Examination of Canopy Disturbance in Logged Forests in the Brazilian Amazon using IKONOS Imagery
Michael
Palace, Complex Systems Research Center, Morse Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA, palace@kaos.sr.unh.edu
(Presenting)
Michael
Keller, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Rio Piedras, PR 00928-5000 USA, michael@kaos.sr.unh.edu
Stephen
Hagen, Complex Systems Research Center, Morse Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA, steve.hagen@unh.edu
Bobby
Braswell, Complex Systems Research Center, Morse Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA, rob.braswell@unh.edu
Structural properties of forests are closely linked with ecosystem
functioning. Forest gaps are important in an ecological sense because they are involved with tree regeneration dynamics and species diversity and distribution (Schemske and Browkaw 1981, Denslow 1987, and Vitousek and Denslow 1986). The spatial patterning and distribution are of interest to ecologists. Gaps increase light levels in understory, release nutrients, and create structural habitat for some species of flora, fauna, and fungi(Schemske and Browkaw 1981, Denslow 1987, and Vitousek and Denslow 1986). Previously, we developed a crown detection algorithm that used high resolution satellite image data. We applied this algorithm in an undisturbed tropical forest with good results. In this work we have further developed the algorithm to examine logged forests and the disturbances of such forests. Patios and gaps created by logging create a spectral signature that is different then local maxima associated with
tree tops. By using the multi-spectral image of IKONOS along with the
higher resolution panchromatic image, our refined algorithm estimated gap size and frequency and spatial patterning. Ability to estimate logging impacts in vast areas of the Brazilian Amazon using IKONOS imagery is vital in attempts to understand the regional carbon balance.
Examination of Tropical Forest Canopy Profiles Using High Res