Abstract
The terrestrial biosphere component of the Integrated Model to Assess the Greenhouse Effect (IMAGE 2) uses changes in land cover to compute dynamically the C fluxes between the terrestrial biosphere and the atmosphere. The model explores the potential impact of feedback processes incorporated in the model, which are the enhancement of plant growth (CO2 fertilization) and a more efficient use of water under increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere; the temperature response of photosynthesis and respiration of plants; the temperature and soil water response of decomposition processes; and the climate-induced changes in vegetation and agricultural patterns with the consequent changes in land cover. In this paper we discuss the implementation and operation of the different feedback processes in the IMAGE 2 model. Results are shown for each process separately as well as the combined processes. The aim of this paper is to quantify the importance of these feedback processes geographically. The main results are that vegetation shifts due to climatic change and increased water use efficiency, CO2 fertilization decreases net C emissions, while changed decomposition rates strongly increase C emissions to the atmosphere. Changes in the global balance between photosynthesis and respiration make little net difference. With the IPPC business-as-usual scenario the terrestrial biosphere continues to emit C into the atmosphere. This behavior is governed by changes in land-use, caused by a multitude of anthropogenic processes.
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Vloedbeld, M., Leemans, R. Quantifying feedback processes in the response of the terrestrial carbon cycle to global change: The modeling approach of image-2. Water Air Soil Pollut 70, 615–628 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01105025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01105025