India and China Give the Highest Contribution to Increasing the Global Leaf Area – MODIS

MODIS – Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer of NASA provides data regarding the Global Leaf Area. The data shows that India and China are leading in the contribution of the Global Leaf Area across the world. The Global Leaf Area is increased by 5% since the early 200s. When translated there is a 2.3% increase per decade. When added, it gives an area that is equal to the Amazon forest. China alone contributes 25% and India about 6.8%.

The composition of China is from the forest (41%) and cropland (32%). India has fewer forests (4.2%) and cropland (82%). The Global Vegetated Area is itself 2.7% and among it, India has 6.8% of the land with vegetation cover. Total cereal production in India has also increased by 26% in the same period. According to the forest survey of India, the forest cover is been increasing since 2015. The increase can measure up to 6600 sq km or 0.21%.

MODIS – Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer is a key instrument aboard which consist of The Terra and the Aqua. These are also called as EOS AM 1 and EOS PM 1 respectively. These two instruments are timed. The Terra will pass from north to south in the morning across the equator and the Aqua will pass from south to north in the afternoon. Thus, MODIS view the entire Earth in 1 to 2 days completely. It acquires data in 36 spectral bands. This data helps the policymakers and others to understand the world dynamics from the process and changes occurring inland and the oceans.