Mapping and modeling attributes of an arctic - boreal biome shift: resource management implications within the above domain we propose to investigate the role of vegetation dynamics across the above…

This is a $226,501.94 cooperative agreement awarded by the Shared Services Center (part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to the Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia (UVA), doing business as the University of Virginia. The contract is for a project titled "Mapping and Modeling Attributes of an Arctic - Boreal Biome Shift: Resource Management Implications", which will investigate vegetation dynamics and changes in the Arctic and boreal regions using satellite data and field measurements. The goal is to explore evidence for the progression of an Arctic-boreal biome shift, where tree productivity decreases and mortality increases in the southern boreal while suitability for woody vegetation expansion increases in the northern boreal and Arctic tundra. The contract does not have a set-aside designation and runs through August 18, 2018. UVA has extensive experience managing complex federally-funded projects and collaborating with government agencies on research and technical services.

Mapping and modeling attributes of an arctic - boreal biome shift: resource management implications within the above domain we propose to investigate the role of vegetation dynamics across the above study domain, building upon our extensive prior work documenting changes in arctic and boreal vegetation productivity over the past three decades using moderate and coarse resolution satellite data and related field measurements. We will expand past activities with the most recent satellite data sets as well as newer, higher resolution satellite data products. These analyses will be coupled with extensive field measurements and species-specific modeling to capture areas of documented boreal biome tree mortality and tundra vegetation changes across regional climate and environmental gradients. Our investigations will be in the context of exploring multiple lines of evidence for the progression of an arctic boreal biome shift, where tree productivity decreases and mortality increases in the southern boreal while suitability for range expansion and densification of woody vegetation (e.g. shrubs) increases in the northern boreal and arctic tundra.