Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Time: 4:15-5:30 PM; Refreshments at 4:00 PM
Location: Bldg. 320, Rm #221
Optical remote sensing of ecosystems at regional to global scales
Professor Gregory Asner
Geological & Environmental Science
Stanford University
Abstract
Ecosystems are under ever increasing pressure from human activities,
either directly via land use or indirectly via changes in atmospheric
composition. Measurement and monitoring of Earth's ecosystems requires a
synoptic view, which can only be achieved through large-scale remote
sensing observations. Most remote sensing of ecosystems occurs in the
optical, thermal and radar domains. Of these domains, the optical remote
sensing capabilities are currently the most advanced for ecosystem
studies. Some of the major developments are being achieved by tapping
the full spectral, temporal and angular reflectance information that is
now available from airborne and spaceborne sensors. These advances will
be presented, with particular attention to the major global change issues
facing Earth scientists today. Examples will be drawn from global carbon
cycle, deforestation and desertification research ongoing at the Carnegie
Institution located at Stanford University.