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Dr.
Ms. Mary Blevins, Business
Official, mblevins@zai-inc.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-04ER84127
Amount: $749,701
Measurement techniques are needed to validate technologies
developed to enhance the net long-term sequestration of carbon in man-made and
natural environments. In particular, a
capability is required to determine increases in carbon fixation or sequestration
of 1 tonne per hectare per year. This
project will develop modifications and
improvements to an existing airborne remote sensing system, BioSAR 3, that will
provide a much more exact survey of 3
square miles (777 ha) a day. The modifications
will reduce the size of the radar footprint on the ground and allow for
improved accuracy. Phase I defined the
changes required for the hardware and software systems, developed requirements
for the new laser radar, and developed specifications for the new linear array
radar. The instrument was successfully used
to survey 30 pine plantation sites in
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The system should provide increased accuracy and precision for biomass and carbon surveys for the validation of technologies developed to enhance net long-term C sequestration. The measurements should have immediate applicability to the timber industry, for forest inventory and assessments.