Water use and water use efficiency at elevated CO₂: a model-data intercomparison at two contrasting temperate forest FACE sites

M. G. De Kauwe, B. E. Medlyn, I. C. Prentice, P. E. Thornton, A. Walker, Y. Wang, S. Wang, J. Warren, D. Warlind, E. Weng, S. Zaehle, M. C. Dietze, P. J. Hanson, T. Hickler, Atul Jain, Y. Luo, R. J. Norby, R. Oren, William Parton

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

    Abstract

    Model predictions of the response of transpiration to elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration (Ca) are highly variable among models. To better understand and constrain this variability among models, we conducted an intercomparison of 11 ecosystem models applied to two forest free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiments. We analysed model structures in order to identify the key underlying assumptions causing differences in model predictions of transpiration. We then benchmarked the models against data to identify model assumptions that are incorrect or are large sources of uncertainty. Key model assumptions included: whether assimilation (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) are coupled; how strongly the ratio of A/gs increases with Ca; the magnitude of the boundary layer feedback on transpiration; the relative importance of canopy interception; and thresholds and mechanisms of soil moisture stress impact on fluxes. The study yields a straightforward framework for analysing and evaluating model predictions of transpiration responses to rising Ca.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventAmerican Geophysical Union Fall Meeting (45th : 2012) - San Francisco, CA
    Duration: 3 Dec 20127 Dec 2012

    Conference

    ConferenceAmerican Geophysical Union Fall Meeting (45th : 2012)
    CitySan Francisco, CA
    Period3/12/127/12/12

    Keywords

    • Water use
    • Forests
    • Carbon dioxide

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