The potential and limitations of satellite observations for CO2 retrievals over boreal forests

This paper considers various problems related to the capabilities of satellite observations for retrieving CO2 surface fluxes and atmospheric concentrations over boreal forests. A novel regression model suitable for calculating various components of CO2 fluxes at the surface level and employing satellite data as input has been developed. Results of this model are validated against observations and compared to the results produced by the European LPJ dynamic global vegetation model and the Canadian ecosystem model EALCO. The comparison was conducted over two boreal sites (Canada (Manitoba) and Russia (Zotino)) and shows a satisfactory agreement between modeled and observed values. Initial CO2 atmospheric column retrievals from SCIAMACHY onboard ENVISAT indicate that it is possible to detect reduced CO2 atmospheric column amounts resulting from the uptake of CO2 by growing vegetation. The potential of combined solar and thermal satellite observations and upcoming IASI/METOP for CO2 monitoring is discussed.