Regionally strong feedbacks between the atmosphere and terrestrial biosphere

Area of Science:

• Earth System Science
• Ecology
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Terrestrial biosphere and atmosphere interact via feedback loops.
• Vegetation dynamics influence water and energy fluxes, affecting climate.
• Climate, in turn, regulates vegetation growth and phenology.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze satellite data to quantify biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks.
• Investigate the global extent and regional strength of these feedbacks.
• Identify climatic regions where these feedbacks are prominent.

Main Methods:

• Utilized satellite observations of solar-induced fluorescence, precipitation, and radiation.
• Employed a multivariate statistical technique for analysis.
• Compared findings with Earth system model simulations.

Main Results:

• Biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks are globally widespread and regionally strong, explaining up to 30% of precipitation and surface radiation variance.
• Strong feedbacks identified in transitional regions (semi-arid, monsoonal) and Mediterranean climates.
• Earth system models underestimate biosphere responses to radiation and water availability, thus underestimating feedbacks.

Conclusions:

• Biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks are crucial components of Earth's climate system.
• These feedbacks are concentrated in specific climatic zones, impacting the net CO2 balance.
• Accurate modeling of biosphere responses is essential for understanding climate dynamics.