Derivation of LAI Estimates from NDVI and Conventional Data for the Simulaton of Forest Water Fluxes

Abstract

The current work presents a methodology that can be applied to simulate the main fluxes within Mediterranean forest ecosystems. In particular, the objective of the work is the operational use of {LAI} maps derived form {NDVI} data to estimate water fluxes over wide land surfaces. This information is of interest to decision-makers dealing with the management of the whole environment and can also serve for assessing the effects of large-scale perturbations (such as global climate change and air pollution) on forest equilibrium. To obtain these estimates both the relationships between {LAI} and {NDVI} and those between {LAI} and the main processes have to be properly calibrated. The results obtained support the possibility of using models, ancillary data and remotely sensed information for an operational monitoring of water fluxes in different forest areas.