Context and objectives
The main research hypothesis of ALBERI is that spaceborne formaldehyde (HCHO), solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) and soil moisture can be used (i) to improve the estimation of soil moisture stress in the MEGAN isoprene emission model and (ii) to explain the variability of biogenic VOC emissions in terms of climate and land use change, with a special focus on the effects of drought.
Expected scientific results
A central outcome of the project will be an improved quantification and understanding of the isoprene emissions magnitude, temporal variability and response to drought conditions in the MEGAN model.
Expected products and services
The project is expected to contribute to the development of near-real time scientific applications involving spaceborne formaldehyde, soil moisture and photosynthesis indicators for quantifying global emissions of isoprene from vegetation. Given the importance of isoprene for air quality and climate and the current large uncertainties in the emission estimates, the potential for improved predictions in urban air-quality and climate models is expected to be significant. The project outcomes will be valuable in view of the planned ESA FLEX mission, dedicated to the high quality mapping of solarinduced fluorescence for quantifying the photosynthetic activity and the plant stress.
|Project leader(s):||BIRA - IASB - Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy|