Monitoring aspen phenology with MODIS data

Emily Richardson (BS Botany) monitored aspen tree growth in normal, wet, and dry years along an elevation gradient in the Sierra Madre Mountains. She computed a vegetation index from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) data acquired in 3 years and analyzed tree growth based on their phenology curves. Aspen stands growing at lower elevations exhibited major changes during these three years, whereas their growth patterns at higher elevations did not show such variations.

Emily presented her work in the Wyoming Undergraduate Research Day on 26 April 2014.


Note: Following newspapers published a short description of Emily's work:

1. Laramie Boomerang - May 10, 2014 - Link to article
2. Casper Star Tribune - May 12, 2014 - Link to article
3. Washington Times - May 10, 2014 - Link to article