The ORNL DAAC: A Source for Biogeochemical and Ecological Data1
Larry
D.
Voorhees, Oak Ridge National Laboratory2, voorheesld@ornl.gov
(Presenting)
Robert
B.
Cook, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, cookrb@ornl.gov
B.
Tim
Rhyne, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, rhynebt@ornl.gov
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) archives and distributes terrestrial biogeochemical dynamics data collected as part of the NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Program. The DAAC's 650+ data sets center around three core activities: (1) field campaigns, (2) validation of remote sensing products, and (3) terrestrial ecosystem modeling. Field campaigns combine ground-, aircraft-, and satellite-based measurements of biogeochemical features in specific ecosystems over a few years. These types of studies, like the LBA-ECO field campaign, focus on a particular issue or set of issues and are crucial to providing an integrated understanding of biogeochemical dynamics that can be extended across spatial and temporal scales. The ORNL DAAC supports the validation of remotely sensed measurements by compiling data, such as net primary productivity (NPP) and leaf area index (LAI), from global test sites for comparison with remote sensing products. Realistic models that simulate ecosystem properties and processes are needed to improve our understanding of the structure and function of these ecosystems. Biogeochemical dynamics data, such as those available from the ORNL DAAC, can be used to parameterize and validate terrestrial ecosystem models at local, regional, and global scales. Although our efforts focus on NASA-funded data products, we also hold selected biogeochemical dynamics data collected by non-NASA researchers worldwide. Data at the ORNL DAAC are available to the global change research community, policy makers, educators, and the general public at no charge.
1 This work is sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
2 Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC for the U.S Dept. of Energy under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.