Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation

This dataset, part of the Earth Land Information System (ELIS), provides high-resolution, near-real-time measurements of the Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR) and its historical anomalies. Monitored using space remote sensing techniques, it is essential for observing terrestrial ecosystem dynamics and the impacts of climate change that are otherwise difficult to track from space.

FAPAR is an Essential Climate Variable that serves as an integrated indicator of the status and health of plant canopies. It is used to track the overall primary productivity associated with atmospheric CO₂ fixation, playing a critical role in understanding the global carbon cycle and the biosphere's overall productivity.

This dataset is composed of two primary layers:

• FAPAR (Absolute): Provides near-real-time measures of the current state, health, and evolution of terrestrial vegetation dynamics.
• FAPAR Anomalies: Represents the deviation of current vegetation productivity from the historical average (calculated relative to the 2003–2010 baseline) over 10-day intervals. This layer highlights large surface variations in vegetation conditions across Africa.

Interpreting Anomalies & Applications

• Negative Anomalies (Shades of Red): Indicate relative vegetation stress during the 10-day interval (FAPAR value lower than the long-term mean). These are primarily driven by temperature increases and precipitation deficits.
• Positive Anomalies (Shades of Green): Indicate relatively favorable vegetation growth conditions during the interval (FAPAR value higher than the long-term mean).
• Primary Uses: FAPAR values and their anomalies provide highly actionable information for water management, agricultural planning, and broad environmental monitoring.