Julia Kelly

About my research

My research combines remote sensing data at multiple spatial scales with carbon flux measurements and footprint modelling to monitor how boreal ecosystems are responding to climate change and natural disturbances.

As a postdoc, I am investigating how wildfire severity and different types of forest management are affecting the carbon balance of forests recovering from a major wildfire in central Sweden in 2018. The project uses eddy covariance data, footprint modelling, manual chamber measurements, drone imagery and tower-based spectral measurements to track the growth of new vegetation and evaluate the effects of salvage-logging versus natural regeneration on the ecosystem microclimate and carbon flux emissions. The results will form the basis for policy briefs that support forest managers and policymakers in adopting sustainable post-fire forest management strategies.    

During my PhD, I developed new methods for modelling and upscaling carbon fluxes in boreal peatlands, which focused specifically on using thermal cameras (on towers, drones and satellites) to collect high resolution surface temperature data. Temperature is an important variable affecting many biological processes, including ecosystem respiration. Combining tower- and drone-based imagery of surface temperature allowed ecosystem respiration to be upscaled in unprecedented detail. It also revealed new insights into the response of peatlands to severe drought and heatwaves.

About me

I have a background in physical geography, with specific research interests including ecosystem carbon fluxes, remote sensing and disturbance effects (fire, drought).  I defended my PhD in Environmental Science in March 2021 at CEC, but I started it with 1.5 years at the Geography Department at Swansea University (UK) before moving to CEC. I am part of the Lund Earth Observation Research Group at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science (INES) and a ClimbEco Research School alumna. My work has involved close collaboration with colleagues from Gothenburg University, SLU and Swansea University and uses data from national research infrastructures such as ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) and SITES (Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Science). I did my MSc in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Analysis at Lund University and my BA Geography at the University of Cambridge. Previously I worked for UNEP-WCMC (United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre) in the Conventions and Policy Support team.