The overall objective of this proposal is to develop an Earth Science Data Record (ESDR) of vegetation green leaf area index (LAI) and fraction vegetation absorbed PAR (FPAR) from Terra/Aqua MODIS and NPP VIIRS sensors. To achieve this objective, we propose to (1) maintain and refine the LAI/FPAR algorithm for the Terra/Aqua MODIS sensors, (2) characterize the accuracy, precision, uncertainty and quality of the MODIS LAI/FPAR products through data analysis, validation and application studies, (3) adapt and prototype the MODIS algorithm for the NPP-VIIRS sensor, and (4) perform research that documents the ESDR attributes of the derived data product time series. This research supports investigation of key research questions identified in NASA�s Earth Science Research Strategy on Variability (How are global ecosystems changing?) and Response (How do ecosystems respond to and affect global environmental change and the carbon cycle?) through deliverables that include a prototype LAI/FPAR ESDR of known accuracy, precision, uncertainty and quality for the period March 2000 to December 2009, and possibly into the NPP-VIIRS and NPOESS era.
