Spatial distribution of net primary production (NPP) using modis data and correlation with climate variability

Abstract

The most important global interactions between the biosphere and atmosphere involve the transfer of energy, water, and carbon. Carbon is assimilated by the biosphere through photosynthesis and released through autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration. Net Primary Production (NPP) is the net carbon fixed by vegetation through photosynthesis. NPP provides the carbon required for maintenance of the structure and functions of an ecosystem. NPP can be used in the term of net biomass accumulation to express the net flux of carbon between the atmosphere and terrestrial vegetation. NPP is a fundamental ecological variable, not only because it measures the energy input to the biosphere and terrestrial carbon dioxide assimilation, but also because of its significance in indicating the land surface area and status of a wide range of ecological process.