Numerical model for connecting ecological process study and satellite remote sensing

Abstract

The 21st century COE program at the River basin research center, Gifu University, “Satellite ecology for basin ecosystem studies” was started from 2004. The main target of the program is to evaluate the distribution of the basin ecosystem functions, such as the amount of carbon absorption, in Daihachiga river basin in Gifu, Japan. Two intensive observation sites are located on the representative two surface types: deciduous broadleaf forest and evergreen coniferous forest. The ecological process study data obtained by field observations mainly in two intensive observation sites are used to improve land surface numerical model. The distributions of the parameters, such as surface type in the basin, are from satellite remote sensing. The land surface model with the distributed parameters is connected with the meso-scale numerical weather model and calculates the ecosystem functions, such as the distribution of the amount of carbon absorption in the basin. The researchers in ecosystem, satellite remote sensing and numerical simulation collaborate with each other to accomplish the work above and also they deepen mutual understandings. The evaluation of ecosystem function is now reaching to final stage.