The ORNL DAAC announces the release of two data sets associated with the LBA-ECO component of the Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA).
The data set entitled "LBA-ECO TG-07 Forest Structure Measurements for GLAS Validation: Santarem 2004" provides the results of GLAS (the Geoscience Laser Altimer System) forest structure validation surveys conducted along transects at the Santarem and Sao Jorge forest sites.
The data set entitled "LBA-ECO LC-23 ASTER and MODIS Fire Data Comparison for Brazil: 2003-2004" provides data associated with MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) fire maps generated using two different algorithms and compared against fire maps produced by ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer). One algorithm is NASA's operational Earth Observing System MODIS fire detection product, and the other is Brazil's National Institute for Space Research INPE algorithm. Both instruments, MODIS and ASTER, collect data from aboard the Terra sattellite launched in December 1999 as part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS).
LBA is an international research initative under the leadership of Brazil. The project focuses on the climatological, ecological, biogeochemical, and hydrological functions of Amazonia; the impact of land use change on these functions; and the interactions between Amazonia and the Earth system. The LBA-ECO component focuses on the question: "How do tropical forest conversion, regrowth, and selective logging infuence carbon storage, nutrient dynamics, trace gas fluxes, and the prospect for substainable land use in Amazonia?"
See the LBA Project page for further information about the study and to access associated data and documentation maintained by the ORNL DAAC.