Accurate assessment of carbon stored in Arctic and boreal forests, which play a critical role in global climate regulation, has long challenged researchers due to ecosystem complexity and remote locations. New research led by University of Utah scientists addresses this by evaluating existing satellite biomass datasets and introducing a comprehensive map tracking four decades of ecological changes across northern high latitudes.
The studies stem from NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE), a 15-year program aiming to understand how warming temperatures—two to four times faster than the global average—impact carbon storage in Alaska and Canada’s vast forested regions. These ecosystems sequester atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis but face increasing threats from wildfires and drought that may turn them into net carbon sources, accelerating climate change. Accurately quantifying biomass is thus essential for effective mitigation strategies.
The first paper, published in Environmental Research Letters, systematically compares nine currently available satellite-based biomass datasets covering Arctic and boreal North America. Researchers highlight varying accuracy and applicability among datasets, cautioning users that no single map fits all purposes. Instead, they offer a nuanced guide indicating which datasets perform best depending on goals such as wildfire impact monitoring or national carbon accounting.
Building on this, a second study unveils a new biomass map that integrates remote sensing and field data to reveal ecological trends over 40 years with unprecedented precision. This map captures changes in vegetation structure and carbon stocks, enabling scientists to track long-term impacts of disturbances and inform climate models more accurately.
The expanding availability of remote sensing technologies has produced a proliferation of biomass maps, each differing by data sources, resolution, and methodology. This abundance complicates decisions for policymakers and researchers seeking reliable carbon estimates. The new comparative analysis and detailed mapping provide clarity, enhancing the ability to monitor carbon dynamics critical for climate policy and conservation efforts.