Regional-scale modeling of greenhouse gas fluxes

Abstrakt

Boreal ecosystems are the world's largest terrestrial store of carbon, and their present and future evolution has important consequences for the climate. They hold almost 50% of the estimated 1146 Pg global carbon pool of forest ecosystems (Dixon et al., 1994). Observation and modeling of CO2 concentrations and surface fluxes in regions with a high level of industrial activity are important for detecting and localizing ecosystem disturbances, and for evaluating results of reclamation and restoration efforts. A sophisticated modeling system can also be used to examine alternative development scenarios in such regions. Mathematical models, based on our observation of the environment and its changes, can improve our understanding of natural processes in these ecosystems and how they are affected by human activities. In order to make effective use of such models, the role of mathematical modeling and its close relationship to observations must be well understood. Temporal and spatial patterns found through modeling serve as the underlying evidence upon which rules and mechanisms affecting the ecosystem can be deduced.