National Key R&D Program Launched to Boost Protection and Restoration of Ecologically Vulnerable Areas

Five Young Scientist Projects supported by the National Key R&D Program "Ecosystem Protection and Restoration for Typical Ecologically Vulnerable Areas" were launched in Beijing on November 27, 2022, among which two projects are undertook by research teams with the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The project "Atmospheric Correction Technology for Tower-based Long Path Ecosystem Remote Sensing", which is led by Dr. LIU Xinjie, associate professor with AIR, focuses on the unsolved problems with atmospheric correction for multi-mode, long optical path and hyperspectral tower-based remote sensing for ecosystem observations.

Several key technologies, including the modelling of equivalent radiative transfer path, the accurate calculation of hyperspectral atmospheric transmittance and the image restoration, are expected to be broken through. Algorithms and software for atmospheric correction for tower-based ecosystem remote sensing will be developed to promote the monitoring of ecosystem traits.

The project "Non-destructive Observation Technology and Equipment for Aboveground Biomass Estimation of Woody and Herbaceous Plants", led by associate professor ZHAO Dan with AIR, aims to achieve non-destructive observation of aboveground biomass in forest and grassland ecosystems accurately and efficiently.

The project proposes a "density x volume" framework and develops non-destructive observation techniques and equipment for aboveground biomass estimation based on ground-based and near-ground remote sensing platforms. The key techniques involve woody and herbaceous plant density observation based on microwave and imaging spectroscopy and plant volume observation based on 3D scanning. This technology system will contribute to accurate carbon stock monitoring and provide scientific support for sustainable forest and grassland management.