The Land Cover product (MOD12Q1) is used for biophysical and biogeochemical parameterization for input to global and regional scale models. The product identifies 5 classes of land cover. Land Cover Type 1 includes the 17 classes of land cover in the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) global vegetation classification scheme. Other data set layers for include the University of Maryland modification of the IGBP scheme (LC Type 2), the MODIS LAI/fPAR (LC Type 3) scheme, the MODIS Net Primary Production (LC Type 4) scheme, and the Plant Functional Types (LC Type 5) provided in consideration of the Community Land Model used in climate modeling.
The Land Cover Dynamics product (MOD12Q2) provides estimates of the timing of vegetation phenology at global scales. The data layers included identify the timing of vegetation growth, maturity, and senescence that mark the seasonal cycles. The bi-annual product uses 24 months of data as input, centered on a 12-month focus period of interest, bracketed by six months of data on either end. Using this input, the land cover dynamics product provides estimates of vegetation phenology twice a year. The two 12-month focus periods are July through June, and January through December, allowing for hemispheric differences in the growing seasons, and enabling the product to capture two growth cycles if necessary.
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