Global analysis of the links between forest structure and land surface albedo

Abstract:

Land surface albedo is a critical parameter in modulating the local climate. Here, we present a global assessment of the links between forest structure and albedo. We used remotely sensed data to obtain variables representing forest structure, including forest density, leaf area index, and tree cover. In addition, we estimated black-sky albedo at a solar zenith angle of 38° using the moderate resolution imaging spectro-radiometer at shortwave, near-infrared, and visible spectral regions. Our results suggested that forest structure may modulate albedo in most of the forests around the world. The response of shortwave albedo was always positive to the leaf area index and negative to the tree cover (except for deciduous broadleaf forests in mediterranean and temperate regions), while the response to forest density varied across space in 2005. The spatial map affirmed that the links between forest structure and albedo vary over geographical locations. In sum, our study emphasised the importance of forest structure in the surface albedo regulation.