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- Bastos, Ana, et al.
(author)
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Semiarid ecosystems
- 2022
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In: Balancing Greenhouse Gas Budgets : Accounting for Natural and Anthropogenic Flows of CO2 and other Trace Gases - Accounting for Natural and Anthropogenic Flows of CO2 and other Trace Gases. - 9780128149522 - 9780128149539 ; , s. 311-335
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- • Semiarid regions control a large fraction of the interannual variability in the global terrestrial CO2 sink and of atmospheric CO2 growth rate. • Semiarid ecosystems are characterized by recurring disturbances that alter the regional C budgets. As disturbances are expected to become more frequent or intense in the future, quantifying their contribution to semiarid C balance is crucial. • We review the most current knowledge pertaining to estimates of greenhouse gas components in semiarid regions and discuss uncertainties associated with these measurements and models.
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2. |
- MacBean, Natasha, et al.
(author)
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Consistent assimilation of multiple data streams in a carbon cycle data assimilation system
- 2016
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In: Geoscientific Model Development. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1991-959X .- 1991-9603. ; 9:10, s. 3569-3588
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Data assimilation methods provide a rigorous statistical framework for constraining parametric uncertainty in land surface models (LSMs), which in turn helps to improve their predictive capability and to identify areas in which the representation of physical processes is inadequate. The increase in the number of available datasets in recent years allows us to address different aspects of the model at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. However, combining data streams in a DA system is not a trivial task. In this study we highlight some of the challenges surrounding multiple data stream assimilation for the carbon cycle component of LSMs. We give particular consideration to the assumptions associated with the type of inversion algorithm that are typically used when optimising global LSMs-namely, Gaussian error distributions and linearity in the model dynamics. We explore the effect of biases and inconsistencies between the observations and the model (resulting in non-Gaussian error distributions), and we examine the difference between a simultaneous assimilation (in which all data streams are included in one optimisation) and a step-wise approach (in which each data stream is assimilated sequentially) in the presence of non-linear model dynamics. In addition, we perform a preliminary investigation into the impact of correlated errors between two data streams for two cases, both when the correlated observation errors are included in the prior observation error covariance matrix, and when the correlated errors are ignored. We demonstrate these challenges by assimilating synthetic observations into two simple models: the first a simplified version of the carbon cycle processes represented in many LSMs and the second a non-linear toy model. Finally, we provide some perspectives and advice to other land surface modellers wishing to use multiple data streams to constrain their model parameters.
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3. |
- Walker, Anthony P., et al.
(author)
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Integrating the evidence for a terrestrial carbon sink caused by increasing atmospheric CO2
- 2021
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In: New Phytologist. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0028-646X .- 1469-8137. ; 229:5, s. 2413-2445
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) is increasing, which increases leaf‐scale photosynthesis and intrinsic water‐use efficiency. These direct responses have the potential to increase plant growth, vegetation biomass, and soil organic matter; transferring carbon from the atmosphere into terrestrial ecosystems (a carbon sink). A substantial global terrestrial carbon sink would slow the rate of [CO2] increase and thus climate change. However, ecosystem CO2 responses are complex or confounded by concurrent changes in multiple agents of global change and evidence for a [CO2]‐driven terrestrial carbon sink can appear contradictory. Here we synthesize theory and broad, multidisciplinary evidence for the effects of increasing [CO2] (iCO2) on the global terrestrial carbon sink. Evidence suggests a substantial increase in global photosynthesis since pre‐industrial times. Established theory, supported by experiments, indicates that iCO2 is likely responsible for about half of the increase. Global carbon budgeting, atmospheric data, and forest inventories indicate a historical carbon sink, and these apparent iCO2 responses are high in comparison to experiments and predictions from theory. Plant mortality and soil carbon iCO2 responses are highly uncertain. In conclusion, a range of evidence supports a positive terrestrial carbon sink in response to iCO2, albeit with uncertain magnitude and strong suggestion of a role for additional agents of global change.
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4. |
- Wang, Lixin, et al.
(author)
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Dryland productivity under a changing climate
- 2022
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In: Nature Climate Change. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1758-678X .- 1758-6798. ; 12:11, s. 981-994
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Understanding dryland dynamics is essential to predict future climate trajectories. However, there remains large uncertainty on the extent to which drylands are expanding or greening, the drivers of dryland vegetation shifts, the relative importance of different hydrological processes regulating ecosystem functioning, and the role of land-use changes and climate variability in shaping ecosystem productivity. We review recent advances in the study of dryland productivity and ecosystem function and examine major outstanding debates on dryland responses to environmental changes. We highlight often-neglected uncertainties in the observation and prediction of dryland productivity and elucidate the complexity of dryland dynamics. We suggest prioritizing holistic approaches to dryland management, accounting for the increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures and the associated uncertainties.
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