Examining the temporal and spatial dynamics of Carbon Stocks: A case study of the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Geoinformatics
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Bassil El Masri, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges, driven primarily by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Terrestrial ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis. Despite their ecological importance, savannah ecosystems remain relatively underrepresented in global carbon studies, particularly in developing regions.
This study examines the temporal and spatial dynamics of carbon stocks within the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana using a geospatial approach that integrates field-based measurements, remote sensing data, and statistical analysis. The results indicate that Aboveground Biomass (AGB) showed a marginal increase across the three years under review. The field measurements showed that the AGB ranged between 2.5 to 8.5 Mg C haֿ¹ within the north, central and southern parts of the savannah from 2015 to 2019. Meanwhile the satellite and model estimates ranged from 0.3 to 3.6 Mg C haֿ¹ and 0.5 to 2.5 Mg C haֿ¹ Mg C haֿ¹ respectively within the same divisions in the same years. Spatially, AGB was consistently higher in the southern savannah compared to the northern region. Both satellite-derived and model AGB estimates were generally lower than field-based measurements, with the greatest underestimation observed in the northern savannah.
These findings highlight the importance of integrating field data with remote sensing techniques as well as scientific models to improve the accuracy of carbon stock estimation in savannah ecosystems. The study contributes to reducing uncertainties in carbon stock assessments and provides valuable insights for sustainable land management and climate change mitigation strategies in Ghana.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Examining the temporal and spatial dynamics of Carbon Stocks: A case study of the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana
Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges, driven primarily by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Terrestrial ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis. Despite their ecological importance, savannah ecosystems remain relatively underrepresented in global carbon studies, particularly in developing regions.
This study examines the temporal and spatial dynamics of carbon stocks within the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana using a geospatial approach that integrates field-based measurements, remote sensing data, and statistical analysis. The results indicate that Aboveground Biomass (AGB) showed a marginal increase across the three years under review. The field measurements showed that the AGB ranged between 2.5 to 8.5 Mg C haֿ¹ within the north, central and southern parts of the savannah from 2015 to 2019. Meanwhile the satellite and model estimates ranged from 0.3 to 3.6 Mg C haֿ¹ and 0.5 to 2.5 Mg C haֿ¹ Mg C haֿ¹ respectively within the same divisions in the same years. Spatially, AGB was consistently higher in the southern savannah compared to the northern region. Both satellite-derived and model AGB estimates were generally lower than field-based measurements, with the greatest underestimation observed in the northern savannah.
These findings highlight the importance of integrating field data with remote sensing techniques as well as scientific models to improve the accuracy of carbon stock estimation in savannah ecosystems. The study contributes to reducing uncertainties in carbon stock assessments and provides valuable insights for sustainable land management and climate change mitigation strategies in Ghana.