Calculation of the aboveground carbon stocks with satellite data and statistical models integrated into the climatic parameters in the Alborz Mountain forests (northern Iran)

Abstract

The forest ecosystems of northern Iran in the Alborz Mountains with a wide distribution range have variations in the composition and types of the plants, soil, structure, carbon stocks and climatic conditions. This study investigated the use of a satellite database and climatic parameters in estimating the carbon reserves. Three regions were selected for the distribution range of these forests. The data of 4 climatic parameters (MAP, MHR, MAE and MAT) were modelled based on the relationship with an elevation gradient. 5 spectral vegetation indices (RVI, NDVI, SR, NDGI, DVI and TVI) and near-infrared band (NIR) extracted from the satellite data and the aboveground carbon data of these forests were modelled based on a regression analysis. Finally, the best model of the relationship between the climate variables and the carbon stocks and the satellite indices was obtained from the multivariate linear regression equation and the R2 coefficient. Accordingly, the most influential climatic parameters on the carbon stocks of these forests were precipitation, temperature, and also the most significant indices were NDVI, RVI and NIR band. This research is an attempt to model the calculations of the aboveground carbon in the forests of northern Iran in relation to the climatic parameters using satellite imagery.

Keywords

• climate
• carbon trees
• broadleaf forests
• spectral indices