Simple Algorithm for Estimation of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Using Satellite Data

Abstract

A simple algorithm for estimation of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) with satellite data is developed. The algorithm, which is based on a simple radiative transfer scheme, requires only one spectral channel (red) of a satellite. The algorithm was tested with satellite data taken by Terra/MODIS and Aqua/MODIS. The relative error of daily total PAR estimated by this algorithm was 27%. It can provide PAR maps with a resolution as fine as 250 m, with which the topographic influence on the PAR distribution (due to local clouds) is clearly seen.