Understanding Photosynthetic Characteristics of Himalayan Forests Through a Remote Sensing Lens
摘要
Terrestrial ecosystems such as those in the Himalayas, which are characterized by dense vegetation and high biodiversity, appear to have the potential to accommodate a considerable part of the CO2 emitted into the atmosphere by various sources. In order to understand the actual capacity of Himalayan ecosystems to consume CO2, accurate measurement of the terrestrial vegetation primary productivity and its understanding are mandatory. This study used the satellite remote sensing-derived (MODIS) land products for trend analysis of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (APAR). The monthly average GPP value in eastern and western Himalaya is 0.03 and 0.018 kgC/m2 respectively, as estimated by the MOD17A2H data product, whereas the mean value of FPAR in the eastern Himalaya is 0.648 and 0.581 in the western Himalaya as per the MODIS data analyzed during 2017 to 2023. The average LAI in the eastern Himalaya was observed as 4.31 in low altitude and 4.49 in mid altitude, whereas in western Himalaya, it was 2.74, 3.11, and 1.28 in low-, mid-, and high-elevation belts, respectively, as per the MODIS data. This indicates an underestimation of LAI by MODIS data as reported by many researchers. The western Himalaya with varying climatic conditions, including colder temperatures and lower precipitation compared to eastern Himalaya, influences the seasonal dynamics of FPAR, particularly during the growing season of vegetation as reflected in the Gross Primary Productivity.