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Project Code [2018-CCRP-LS.2]

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Project title

Smart observations of management impacts on peatland function.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Matthew Saunders

Project Abstract

The SmartBog project will assess the impacts of anthropogenic management activities, such as drainage, on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals from peatland ecosystems. The project will utilise earth observation data from COPERICUS satellite products and near-earth high resolution imagery to identify drainage features and to assess drainage status and peatland habitat across Ireland. From this assessment a series of sites across a drainage gradient will be selected to measure both land-atmosphere, and fluvial carbon and GHG emissions. The latter aspect is of particular importance as these losses can be significant but are generally not reported in the net GHG assessment of terrestrial ecosystems. The point source GHG measurements will also be undertaken at two verification sites equipped with eddy covariance towers to enhance spatial up-scaling and emission reporting from peatland land cover classes. In addition, an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor platform will be established at each site to provide real-time environmental variables used to interpret/predict GHG fluxes and verify EO data. The outputs of this work will be compiled and interrogated using machine learning techniques to provide a stakeholder user interface that can be used to detect change in GHG emissions and removals.

Grant Approved

�497,309.90

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/03/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2023