Observation and simulation of net primary productivity in Qilian Mountain, western China

J Environ Manage. 2007 Nov;85(3):574-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.04.024. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

Abstract

We modeled net primary productivity (NPP) at high spatial resolution using an advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) image of a Qilian Mountain study area using the boreal ecosystem productivity simulator (BEPS). Two key driving variables of the model, leaf area index (LAI) and land cover type, were derived from ASTER and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Other spatially explicit inputs included daily meteorological data (radiation, precipitation, temperature, humidity), available soil water holding capacity (AWC), and forest biomass. NPP was estimated for coniferous forests and other land cover types in the study area. The result showed that NPP of coniferous forests in the study area was about 4.4 tCha(-1)y(-1). The correlation coefficient between the modeled NPP and ground measurements was 0.84, with a mean relative error of about 13.9%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Altitude
  • Biomass
  • Chemical Precipitation
  • China
  • Climate
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Geographic Information Systems*
  • Geography
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • Humidity
  • Models, Biological
  • Plant Leaves / growth & development
  • Soil / analysis
  • Sunlight
  • Temperature
  • Trees / growth & development*

Substances

  • Soil