Can vegetation optical types help address plant-climate interactions?

Abstract:

Optical types are functionally distinct vegetation types defined by their spectral properties in time and space, and thus distinguishable by optical remote sensing. This concept is behind current attempts to assess biodiversity from remote sensing, but can also be applied to address underlying functional diversity, and may be a useful tool for evaluating or defining ecosystem-atmosphere interactions. Using examples from arctic, boreal, and prairie biomes, this presentation considers recent research that utilizes optical types to investigate ecosystem optical properties that reflect underlying functional diversity. We also consider whether optical types provide a useful way to address plant-climate interactions with optical remote sensing.