University of Antwerp launches unique drone for climate research
The University of Antwerp launched a groundbreaking local climate study in Brasschaat using a specially equipped drone on Saturday. The device will fly autonomously over the De Inslag forest daily, with seven instruments onboard performing simultaneous measurements, a world first.
Researchers hope the project will shed light on the health of the trees, the effects of climate change and plant-environment interactions. The drone will follow a set route each day, flying for 30 minutes several dozen metres above the forest canopy. Its instruments will measure treetop temperatures, precisely register leaf colour and detect how much light the trees emit.
De Inslag has been a research site for the University of Antwerp and the Institute for Forest and Nature Research (INBO) since 1996. While the university focuses on climate studies, the INBO monitors air pollution. A 40-metre-high tower already stands in the forest, equipped with more than 100 sensors to track CO₂ absorption and emissions. The arrival of the drone significantly expands research possibilities, even allowing for better forest fire risk assessment.
"Such scientific research can achieve breakthroughs in various ecological processes and consequently contribute to unique discoveries that benefit our Flemish economy and society," said Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele (N-VA). The project is supported by the Flemish government through the Fund for Scientific Research (FWO).
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