Code
1203326N
Duration
01 October 2025 → 30 September 2028
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Promotor
Research disciplines
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Natural sciences
- Remote sensing
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Engineering and technology
- Modelling and simulation
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Agricultural and food sciences
- Forestry management and modelling
Keywords
terrestrial laser scanning
elevated CO₂ levels
forest structural dynamics
Project description
Rising CO₂ levels are projected to surpass 550 ppm by 2050. However, uncertainties remain about how elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) will affect forest structural dynamics and carbon sequestration, hampering the accuracy of climate models. Free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiments simulate future CO₂ levels and offer critical data to address these uncertainties. However, our ability to fully leverage data from FACE experiments is limited by the challenges associated with accurately measuring forest structure and carbon storage over time. This project uses 3D terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), a cutting-edge, non-destructive method for quantifying forest structure with unprecedented precision. Multi-temporal TLS-derived metrics can provide insights into forest structural dynamics at high temporal and spatial resolution. Integrating these data into simulation models, such as the TROLL 4.0 model, will refine predictions of carbon storage and forest dynamics under eCO₂. The project will: (OBJ.1) Quantify forest structural dynamics at EucFACE using multi-temporal TLS data. (OBJ.2) Improve forest dynamics models by integrating TLS-derived metrics to enhance carbon stock predictions. (OBJ.3) Expand these methods to diverse FACE sites globally, such as AmazonFACE and BIFoR FACE. By combining innovative TLS technology with FACE data, this research will reduce uncertainties in forest carbon dynamics and inform effective climate solutions.