FSU researcher uses NASA satellite data to reveal global patterns in tropical forest canopy height

A team of researchers, including Florida State University’s Department of Geography Assistant Professor Liling Chang, has published a study identifying key environmental factors that affect tropical forest canopy height. The research provides insights for predicting how tropical forests may react to future environmental changes.

Canopy height is a crucial indicator of forest ecosystem health, influencing elements such as drought resistance, tree mortality, biodiversity and carbon storage. The study, in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), uses data from NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), a spaceborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) instrument mounted on the International Space Station.

“The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation mission provides pioneering datasets and an innovative approach for examining ecosystem structure in three dimensions from regional to near-global scales,” Chang said. “Our findings enhance our understanding of how tropical forests respond to environmental stressors, which are crucial for conservation and climate mitigation efforts.”

“Our findings enhance our understanding of how tropical forests respond to environmental stressors, which are crucial for conservation and climate mitigation efforts.”

– Assistant Professor Liling Chang, Department of Geography

The research team found that about 75% of the variation in tropical forest canopy height can be attributed to climate, topography and soil characteristics. The study also showed that elevation, length of the dry season and solar radiation are key determinants influencing canopy height across tropical forests.

These insights can help inform sustainable forest management policies on a global scale by identifying vulnerabilities in tropical forests, such as the lengthening of the dry season in the Southern Amazon.

Understanding the factors that determine canopy height is crucial for accurate estimates of carbon storage and precise carbon accounting in ecosystem models. This information can help identify areas suited for long-term carbon storage and climate resilience initiatives.

To learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s Department of Geography, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/geography.

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