Summary Results from:
A Continuous Satellite-Derived Measure of Global Terrestrial Primary Production
As they relate to the validation of MOD17
Authors: Steven. W. Running, Ramakrishna R. Nemani, Faith Ann Heinsch, Maosheng Zhao, Matt Reeves, Hirofumi Hashimoto
Source: BioScience, June 2004, Vol. 54 No. 6
Link to: Access Publication
Abstract:
Until recently, continuous monitoring of global vegetation productivity has not been possible because of technological limitations. This article introduces a new satellite-driven monitor of the global biosphere that regularly computes daily gross primary production (GPP) and annual net primary production (NPP) at 1-kilometer (km) resolution over 109,782,756 km² of vegetated land surface. We summarize the history of global NPP science, as well as the derivation of this calculation, and current data production activity. The first data on NPP from the EOS (Earth Observing System) MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor are presented with different types of validation. We offer examples of how this new type of data set can serve ecological science, land management, and environmental policy. To enhance the use of these data by non-specialists, we are now producing monthly anomaly maps for GPP and annual NPP that compare the current value with an 18-year average value for each pixel, clearly identifying regions where vegetation growth is higher or lower than normal.
