Characteristics of vegetation phenology over the Alaskan landscape using AVHRR time-series data

Polar Record
By: , and 

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Abstract

Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite data were acquired and composited into twice-a-month periods from 1 May 1991 to 15 October 1991 in order to map vegetation characteristics of the Alaskan landscape. Unique spatial and temporal qualities of the AVHRR data provide information that leads to a better understanding of regional biophysical characteristics of vegetation communities and patterns. These data provided synoptic views of the landscape and depicted phenological diversity, temporal vegetation phenology (green-up, peak of green, and senescence), photosynthetic activity, and regional landscape patterns. Products generated from the data included a phenological class map, phenological composite maps (onset, peak, and duration), and photosynthetic activity maps (mean and maximum greenness). The time-series data provide opportunities to study phenological processes at small landscape scales over time periods of weeks, months, and years. Regional patterns identified on some of the maps are unique to specific areas; others correspond to biophysical or ecoregional boundaries. The data provide new insights to landscape processes, ecology, and landscape physiognomy that allow scientists to look at landscapes in ways that were previously difficult to achieve.

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Table of Contents


Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Characteristics of vegetation phenology over the Alaskan landscape using AVHRR time-series data
Series title Polar Record
DOI 10.1017/S0032247400013681
Volume 31
Issue 177
Year Published 1995
Language English
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Description 12 p.
First page 179
Last page 190
Country United States
State Alaska
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