Title
A Vegetation Classification Logic Based on Remote Sensing for Use in Global Biogeochemical Models
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Ambio: A Journal of the Human Environment
Publication Date
1994
Volume
23
First Page
77
Last Page
81
Abstract
A simple new classification logic for global vegetation is proposed. The critical features of this classification are that: it is based on simple, observable, unambiguous characteristics of vegetation structure that are important to ecosystem biogeochemistry and can be measured in the field for validation; the structural characteristics can be determined by remote sensing, so that repeatable and efficient global re-classifications of existing vegetation will be possible; and the defined vegetation classes directly translate into the biophysical parameters of interest by global climate and biogeochemicai models. A first test of this logic for the continental United States is presented based on an existing 1 km Normalized Difference Vegetation Index database. Currently recognized global biome classes can easily be derived from this classification by adding climate descriptors and defining mixtures of these fundamental six vegetation classes.
Rights
© 1994 Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Recommended Citation
Running, S. W., Loveland T. R., and Pierce L. L. (1994). A Vegetation Classification Logic Based on Remote Sensing for Use in Global Biogeochemical Models. Ambio, 23: 77-81.