A New Airborne Lidar for Remote Sensing of Canopy Fluorescence and Vertical Profile

A Ounis,F Daumard,A Mahjoub,J Bach,I Moya,Y Goulas

doi:10.1051/epjconf/201611925019

Abstract

We report the development of a new lidar system for airborne remote sensing of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and vertical profile of canopies. By combining laserinduced fluorescence (LIF), sun-induced fluorescence (SIF) and canopy height distribution, the new instrument will low the simultaneous assessment of gross primary production (GPP), photosynthesis efficiency and above ground carbon stocks. Technical issues of the lidar development are discussed and expected performances are presented.

Highlights

Terrestrial vegetation plays a fundamental role in the global carbon cycle; the coupling between climate change and plant eco-physiological functions still remains poorly understood
gross primary production (GPP) depends on both: (i) APAR, which itself depends on canopy structure, leaf biochemical composition and on incident radiation level, and (ii) the light use efficiency (LUE), which reflects the eco-physiological state of the plant [3]
sun-induced fluorescence (SIF) depends on APAR and on the fluorescence quantum yield (FQY), which is linked to photosynthesis efficiency

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Terrestrial vegetation plays a fundamental role in the global carbon cycle; the coupling between climate change and plant eco-physiological functions still remains poorly understood. Experimental investigations at the leaf, canopy, ecosystem and regional scales are needed in order to improve climate predictions and mitigation strategies. In this framework, current remote sensing techniques only deliver information on biophysical variables of the canopy, not on ecophysiological functions. ChlF is emitted by the photosynthetic pigments pool shortly after light absorption It is considered as a promising remote observable of vegetation because of its close link with photosynthesis (for a review see [1]). GPP depends on both: (i) APAR, which itself depends on canopy structure, leaf biochemical composition and on incident radiation level, and (ii) the light use efficiency (LUE), which reflects the eco-physiological state of the plant [3]. We discuss development issues and new possibilities that are open up by the future measurements

DERIVATION OF CANOPY PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The LASVEG excitation source

Eye safety experimental condition

LASVEG detectors

PASSIVE INSTRUMENTS

CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES