the town of Evora in the Alentejo region, Portugal. In-situ measurements at Evora started in 2005, but the set-up with the current orientation of the radiometers is in operation since March 2009. 

Vegetation

The dominant vegetation types at the station are isolated groups of evergreen oak trees and grassland, which is mainly used for grazing cattle. The cork oak trees have a stable age distribution and a high average age. About three kilometres south and east of the station there are agricultural areas whereas to the West there are plantations of fast growing eucalyptus trees.

Climate

The climate at the station is warm temperate with hot, dry summers,  annual temperature averages between 15°C and 16°C and an average annual precipitation of 669 mm. From about May to September the grass is usually desiccated so that the oak trees are the dominant green vegetation. In contrast, November to March are wet months with a rapidly developing vegetation cover: the combined effect is a strong annual amplitude of green vegetation.