| ------We present a classification
of Patagonian ecosystems based on functional attributes derived from the
seasonal curves of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), calculated
from spectral data provided by the NOAA/AVHRR satellites. The attributes
used were the annual integral, the relative range if NDVI, and the date
of maximum NDVI. These attributes capture critical aspects of the seasonal
dynamics of carbon gains and allow fro a good description of the spatial
heterogeneity of ecosystem function in temperate areas. Our analysis defined
12 biozones that capture the current ecosystem functioning. The units defines
showed a good agreement with the previously defines phytogeographical provinces.
Mapping biozones based on attributes derived from satellite does not require
assumptions on the relationship between vegetation units and environmental
features. This reduces the errors associated with the lack of correlation
between vegetation and environmental features. |