The International Satellite Land-Surface Climatology Project: A Brief Summary

The ISLSCP was originated by IAMAP and COSPAR in light of the recognition that extensive work is needed in order to convert satellite observations of radiances from land surfaces and vegetation to useful geophysical/biological indices of surface radiant and moisture characteristics, energy fluxes, and the status of the land biomes, which are all relevant to climate modeling and assessing impacts of climatic variations.Under the support of UNEP, groups of experts developed the ISLSCP-recommended programs and scientists from many nations are conducting local experiments using ground, aircraft, and satellite observations. Discussions are underway for an integrated international experiment, with a location in China as one candidate site.