Exploring Carbon Sequestration through Drone-Detected Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF) Data to Up-Scale Gross Ecosystem Productivity (GPP) from Eddy Covariance Flux Towers to Satellite Coverage

Climate change poses significant risks to global ecosystems, particularly forest ecosystems, which are crucial for carbon sequestration. In Canada, forests cover 38% of the land area, contributing 9% of global forest carbon sequestration. However, disturbances such as pest infestations and extreme weather events threaten their ability to sequester carbon. Current methods like flux towers and remote sensing satellites provide valuable data on carbon sequestration but are limited in spatial resolution, temporal frequency, mobility, and flexibility.

This project aims to address these challenges by integrating advanced drone technology with solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) measurements to explore carbon sequestration and forest productivity. The focus is on using SIF sensors and cameras (AirFlox and SIFCam) mounted on drones to enhance the monitoring of forest ecosystem productivity. Specifically, drone-based SIF data will scale up Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) measurements from flux tower sites, providing high-resolution, real-time data for dynamic assessments of forest health and carbon sequestration.

In collaboration with the Research Center Jülich, Germany, the project integrates drone-based SIF technology with flux tower and satellite data. This integration will enable detailed monitoring of forest responses to climate stressors, supporting Canada’s climate change mitigation strategies and advancing progress toward achieving net-zero emissions goals.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ingo Ensminger

Student:

Partner:

Forschungszentrum Jülich

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: