MODIS EVI-based net primary production in the Sahel 2000–2014

Summary, in English

Africa is facing resource problems due to increasing demand combined with potential climate-induced changes in supply. Here we aim to quantify resources in terms of net primary production (NPP [g C m−2 yr−1]) of vegetation in the Sahel region for 2000–2014.

Using time series of the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) from MODIS, NPP was estimated for the Sahel region with a 500 × 500 m spatial resolution and 8-day temporal resolution. The estimates were based on local eddy covariance flux measurements from six sites in the Sahel region and the carbon use efficiency originating from a dynamic vegetation model.

No significant NPP change was found for the Sahel as a region but, for sub-regions, significant changes, both increasing and decreasing, were observed. Substantial uncertainties related to NPP estimates and the small availability of evaluation data makes verification difficult. The simplicity of the methodology used, dependent on earth observation only, is considered an advantage.

• Author: Jonas Ardö; Torbern Tagesson; Sadegh Jamali; Abdelrahman Khatirc
• Department/s: Dept of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science; Transport and Roads; BECC: Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate
• Publishing year: 2018-03-30
• Language: English
• Pages: 35-45
• Publication/Series: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
• Volume: 65
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2017.10.002
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Topic: Physical Geography
• Keywords: Carbon use efficiency; Eddy covariance flux data; Resource assessment
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1569-8432