Research project
Remote sensing-based assessment of functional diversity for polar ecosystems
1: What is the relative importance of alfa and beta biodiversity in polar ecosystems, and how does intraspecific variation influence this? 2: How can we use remote sensing to determine functional biodiversity (within communities) in polar ecosystems? 3: Temporal and spatial scales of functional biodiversity: sensing between-communities biodiversity and phenology. 4: Ecosystem functions: using remote sensing to identify shifts in biodiversity patterns and their effects on ecosystem functioning.
- Duration
- 2016 - 2020
- Contact
- Eefje de Goede
- Funding
-
NWO - New Netherlands Polar Programme
- Partners
Short abstract:
Developing a method to evaluate within and between-communities functional diversity in polar ecosystems through remote sensing.
Project description:
To protect Arctic ecosystems, we need a better understanding of spatial biodiversity patterns and quantitative methodologies to assess biodiversity of this fragile environment. ‘Biodiversity’ is a term that can be interpreted in multiple ways, complicating the scientific process. A distinction can be made between definitions based on species identity and based on functional characteristics of species or individuals, i.e. functional diversity. Biodiversity is often used to explain ecosystem functions and services ,and it has become clear that functional diversity is much better at explaining these. Therefore, this research will focus on functional diversity. A new methodology will be developed to derive traits-based functional diversity estimates using hyperspectral and LiDAR remote sensing techniques.