FSU researcher uses NASA satellite data to reveal global patterns in tropical forest canopy height

A team of researchers, including Florida State University’s Department of Geography Assistant Professor Liling Chang, has published a study identifying key environmental factors that affect tropical forest canopy height. The research provides insights for predicting how tropical forests may react to future environmental changes.
Canopy height is a crucial indicator of forest ecosystem health, influencing elements such as drought resistance, tree mortality, biodiversity and carbon storage. The study, in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), uses data from NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), a spaceborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) instrument mounted on the International Space Station.
“The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation mission provides pioneering datasets and an innovative approach for examining ecosystem structure in three dimensions from regional to near-global scales,” Chang said. “Our findings enhance our understanding of how tropical forests respond to environmental stressors, which are crucial for conservation and climate mitigation efforts.”
“Our findings enhance our understanding of how tropical forests respond to environmental stressors, which are crucial for conservation and climate mitigation efforts.”
– Assistant Professor Liling Chang, Department of Geography
The research team found that about 75% of the variation in tropical forest canopy height can be attributed to climate, topography and soil characteristics. The study also showed that elevation, length of the dry season and solar radiation are key determinants influencing canopy height across tropical forests.
These insights can help inform sustainable forest management policies on a global scale by identifying vulnerabilities in tropical forests, such as the lengthening of the dry season in the Southern Amazon.
Understanding the factors that determine canopy height is crucial for accurate estimates of carbon storage and precise carbon accounting in ecosystem models. This information can help identify areas suited for long-term carbon storage and climate resilience initiatives.
To learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Department of Geography, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/geography.
The post FSU researcher uses NASA satellite data to reveal global patterns in tropical forest canopy height appeared first on Florida State University News.
Latest All News
- FSU’s Hanya Holm Costume Collection Inspires Dance ResearchersThe post FSU’s Hanya Holm Costume Collection Inspires Dance Researchers appeared first on Florida State University News.
- FSU Ph.D. student enriches understanding of global science and depression through Fulbright FellowshipDepression is a worldwide epidemic on track to become second only to cardiovascular disease in terms of global disease burden. […] The post FSU Ph.D. student enriches understanding of global science and depression through Fulbright Fellowship appeared first on Florida State University News.
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers discover universal law of quantum vortex dynamicsAn international research collaboration featuring scientists from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory discovered […] The post FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers discover universal law of quantum vortex dynamics appeared first on Florida State University News.
- FSU to Offer Graphic Design Certificate ProgramThe post FSU to Offer Graphic Design Certificate Program appeared first on Florida State University News.
- Student Star: Ella WindlanThe post Student Star: Ella Windlan appeared first on Florida State University News.
- FSU Professor Aids in Groundbreaking DiscoveryThe post FSU Professor Aids in Groundbreaking Discovery appeared first on Florida State University News.