NASA Observations and Research to Inform Studies of Partitioning of Carbon Between Atmosphere and Biosphere

NASA’s Earth Science Division maintains a vigorous program of research, observations, and modeling that address the transfer of carbon between the atmosphere and biosphere (fluxes) and the storage of carbon in the biosphere (stocks). Through this research program, NASA is helping to shed light on the distributions of carbon within the atmosphere and biosphere as well as the processes that allow for exchange between them. By addressing atmospheric and surface biosphere observations and research together, important questions about the present and future evolution of this partitioning, may be addressed. In this talk, a review of the current and future capability and plans, including satellite and airborne observations, modeling, and competitive research will be presented. This subject represents a long-term interest of Piers Sellers from his early days in working on field campaigns and model development, which he was still working on at the end of his life.