From leaf to landscape - state-of-the-art remote sensing for monitoring ecosystem dynamics

Remote sensing is the science of measuring the dynamics of Earth systems using sensors onboard platforms such as satellites, airplanes or drones. In her research, Karen uses data spanning all such scales to query and quantify dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems, with a particular focus on eco-hydrology (the interactions between plants and the water cycle) and carbon-cycle related processes. She works predominantly in low biomass systems such as drylands and mountain ecosystems where plants can exert profound impacts on carbon/water processes.    In her 'state of the art' talk, Karen will use examples from her own research to provide examples of new approaches in remote sensing in action. The talk will start at low altitude, exploring applications for drone technology in improving biomass estimates in short-stature ecosystems via digital photogrammetry; then will move to higher elevations where examples of airborne laser scanning will be explained, and finally - to space and innovations in the remote sensing 'cloud' where big data questions about vegetation dynamics across huge ecosystems (in this case, the Himalaya) can be addressed.