Direct satellite inference of ecosystem light use efficiency for carbon exchange using MODIS on Terra and Aqua

Understanding the dynamics of the global carbon cycle requires an accurate determination of the spatial and temporal distribution of photosynthetic CO₂ uptake by terrestrial vegetation. Optimal photosynthetic function is negatively affected by stress factors that cause down-regulation (i.e., reduced rate of photosynthesis). Present approaches to determine ecosystem carbon exchange rely on meteorological data as inputs to models that predict the relative photosynthetic function in response to environmental conditions inducing stress (e.g., drought, high/low temperatures). This study examines the determination of ecosystem photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE) from satellite observations, through measurement of vegetation spectral reflectance changes associated with physiologic stress responses exhibited by photosynthetic pigments. This novel approach is now possible because the Moderate-Resolution Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua and Terra provides frequent, narrow-band measurements of high radiometric accuracy in both the morning and afternoon. Specifically, the reflective ocean MODIS bands were used to calculate the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), an index that is sensitive to reflectance changes near 531 nm associated with vegetation stress responses exhibited by photosynthetic pigments in the xanthophyll cycle. MODIS PRI values were compared with LUE calculated from half hour values of CO₂ flux measured at the overpass time at a mature aspen site in the boreal forest of Saskatchewan as part of the Fluxnet-Canada network