The Western Arctic Linkage Experiment (WALE): Overview and Synthesis

• DOI: 10.1175/2008ei239.1
• Publication Date: 2008-02-07T12:16:30Z
• Authors: A. D. McGuire; J. E. Walsh; J. S. Kimball; J. S. Clein; S. E. Euskirchen; S. Drobot; U. C. Herzfeld; J. Maslanik; R. B. Lammers; M. A. Rawlins; C. J. Vorosmarty; T. S. Rupp; W. Wu; M. Calef
• Keywords: Linkage (software); Water balance

Abstract The primary goal of the Western Arctic Linkage Experiment (WALE) was to better understand uncertainties simulated hydrologic and ecosystem dynamics western in context 1) data available drive models 2) different approaches simulating regional hydrology dynamics. Analyses datasets on climate for driving within during late twentieth century indicate that there are substantial differences among mean states temperature, precipitation, vapor pressure, radiation variables. Among studies examined temporal trends alternative datasets, is not much consensus datasets. In contrast, monthly interannual variations some variables showed correlation across application driven by drivers revealed simulation sensitive precipitation water accurate balance limited biases forcing data. Satellite-based analyses region vegetation productivity increased last two decades because earlier spring thaw, variability from 1980 2000 generally consistent with estimates based satellite record applications However, magnitude fluxes differed as a factor 2.5 data, spatial patterns carbon were quite simulations. Finally, study identified fire particularly little or no results WALE identify importance conducting retrospective prior coupling system models. For projections future climate, authors recommend strategy which changes model simulations superimposed present most reliable historical climate.