Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) and its Applicability to Climate Simulations- A Review

Abstract

The terrestrial biosphere interacts with the atmosphere through exchanges of energy, water and momentum. On one hand, climate conditions determine the distributions and types of local vegetation and on the other the terrestrial vegetation tends to greatly influence the: (i) thermal structure of the atmosphere by changing the physical properties at the surface, such as albedo, Bowen ratio and roughness length, and (ii) chemical composition of the atmosphere via biogeochemical processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, allocation and decomposition. Ultimately, these biophysical and biogeochemical processes of the terrestrial vegetation give substantial feedback to the climate. However, these processes and feedbacks are dependent on time and space (Myoung. et al., 2011). In this regard, understanding the underlying mechanisms of the response of vegetation to climate change and, in turn, the effects of vegetation on the climate (both past and present) at various temporal and spatial scales are crucial for predicting the effects of the future climate change on terrestrial ecosystems and global carbon cycles. Reliable simulations of these interactions are crucial for predicting the potential impacts of future climate change and anthropogenic intervention on terrestrial ecosystems