Tree-Grass Dynamics in Savannas: connecting ecological Knowledge and Dynamic Global Vegetation Models

Abstract

Terrestrial vegetation is an interactive component of the climate system. Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) simulate vegetation dynamics at the global scale and include it into Earth System Models. DGVMs are mostly based on the carbon balance of above- and below-ground biomass, and vegetation dynamics are influenced by climatic conditions and a variety of disturbances. They include a limited number of mechanisms to represent different types of vegetation and disturbances. This is because the models treat globally all vegetation in the same way, and regional differences are included only varying the importance of the various mechanisms across the world.