1. GEOG0133 TERRESTRIAL CARBON: MODELLING and MONITORING¶
1.1. Aims of the course¶
The Terrestrial Carbon: modelling and monitoring module aims:
To outline the role of vegetation in the carbon cycle and the wider climate system
To outline how the vegetation carbon cycle can be modelled and use the models in prediction
To provide the linkages between the models and remote sensing observations (radiative transfer)
To enable the students to use remote sensing (and other) data to constrain, test and criticise the models
To expose the students to modern statistical methods in combining data and models
1.2. Content of the course¶
The module will cover:
The role of vegetation in the climate system
Terrestrial vegetation dynamics modelling
Remote sensing of vegetation
Radiation interactions with vegetation
Model inversion in remote sensing
Concepts and maths of data assimilation
Using remote sensing data to constrain and test vegetation dynamics models
1.3. Assessment¶
Normally, 2 hour unseen exam, 100% of the assessment. For 2020-21 Special Covid conditions apply.
1.4. Format of the course¶
The module will be delivered through:
Lectures (ppt summary, extensive web notes)
Computer laboratory work (Python notebooks).
Student seminars
1.5. Learning outcomes¶
At the end of the module, students should:
Appreciate the role of vegetation in the carbon cycle and the climate system
Appreciate the role, strengths and weaknesses of models of global vegetation processes
Understand the factors affecting remote sensing measurements of vegetation (radiative transfer theory)
Understand how to use models and observations in combination to improve estimates of carbon fluxes and pools
Have an understanding of data assimilation