Spectral behavior of vegetation in Harmony Point, Nelson Island, Antarctica

The present article aims to identify the spectral pattern of several species of mosses, lichens, and of an alga found in Maritime Antarctica from hyperspectral data obtained in situ. Spectral data from 17 species of Antarctic vegetation were collected in Harmony Point, between February 8th and 15th, 2019. To evaluate the possibility of distinguishing the species of vegetation obtained in the field from satellite images, band simulations have been performed, in addition to spectral vegetation indices calculation and statistical analyses for the comparison of results. The results show that the first record of the spectral pattern of species as Andreaea gainii, Haematomma erythromma, and Polytrichum juniperinum. The sensors with a better spectral resolution, such as MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) and RedEdge-MX Dual Camera Imaging System, revealed a greater capacity of species differentiation. In this regard, it is possible to conclude that the spectral resolution of the simulated sensors is capable of identifying most of the analyzed species.

Automated summary

This study aims to identify the spectral pattern of mosses, lichens, and algae in Maritime Antarctica using hyperspectral data. Data from 17 species of Antarctic vegetation were collected, and band simulations and statistical analyses were conducted. The results show that high spectral resolution sensors have a better ability to differentiate species.