Biophysical Models and Applications in Ecosystem Analysis

by Jiquan Chen

Overview

The past five decades have witnessed a rapid growth of computer models for simulating ecosystem functions and dynamics. This has been fueled by the availability of remote sensing data, computation capability, and cross-disciplinary knowledge. These models contain many submodules for simulating different processes and forcing mechanisms, albeit it has become challenging to truly understand the details due to their complexity. Most ecosystem models, fortunately, are rooted in a few core biophysical foundations, such as the widely recognized Farquhar model, Ball-Berry-Leuning and Medlyn family models, Penman-Monteith equation, Priestley-Taylor model, and Michaelis-Menten kinetics. After an introduction of biophysical essentials, four chapters present the core algorithms and their behaviors in modeling ecosystem production, respiration, evapotranspiration, and global warming potentials. Each chapter is composed of a brief introduction of the literature, in which model algorithms, their assumptions, and performances are described in detail. Spreadsheet (or Python codes) templates are included in each chapter for modeling exercises with different input parameters as online materials, which include datasets, parameter estimation, and real-world applications (e.g., calculations of global warming potentials). Users can also apply their own datasets. The materials included in this volume serve as effective tools for users to understand model behaviors and uses with specified conditions and in situ applications. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611863932
Publisher:	Michigan State University Press
Publication date:	03/15/2021
Series:	Ecosystem Science&Applications
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jiquan Chen is a professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University.

Table of Contents

Foreword Dennis Baldocchi vii

Preface ix

List of Online Supplementary Materials xiii

List of Symbols xvii

Chapter 1 Biophysical Essentials for Ecosystem Models 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Diurnal Changes of Air Temperature and Humidity 4

1.3 Atmosphere Water Vapor Pressure and VPD 8

1.4 Solar Radiation 11

1.5 Heat Storages in Soil, Air and Vegetation 18

1.6 Vertical Profile of Wind Speed 19

1.7 Energy Balance 22

1.8 Summary 23

Online Supplementary Materials 24

Acknowledgements 25

References 25

Chapter 2 Modeling Ecosystem Production 29

2.1 Introduction 29

2.2 Core Biophysical Models for Ecosystem Production 34

2.2.1 Michaelis-Menten Model 35

2.2.2 Landsberg Model 38

2.2.3 Farquhar's Model 39

2.2.4 Photosynthesis based on Stomatal Conductance (g_s) 40

2.2.5 Light Use Efficiency (LUE) Model 44

2.2.6 Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) Model 46

2.2.7 Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Model 47

2.2.8 Multiple Resource Use Efficiency (mRUE) Model 48

2.3 The Datasets for Modeling Photosynthesis 49

2.4 Model Performances 49

2.4.1 Light Response Models 49

2.4.2 Results from Farquhar's Model 50

2.4.3 Results from Ball-Berry Model 52

2.4.4 Other Models 54

2.5 Summary 54

Online Supplementary Materials 56

Acknowledgements 56

References 57

Chapter 3 Modeling Ecosystem Respiration 63

3.1 Introduction 63

3.2 Models for Ecosystem Respiration 68

3.2.1 Linear and Log-linear Models 68

3.2.2 Quadratic and Polynomial Models 69

3.2.3 Arrhenius Model 69

3.2.4 Logistic Model 70

3.2.5 Gamma Model 70

3.2.6 Biophysically Constrained Models 71

3.2.7 Time Series Models 73

3.3 Measured Datasets for Modeling Soil Respiration 74

3.4 Model Performances 76

3.5 Summary 80

Online Supplementary Materials 81

Acknowledgements 82

References 83

Chapter 4 Modeling Evapotranspiration 89

4.1 Introduction 89

4.2 Methods for Quantifying ET 93

4.3 ET Models 96

4.3.1 PET Models 97

4.3.2 Empirical Actual ET Models 103

4.4 Model Demonstrations 106

4.4.1 Meteorological Data 106

4.4.2 Modeled PET at Multiple Scales and Actual ET 109

4.5 Summary 111

Online Supplementary Materials 112

Acknowledgements 112

References 113

Chapter 5 Modeling Ecosystem Global Warming Potentials 119

5.1 Introduction 119

5.1.1 Temperature of the Earth 120

5.1.2 The Greenhouse Effects 121

5.1.3 The Roles of Terrestrial Ecosystems in GWP 126

5.2 Calculating GWP of Greenhouse Gases 128

5.3 Calculating GWP from Surface Albedo 137

5.4 Case Examples 139

5.5 Summary 144

Online Supplementary Materials 144

Acknowledgements 145

References 145

Index 151

Authors 154

Editorial Reviews

This book serves the reader a five-course banquet of models, complete with a host of recipes for predicting an ecosystem’s environment and its carbon uptake, losses, and storage, as well as how evapotranspiration varies under changing climatic conditions. As a special treat, this book offers a taste-test comparison of model predictions with benchmark data recorded in two Michelin-ranked locations in Michigan.” —RICHARD WARING, professor emeritus, Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, and joint winner of the 2020 Marcus Wallenberg Prize in Forestry


“This book serves the reader a five-course banquet of models, complete with a host of recipes for predicting an ecosystem’s environment and its carbon uptake, losses, and storage, as well as how evapotranspiration varies under changing climatic conditions. As a special treat, this book offers a taste-test comparison of model predictions with benchmark data recorded in two Michelin-ranked locations in Michigan.” —RICHARD WARING, professor emeritus, Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, and joint winner of the 2020 Marcus Wallenberg Prize in Forestry

From the Publisher