Groundbreaking Study Innovates Forest Biomass Measurement in Arkansas
In a significant advancement for environmental science, Dr. Hamdi Zurqani, an assistant professor of geospatial science at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has developed a novel approach to estimate Arkansas’ aboveground forest biomass using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology. His research, published in “Ecological Informatics,” leverages data from NASA’s Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation LiDAR, alongside imagery from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel satellites, to produce accurate biomass mapping.
Forests, crucial for carbon storage, play an integral role in regulating the Earth’s climate, storing approximately 80% of terrestrial carbon. Traditional biomass measurement methods involve labor-intensive fieldwork, which is costly and often limited in scope. Zurqani’s technique promises to streamline this process, utilizing open-access satellite data integrated on Google Earth Engine.
Testing four machine learning algorithms, Zurqani found that gradient tree boosting yielded the highest accuracy. The integration of data from different sources allowed for a more precise estimation of biomass, critical in tracking carbon sequestration and informing policy decisions on forest management.
As climate change concerns mount, Zurqani emphasizes the importance of refined forest management strategies. Accurate biomass data is invaluable for timber companies, carbon credit firms, and policymakers. While he has already estimated Arkansas’ forest canopy, completing biomass estimates is an ongoing effort, expected by early next year.
“Our vision is to know the aboveground biomass for the state of Arkansas,” Zurqani states, underscoring the relevance of this research in a changing climate. This innovative approach could reshape environmental management and policy, making it indispensable for safeguarding forests worldwide.
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