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Reflectance spectra of subarctic lichensLichens constitute a major portion of the ground cover of high latitude environments, but little has been reported concerning their in situ solar spectral reflectance properties. Knowledge of these properties is important for the interpretation of remotely sensed observations from high latitude regions, as well as in studies of high latitude ecology and energy balance climatology. The spectral reflectance of common boreal vascular plants is similar to that of vascular plants of the midlatitudes. The dominant lichens, in contrast, display variable reflectance patterns in visible wavelengths. The relative reflectance peak at 0.55 microns, common to green vegetation, is absent or indistinct in spectra of pervasive boreal forest and tundra lichens, despite the presence of chlorophyll in the inner algal cells. Lichens of the dominant genus, Cladina, display strong absorption of ultraviolet energy and short-wavelength blue light relative to their absorption in other visible wavelengths. Since the Cladinae dominate both the surface vegetation in open woodlands of the boreal forest and the low arctic tundra, their unusual spectral reflectance patterns will enable accurate monitoring of the boreal forest-tundra ecotone and detection of its vigor and movement in the future.
Document ID
19880050193
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Petzold, Donald E.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Goward, Samuel N.
(Maryland, University College Park, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Remote Sensing of Environment
Volume: 24
ISSN: 0034-4257
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Accession Number
88A37420
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC5-26
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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