Interpretation of Remotely Sensed Data in Alaskan tundra-taiga zone based on componential spectral characteristics

We measured and modeled spectral reflectance factors to the nadir view on an Alaskan north-south transect from tundra to taiga in order to understand possibilities of spectral decomposition of tundra, and forest floors of tundra-taiga transition and forest floors of taiga. Vegetation distribution in tundra zone indicate distribution of methane emission from tundra as well as active layer thickness and vegetation change with climate change. These distributions relate terrestrial carbon budget in tundra. Classification of taiga forest according to forest age after the last fire and to forest viability as well as tree species contributes to carbon, heat, and water budgets. In tundra-taiga transition zone, vegetation classification concerns with both methane emission and forest fire influence. Radiative transfer modeling gives a basis for interpreting remotely sensed data on taiga and tundra vegetation. Tundra vegetation and taiga forest floors are composed by small patch of plant species. Some plant species may be spectrally separated, and others may not. Spectral decomposition of plant species corresponding different methane emission shows usefulness of remote sensing for methane emission distribution mapping. In this research, we showed spectral reflectance characteristics of vegetation components such as leaves, forest floors, and tundra vegetation in Alaskan tundra, Alaskan taiga, and explained the vegetation reflectance characteristics based on the component characteristics and a radiative transfer model.