GCOS Essential Climate Variables (ECV)

Terrestial/ECV T12 -Biomass

Biomass plays two major roles in the climate system: a) photosynthesis withdraws CO2 from the atmosphere and stores it as biomass; and b) quantity of biomass consumed by fire affects emissions of CO2 and of other trace gases and aerosols. Estimates of biomass change (due to land use and management practices or to natural processes) provide a direct measurement of carbon sequestration or loss and can help to validate carbon-cycle models. (from the FAO/GTOS web site)

• ECV T12 Standards
• Reference Documents

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