About

The Earth Observation and Ecosystem Modelling lab is responsible for remote sensing research within the SPHERES research unit at ULiège. A peculiar expertise of the lab lies in exploiting newest-generation satellite data streams. These techniques include active and passive microwave, hyperspectral, thermal infrared, and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence Earth Observation Systems. They provide an unprecedented insight into the underlying mechanisms that govern ecosystem functioning and its resilience in the face of environmental stresses.

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he focal point of the lab lies in unraveling the ecosystem functioning by delving deep into the field of water and carbon dynamics within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. With a specific focus on the impacts of global change, past research of the group served at illuminating the effects of drought on ecosystem health.

In addition to its expertise in spaceborne remote sensing, the lab is also a trailblazer in the field of unmanned aerial system (UAS) remote sensing. By integrating UAS sensors with advanced modeling tools, we unlock novel approaches that paint a holistic picture of ecosystem dynamics and provide new insights to improve the interpretation of the satellite-based ecosystem data.

The holistic approach of studying ecosystems necessitates the use of dynamic vegetation models and of radiative transfer models (RTMs). RTMs serve at translating the remote sensing signals to biophysical variables, by describing the behavior of electromagnetic radiation at defined ecosystem parameters. RTMs can then be coupled to vegetation models, that estimate the ecosystem health based on the biophysical parameters provided by the radiative transfer model. This approach connects remote sensing data and ecosystem processes on a conceptual and mechanistic level. While we explore the functioning of various ecosystems, our particular focus lies around forest ecosystems.