Matrix approach to land carbon cycle modeling: A case study with the Community Land Model

• DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13948
• Publication Date: 2017-10-21T02:06:43Z
• Authors: Yuanyuan Huang; Xingjie Lu; Zheng Shi; David Lawrence; Charles D. Koven; Jianyang Xia; Zhenggang Du; Erik Kluzek; Yiqi Luo
• Keywords: Matrix (chemical analysis); Soil carbon; Earth system science

The terrestrial carbon (C) cycle has been commonly represented by a series of C balance equations to track influxes into and effluxes out individual pools in earth system models (ESMs). This representation matches our understanding processes well but makes it difficult model behaviors. It is also computationally expensive, limiting the ability conduct comprehensive parametric sensitivity analyses. To overcome these challenges, we have developed matrix approach, which reorganizes original ESM one equation without changing any modeled mechanisms. We applied approach Community Land Model (CLM4.5) with vertically-resolved biogeochemistry. exactly reproduces litter soil organic (SOC) dynamics standard CLM4.5 across different spatial-temporal scales. enables effective diagnosis properties such as residence time attribution global change impacts relevant processes. illustrated, for example, CO2 fertilization on SOC can be easily decomposed relative contributions from input, allocation external pools, nitrogen regulation, altered environmental conditions, vertical mixing along profile. In addition, tool accelerate spin-up, permit thorough tests, enable pool-based data assimilation, facilitate tracking benchmarking Overall, make broad range future modeling activities more efficient effective.