Mapping and Monitoring Boreal Wetlands within the NEESPI Domain Using Microwave Remote Sensing Data for Assessing Carbon Release
Erika
Podest, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, erika.podest@jpl.nasa.gov
(Presenting)
Kyle
McDonald, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, kyle.mcdonald@jpl.nasa.gov
Ronny
Schroeder, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, ronny.schroeder@jpl.nasa.gov
Ted
Bohn, University of Washington, tbohn@hydro.washington.edu
Dennis
Lettenmaier, University of Washingto, dennisl@u.washington.edu
Carbon dioxide and methane emissions from wetlands and lakes can have a large impact on global climate. These ecosystems are dominant features in the northern high latitudes hence the importance of assessing their spatial and temporal extent to improve upon global net carbon exchange estimates. Remote sensing data and large-scale hydrology/biogeochemistry models are an effective combination of tools for this purpose. Spaceborne microwave data is particularly useful since large inaccessible areas can be monitored on a temporal basis regardless of atmospheric conditions or solar illumination and it is sensitive to vegetation and standing water. Large-scale models can then be used to convert remote sensing data into estimates of greenhouse gas fluxes.
We employ multi-temporal PALSAR data (L-band, 30 m resolution, HH and HV) and combined QuikSCAT and AMSR-E to map wetland distribution and inundation state within sub-regions of the NEESPI domain. Multi-temporal PALSAR data spanning the growing season were assembled over selected hydrologic basins within the NEESPI domain. A decision tree classification approach was used to classify the radar data and supplementary data layers (multi-temporal Landsat, DEM, proximity to water data layer, and image texture) to characterize wetlands. Bi-weekly landscape inundation was assessed through products derived from coarse resolution (~25 km) AMSR-E and QuikSCAT. The high and low resolution products combined provide information on wetland extent and inundation dynamics on a bi-weekly basis. These products were then used to calibrate and validate a framework of large-scale hydrology and biogeochemistry models. These models are now being used to reconstruct past greenhouse gas emissions from Siberian wetlands over the last 60 years and to assess the sensitivity of these emissions to future climate change. Examples of how the remote sensing products were used to calibrate and validate the modeling framework are presented.
This work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology and at the University of Washington under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. PALSAR data have been provided by JAXA.
Presentation Type: Poster
Poster Session: Carbon Cycle Science
NASA TE Funded Awards Represented:
NONE: Related Activity or Previously Funded TE Award