Ecosystem modeling in the Great Basin, USA: derivation of remotely sensed vegetation parameters and parameterization of a shrub PFT.

Rupesh Shrestha, Boise State University, rupeshshrestha@boisestate.edu
Nancy F Glenn, Boise State University, nancyglenn@boisestate.edu (Presenter)
Jessica Jean Mitchell, Appalachian State University, mitchelljj@appstate.edu
Hamid Dashti, Boise State University, abdolhamiddashtiahangar@u.boisestate.edu
Alejandro Flores, Boise State University, lejoflores@boisestate.edu
Aihua Li, Boise State University, aihuali@boisestate.edu
Lucas Spaete, Boise State University, lucasspaete@boisestate.edu
Susan L. Ustin, University of California Davis, slustin@ucdavis.edu
Yi Qi, University of California Davis, yiqi@ucdavis.edu

The distribution of species and vegetation types across the western US is shifting in response to climate change and disturbance. Previous studies have documented the change in fire regimes and the increasing fire-invasive grass cycle occurring in the western U.S. The change in vegetation structure due to climate change and invasive species alters the fuel load, making these ecosystems vulnerable to high-severity fire. Synergistic remote sensing data, such as hyperspectral data and high-resolution lidar, can be leveraged to capture the variability in function, composition and structure of short-statured vegetation species such as those found in the Great Basin (e.g. sagebrush, annual grasses). In this study, we generate spatially-explicit estimates of vegetation composition and structure (biomass, cover, density, height, LAI), soil characteristics, and associated uncertainty across a climate and elevation gradient in southern Idaho. We present preliminary information on parameterizing a dryland shrub plant functional type for the individual-based terrestrial biosphere mode, Ecosystem Demography, ED2. We intend to use ED2 to estimate structural vegetation dynamics under future climate scenarios. We will use the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model to dynamically downscale climate variables to generate forcings for ED. This study will provide a basis for understanding feedback mechanisms related to changing climate conditions, fire regimes and patterns of non-native plant invasion in the Great Basin.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Theme 2: Landscapes to coasts: understanding Earth system connections   (Mon 1:30 PM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Glenn, Nancy: Scalable vegetation structure for ecosystem modeling in the western US ...details

Poster Location ID: 81