Metla Project 7189

Nordkalotten Satellite Evaluation Network: monitoring the effects of climatic change on natural resources

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Duration: 2005-2007   
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

The importance of the satellites in monitoring the atmosphere and the environment is rapidly increasing. A new observation and advance warning system for environmental changes can be created with the new numerical methods and modelling. The Nordkalotten Satellite Evaluation co-operation Network (NorSEN) project develops methods to interpret the satellite data. These methods can be used for observation of climate changes and for establishing a prognosis of the effects in the Scandinavian Shield area. The project is led by the Arctic Research Centre of the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Sodankylä. The project involves 16 organisations from Finland, Sweden and Norway. The participants from Metla are the Research Units in Muhos, Suonenjoki and Kolari. The activities of Metla are focused on the utilisation of phenologic metrics data obtained in Finland. Changes in the phenological phenomena, i.e. the rhythmics in the life cycle of various species, are the first signs of changes in the climate. At baseline, a survey on the existing satellite time series and phenological follow-up data is performed. Phenological changes in Finland since 1997 are investigated with help of the phenological data, and the best evaluation methods for phenological and ecological research in the arctic environment are identified on basis of algorithm testing. Project website: http://norsen.fmi.fi/ Sponsors: Interreg IIIA Nordkalotten, State Provincial Office of Lapland.

Results

After 1997 the onset of spring occurred on average 0.8 to 2 days earlier each year in Finnish Lapland. This leads to 1--2 weeks total advancement in spring phenophases depending on the species. The advancement of spring phenophases was related with increasing mean April and May temperatures, decreases in the maximum snow depth and earlier timing of snow melt. There were no changes in the timing of autumn phenophases. Fenological data were collected from 13 sites across Finnish Lapland. Five deciduous tree species (Betula pubescens, B. pendula, Sorbus aucuparia, Populus tremula, Prunus padus) and two dwarf shrubs (Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea) were included in the study.

Project leader: Tolvanen, Anne
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Muhos Office, Kirkkosaarentie 7, FI-91500 MUHOS, FINLAND
Phone: +358 10 211 3782 Telefax: +358 10 211 3701
E-mail: anne.tolvanen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Kotilainen, Eeva (2005-07)


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Updated 12.03.2010
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