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GIAN — Vegetation phenology to understand climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems

3rd December 2018 - 7th December 2018
Dept of Geology, Unversity of Kerala Trivandrum, India
http://www.gian.iitkgp.ac.in//files/brochures/BR1536682179GIAN_Vegetation_Phenology_Univ_Kerala_(1).pdf
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Abstract

Vegetation phenology, often defined as “the study of the timing of recurrent biological events, the causes of their timing with regard to biotic and abiotic forces, and the interrelation among phases of the same or different species” has been identified as a key indicator to monitor climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. However, often less appreciated is the influence of vegetation phenology on the global and regional climate systems by regulating land surface-atmosphere interactions. Cutting-edge developments in digital imaging technology and its use in observation networks (e.g., PhenoCam), satellite remote sensing, modelling and data analysis with open source software have helped transform the study of vegetation phenology into a discipline in its own right. These accomplishments to quantify the seemingly simple “rhythm of the season” have been complemented by various coordinated efforts to involve the interested general public in climate change research. The integration of state-of-the-art technologies with citizen science provides exciting new opportunities to better understand climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems and their societal consequences and of how altered vegetation phenology impacts the larger climate system through associated feedbacks. The five-day short course is designed for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, research scientists and faculty members but also practitioners with a general interest in Earth, environmental, atmospheric and climate change sciences. No specific background is required but a basic understanding in any of the above disciplines and some computational literacy will enhance the learning process and appreciation of the presented material.

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