The European Space Agency is currently conducting tests of the effectiveness of spaceborne radar to map the biomass of northern boreal forests. The boreal forest forms a band around the northern hemisphere through Canada, Alaska, Russia and northern Europe. The size and scope of this forest makes it the world’s largest carbon reservoir on land.
Tests are ongonig in northern Sweden to compare results from P-ban airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with ground collected data in several test plots. The aim is to compare ground measurements with satellite measurements to ensure an accurate map of forest biomass.
The campaign is one of the first steps for project consideration as BIOMASS is one of seven Earth Explorer missions under consideration. In early January ESA will determine if this project moves to the feasibility study phase.
Read more about this project on the ESA website.
