ARS | Publication request: Linking ground observations, simulation model output, and remote sensing data to characterize phenology across diverse arid landscapes

Submitted to: American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 15, 2007
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: We combined long-term data on plant phenology with simulation modeling output and remote sensing data to characterize diverse landscapes at the Jornada Experimental Range in the northern Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. Phenology of 15 key species in Chihuahuan Desert plant communities have been monitored monthly for 15 sites since 1992. Phenological state (non-reproductive, in bud, in flower, dormant) is noted for all plants of selected grass and shrub species at three replicate sites of five major plant communities (upland grasslands, playa grasslands, creosotebush shrublands, mesquite shrublands, tarbush shrublands). We combined these long-term data with simulation model results of key species to extrapolate back in time and to forecast future dynamics under a changing climate. We used a daily timestep model of soil water dynamics (SOILWAT) to simulate recruitment of the dominant grass for the entire Jornada Basin. We also compared the long-term data with remotely sensed images through time for one year from the ASTER satellite. The ability of the ASTER images to sense phonological changes varied by community type. Linking different technologies has great potential for improving understanding and prediction for arid landscapes that vary both temporally and spatially.