Solar Induced Vegetation Fluorescence Retrieval Using SCIAMACHY and GOME-2 Measurements And Its Correlation To GPP And FAPAR

Abstract:

Global carbon cycle is connected to terrestrial vegetation as an important sink of CO2. Plants contribute to the global carbon cycle both through photosynthesis and respiration processes. Fluorescence is a fraction of surplus energy, emitted to the environment by Chlorophyll molecules as a side-product of photosynthesis. As a result, Sun-Induced plant Fluorescence (SIF) is a reliable indicator of photosynthesis efficiency and therefore, important for vegetation observation, forest monitoring, global carbon uptake formulation and even agriculture.

In our study, a newly developed retrieval scheme is used to quantify SIF from non-invasive satellite measurements of Top of Atmosphere (TOA) Earthshine radiances. Our method has been developed and tested on simulated data, created by the comprehensive radiative transfer model, SCIATRAN. Sensitivity studies showed that the method is capable of assessing SIF. The method is then applied on long-term data of 10 years from SCIAMACHY (Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography) and GOME-2 (Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2) instruments and produced promising results.

Furthermore, the relationship between the retrieved SIF values and vegetation's contribution to the global CO2 uptake is investigated by comparing monthly variation of SIF against GPP (Gross Primary Production) and FAPAR (Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation) for selected regions.