Global ecosystem models

Global ecosystem models (or global vegetation models) are used to simulate the effects of climate on ecosystem processes such as phenology, photosynthesis, carbon allocation, vegetation growth, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, runoff, or the global distribution of vegetation.

This page shows animations of results from the LPJmL dynamic global vegetation model for five different ecoregions. On the top of each animation temperature, precipitation, and radiation are shown by the thermometer, rain clouds, and sun, respectively. Based on this climate input data, the model then simulates the dynamics of different tree types and grasses.

A detailed description of LPJmL is given in Schaphoff et al. 2018.

Tundra
(Taymyr)

Boreal forest
(Baikal)

Temperate forest
(Germany)

Desert
(Sahara)

Tropical forest
(Amazon)