Estimating Disturbance Effects on Carbon Dynamics in the Southern Appalachian Region through Integrating Remote Sensing Data with an Ecosystem Model

Guangsheng Chen, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, cheng@ornl.gov (Presenter)
Daniel Hayes, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, hayesdj@ornl.gov
Michael Joseph Hughes, University of Tennessee, jhughes@utk.edu
Santonu Goswami, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, goswamis@ornl.gov

Terrestrial ecosystems in the southeastern United States have been recognized as the largest carbon sink as compared to other ecoregions in North America; however, this sink might be greatly reduced by increasing disturbance intensity and frequency due to environmental changes. Remote sensing tools and process-based models are widely used to identify the extent and intensity of disturbance events and assess their impacts on ecosystem function. The southern Appalachian region has experienced several severe disturbance events during the past two decades, from both natural and anthropogenic sources. In this study, we classified the fractional mortality rate induced by fires and insects in this region since year 2000 based on Landsat TM/ETM time-series images. Then we applied the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM) to estimate the impacts of these disturbance events on vegetation dynamics and carbon storage in major carbon pools. The model sensitivity and uncertainty for estimating disturbance impacts were also assessed.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Poster Session 1-B   (Tue 4:30 PM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Related Activity or Previously Funded TE Activity

Poster Location ID: 23