Abstract
Abstract. The aim of this study was to develop a method that will use satellite imagery to identify areas of high forest growth and productivity, as a primary input in prioritising revegetation sites for carbon sequestration. Using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data, this study analysed the annual net primary production (NPP) values (gC/m2) of images acquired from 2000 to 2013, covering the Condamine Catchment in southeast Queensland, Australia. With the analysis of annual rainfall data during the same period, three transitions of "normal to dry" years were identified to represent the future climate scenario considered in this study. The difference in the corresponding NPP values for each year was calculated, and subsequently averaged to the get the "Mean of Annual NPP Difference" (MAND) map. This layer identified the areas with increased net primary production despite the drought condition in those years. Combined with key thematic maps (i.e. regional ecosystems, land use, and tree canopy cover), the priority areas were mapped. The results have shown that there are over 42 regional ecosystem (RE) types in the study area that exhibited positive vegetation growth and productivity despite the decrease in annual rainfall. However, seven (7) of these RE types represents the majority (79 %) of the total high productivity area. A total of 10,736 ha were mapped as priority revegetation areas. This study demonstrated the use of MODIS-NPP imagery to map vegetation with high carbon sequestration rates necessary in prioritising revegetation sites.
Highlights
In the short term, the fastest way to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon sinks on land is to stop deforestation and expand the area of forests (Houghton, 2014)
The objectives of this study were to a) identify regional ecosystems that exhibited increased interannual net primary production (NPP) despite the decrease in interannual rainfall, and b) to map carbon sequestration areas that will be prioritised for revegetation efforts
The results have shown that there are over 42 regional ecosystem (RE) types and 62 Pre-clearing RE types in the study area that exhibited positive vegetation growth and productivity despite the decrease in annual rainfall
Summary
The fastest way to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon sinks on land is to stop deforestation and expand the area of forests (Houghton, 2014). Reforestation or afforestation is seen by many as one of the best natural means to sequester carbon and minimise the impact of rising CO2 levels (Cseke et al, 2013). The establishment of forests, either by natural or artificial methods, provides important benefits to soil, water and biodiversity conservation. The tasks involved can be complex – it entails the assessment of various factors pertaining to the biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of the area (Apan and Peterson, 1997). For revegetation tasks that seek to optimise carbon sequestration benefits, the identification of areas of high forest growth and productivity is essential. Different plants and vegetation communities respond to diverse growth factors as defined by their genetic traits and external environment (see, for example, Cseke et al, 2013)
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