Large Scale Validation of Carbon Stock and Flux Estimates from Remote Sensing

R. Birdsey, J. Hom, P. Murdoch, Z. Zhu,Y. Pan, D. Varanka, R. Riemann, M. Hoppus, M. McHale, and J. Jenkins

NASA Carbon Science Application Area

Research and validationNational importanceLong term commitment for use of applicationUnique use for integrated environmental monitoringInvolvement of end users: fed, state, regionalProcess to determine performance metrics

ObjectivesThe goal of this proposal is to integrate advances in remote sensing technology with operational monitoring programs applied by agencies of the U.S. Government and state and local partners. Integration of multiple elements of related scientific research and technology developments into an “applications system” will enable managers to track complex environmental issues at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

The Specific Objectives Are To:

1. Integrate medium resolution estimates of forest biomass and net primary productivity from MODIS with valid statistical estimates from field monitoring.

2. Characterize patterns of forest fragmentation, insect damage, land use change and associated carbon losses from Landsat TM, and carbon exports from surface runoff.

The Specific Objectives Are To:3. Develop and apply consistent cover type classifications for MODIS, Landsat TM, and field sample plot networks.4. Estimate a complete basinwide carbon budget including carbon loss by water transport

Summary of proposed projects:Co-Pi Focus Area Data,model,sensor

Birdsey Carbon Budget Forcarb, FIA, FHM

Zhu Forest Classification AVHRR, MODIS,FIA

Varanka LUC projections, LU history Landsat, Urban GM

Riemann Forest Fragmentation, F Health CIR,Landsat,SPOT

Murdoch Total Dissolved Carbon Water surveys

Pan, Hom

Model Validation/Comparison Top down/bottom up modeling

FIA, NPP, TEM, PnET, MODIS