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Terrestrial Carbon Sinks in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado Region Predicted from MODIS Satellite Data and Ecosystem Modeling
Citation:
Potter, C., S. Klooster, A. Huete, V. Genovese, M. Bustamante, L. G. Ferreira, R. Cosme de Oliveira, AND R. G. ZEPP. Terrestrial Carbon Sinks in the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado Region Predicted from MODIS Satellite Data and Ecosystem Modeling. Presented at Amazon in Perspective: International Science Conference, Manaus, BRAZIL, November 17 - 20, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
To present research findings.
Description:
A simulation model based on satellite observations of monthly vegetation cover from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was used to estimate monthly carbon fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems of Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado regions over the period 2000-2004. Predicted net ecosystem production (NEP) for atmospheric CO2 in the region for these years was estimated. The western portions states of Acre and Rondonia and the northern portions of the state of Para are consistently high carbon sink fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems on a yearly basis. These areas were not significantly impacted by the 2002 - 2003 El Nino event in terms of net annual carbon gains. Areas of the region that show periodically high carbon source fluxes from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere on yearly basis are throughout the state of Maranhao and the southern portions of the state of Amazonas. As demonstrated through tower site comparisons, NEP modeled with monthly MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) inputs closely resembles the measured seasonal carbon fluxes at the LBA Tapajos tower site. Modeling results suggest that the capacity for use of MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data to predict seasonal uptake rates of CO2 in Amazon forests and Cerrado woodlands is strong.