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Comparison of ground and satellite based measurements of the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation intercepted by tall-grass prairieThe fraction of photosynthetically active radiation intercepted by vegetation, F(sub ipar) is an important parameter for modeling the interactions between the land-surface and atmosphere and for estimating vegetation biomass productivity. This study was, therefore, an integral part of FIFE. The specific purpose of this experiment was to find out how well definitive measurements of F(sub ipar) on the ground relate to near-ground and satellite based spectral reflectance measurements. Concurrent measurements of F(sub ipar) and ground, helicopter, and satellite based reflectance measurements were taken at thirteen tall-grass prairie sites within the FIFE experimental area. The sites were subjected to various combinations of burning and grazing managements. The ground and helicopter based reflectance measurements were taken on the same day or few days from the time of the overpass of LANDSAT and SPOT satellites. Ground-based reflectance measurements and sun photometer readings taken at the times of the satellite overpasses were used to correct for atmospheric attenuation. Hand-held radiometer spectral indices were strongly correlated with helicopter and satellite based values (r = 0.94 for helicopter, 0.93 for LANDSAT Thematic Mapper, and 0.86 for SPOT). However, the ground, helicopter, and satellite based normalized difference spectral vegetation indices showed low sensitivity to changes in F(sub ipar). Reflectance measurements were only moderately well correlated with measurements of F(sub ipar) (r = 0.82 for hand-held radiometer, 0.84 for helicopter measurements, and 0.75 for the LANDSAT Thematic Mapper and SPOT). Improved spectral indices which can compensate for site differences are needed in order to monitor F(sub ipar) more reliably.
Document ID
19930036628
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Demetriades-Shah, T. H.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kanemasu, E. T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Flitcroft, I. D.
(Georgia Univ. Griffin, United States)
Su, H.
(Kansas State Univ. Manhattan, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
November 30, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 97
Issue: D17
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Accession Number
93A20625
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-389
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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