The Classification and Characterization of Canadian Boreal Peatland Sub-classes

Abstract

This research addresses the lack of suitable peatland maps and vegetation data in the Canadian Boreal Forest. This study aimed to create a peatland sub-class map and inventory peatland vegetation height. A three-stage hierarchical classification framework was developed for mapping peatland sub-classes circa 2020. A combination of multi-spectral data, L-band SAR backscatter and C-Band InSAR coherence, forest structure, and ancillary variables were used as model predictors. In the first stage, wetlands, uplands, and water were classified with 86.5% accuracy. The second stage achieved 93.3% accuracy in distinguishing peatland from mineral wetlands. The third stage, focusing on peatland areas, classified bogs, rich fens, poor fens, and permafrost peat complexes with 71.5% accuracy. ICESat-2 ATL08 data described regional and class-wise vegetation height variations. This research introduced a comprehensive large-scale peatland sub-class mapping framework for the Canadian Boreal Forest, presenting the first moderate resolution map of its kind. i I would like to acknowledge the many people who made the writing of this thesis possible. First, I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Koreen Millard for her invaluable advice, constant guidance, and continuous support. I would also like to acknowledge my committee members, Dr. Dan K. Thompson and Luc Guindon for their continuous guidance and contributions of expertise and data. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Ellen Whitman of the Canadian Forest Service for teaching me about wildfire and boreal vegetation during our field work in the Yukon.I would also like to more generally thank the Department of Geography and Environmental studies at Carleton, which has been my home away from home for the last six years. I am also grateful to my cohort members, classmates, and friends.Though there are too many to name individually, each one made an important contribution. I would be remiss to not mention my parents, who have provided an astronomical amount of support throughout my academic journey.