Correlation between maximum latewood density of annual tree rings and NDVIbased estimates of forest productivity

In boreal conifers, maximum latewood density (MXD) of annual rings varies i n response to warm-season temperatures. Vegetation productivity can be esti mated using the Normalized-Difference Vegetation Index: (NDVI) calculated f rom satellite sensor data. Ground measurements related to productivity are required in order to evaluate these estimates. MXD from three boreal sites was compared with estimates of net primary productivity (NPP) for 1982-1990 produced by the CASA (Carnegie-Ames-Stanford-Approach) model from FASIR (F ourier adjustments, solar zenith angle correction, interpolation at high la titudes, and reconstruction of tropical values) NDVI. All three density ser ies correlated significantly with the CASA estimates, suggesting that in bo real conifers MXD may be an appropriate index for productivity or canopy gr owth in regions where productivity is strongly temperature-related.