Geodynamics Science Highlight
NASA GSFC Geodynamics 921

SCIENCE HIGHLIGHT

Geodynamics Branch, Code 921

December 2002

Harding Contributes to Improved Biomass Prediction Capability:
Biomass Estimated from LIDAR Waveform Data for Three Different Forest Types

Vegetation height indices derived from LIDAR waveforms have previously been shown to be an accurate predicator of above ground forest biomass for specific forest types. In a recent paper titled “Lidar Remote Sensing of Above-Ground Biomass in Three Biomes”, in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography (11(5): 393-399, 2002), a team which includes Dave Harding shows that a single predictive relationship is equally applicable to three different forest biomes: temperate deciduous, temperate coniferous, and also boreal coniferous. The paper’s lead author is Mike Lefsky.

4.7 km SLICER waveform transect of temperate coniferous forest 10 m diameter laser footprints color-coded by plant density 4.7 km SLICER waveform transect of temperate coniferous forest 10 m diameter laser footprints color-coded by plant density

Based on analysis of airborne SLICER waveform data and field observations of forest biomass, mean height of the canopy squared (a proxy for height x stem diameter; a measure of volume) is the best waveform-based predictor. As shown below, the relationship is linear to high biomass levels, and accounts for the observed variance to a high degree (80% to 90%). The apparent generality of this result, at least for these three biomes, suggests that LIDAR waveform data can be used to predict biomass on a global basis, without knowing the specific type of forest cover sampled by the LIDAR.

XY PLot: Observed versus predicted biomass

Contact: Dave Harding, GSFC, Code 921 (harding@core2.gsfc.nasa.gov)

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Responsible NASA official: Dr. Herbert Frey

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Last modified on Jan 21, 2003