Article

A Continuous Satellite-Derived Measure of Global Terrestrial Primary Production

Steven W. RunningEarth Science Division at the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-tion, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035Ramakrishna NemaniNumerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812Faith Ann HeinschNumerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812Maosheng ZhaoNumerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812Matt C. ReevesEarth Science Division at the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-tion, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035Hirofumi HashimotoEarth Science Division at the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-tion, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035

2004en

ABI

Abstract

Until recently, continuous monitoring of global vegetation productivity has not been possible because of technological limitations. This article introduces a new satellite-driven monitor of the global biosphere that regularly computes daily gross primary production (GPP) and annual net primary production (NPP) at 1-kilometer (km) resolution over 109,782,756 km 2 of vegetated land surface. We summarize the history of global NPP science, as well as the derivation of this calculation, and current data production activity. The first data on NPP from the EOS (Earth Observing System) MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor are presented with different types of validation. We offer examples of how this new type of data set can serve ecological science, land management, and environmental policy. To enhance the use of these data by nonspecialists, we are now producing monthly anomaly maps for GPP and annual NPP that compare the current value with an 18-year average value for each pixel, clearly identifying regions where vegetation growth is higher or lower than normal.

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1641/0006-3568(2004)054[0547:acsmog]2.0.co;2

Citations and references

Cited by 20 references

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