Remote Sensing of Savannas - Scoping Activity

21 December 2009, 12:12pm

With funding from the NASA Terrestrial Ecology program we are exploring opportunities for a potential program of field- and satellite-based
research in savannas.

Given the global importance of savannas and mixed woody-herbaceous systems it is notable that satellite earth observation and earth system models are poorly adapted for these multi-layer and heterogeneous systems. This
reflects, in large part, the considerable challenge involved in remote assessment of vegetation structure and dynamics in systems characterized by distinct woody and herbaceous layers. However, the new generation of earth observing systems may be able to overcome these challenges.

This study aims to realize the potential of satellite remote sensing in the measurement and modeling of global savannas. As part of this scoping study we plan to assemble a group of experts with a mix of disciplinary and geographical backgrounds to address this issue in a focused workshop to be held in Fort Collins, Colorado, March 2-4, 2010.

People interested in this planning activity and the March workshop are invited to register on the project web site at the link below.

Contacts:
Niall Hanan, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Tel: 970-491-0240
Email: Niall.Hanan@colostate.edu; and

Michael Hill, Earth System Science and Policy, University of North Dakota,
Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
Tel: 701 777-6071
Email: hillmj@aero.und.edu

Remote Sensing of Savannas web site

Project web site

GeoConnexion