Date of Award
Fall 2009
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Natural Resources
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Barrett Rock
Abstract
Anthocyanin, thought to be a universal indicator of plant stress, is a red pigment found in many plant species and can seen in New England autumns. Detecting its presence is useful for ecosystem analysis and monitoring changes during autumn senescence. Currently fall foliage is subjectively measured; creation of a satellite-based anthocyanin index will provide an objective measurement and enhance understanding of the distribution of plant stress and senescence over large areas. Anthocyanin indices were tested hyperspectrally in a laboratory setting, then indices were simulated for Hyperion, MERIS, MODIS, and Landsat TM/ETM+ to see which most accurately represents changes in anthocyanin concentration, and finally indices were applied to actual imagery. Results of this study found that (1/R564)-(1/R697) was the best approximation for anthocyanin; the red:green ratio was the best overall estimator of anthocyanin using simulated satellite bands; and real imagery from MODIS and MERIS satellite sensors can detect a fall foliage signal.
Recommended Citation
Lindgren, Erica, "Extrapolating hyperspectral anthocyanin indices to multispectral satellite sensors---applications to fall foliage in New England" (2009). Master's Theses and Capstones. 486.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/486