MSI PI Tim Griffis (Soil, Water, and Climate) is a co-author on research recently published in the prestigious journal Science that describes a new method of measuring photosynthesis. A NASA satellite measures a process that takes place only during the photosynthesis process; these measurements have been validated using measurements taken by University of Minnesota researchers, including Professor Griffis. The research has uses for agriculture and climate studies.
An article about this research appears on the University News site: A New Way to Measure Photosynthesis. The article can be found on the Science website: OCO-2 Advances Photosynthesis Observation From Space via Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence.
Professor Griffis uses MSI resources for studies of heat and mass transfer between the biosphere and atmosphere, which have important consequences for the climate system, ecosystems, natural resources, and human health. A story about the Griffis group’s research was featured on the MSI website in October 2017: Nitrous Oxide Emissions Affected by Climate Change.