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Mapping the global distribution of C4 vegetation using observations and optimality theory
Xiangzhong Luo1,2, Haoran Zhou3, Tin W Satriawan4
1Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. xzluo.remi@nus.edu.sg.
Global C4 vegetation coverage declined slightly between 2001-2019 due to climate change and agricultural expansion. This research provides a new map of C4 plant distribution and their role in the global carbon cycle.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Biology
- Climate Change Science
Background:
- C4 photosynthesis plants respond differently to climate change than C3 plants, impacting global vegetation distribution.
- Existing C4 vegetation models lack accuracy due to limited factors and observational constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create an observation-constrained global map of C4 vegetation.
- To analyze changes in C4 vegetation coverage and its contribution to carbon assimilation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized global plant photosynthetic pathway observations and satellite remote sensing.
- Applied photosynthetic optimality theory and an emergent constraint approach.
- Developed an observation-constrained global map of C4 vegetation.
Main Results:
- Global C4 vegetation coverage decreased from 17.7% to 17.1% between 2001 and 2019.
- Elevated CO2 favored C3 photosynthesis, reducing C4 natural grass cover, while C4 crop expansion increased overall C4 coverage.
- Estimated C4 vegetation's contribution to global carbon assimilation at 19.5%.
Conclusions:
- C4 plants play a significant role in the global carbon cycle.
- Accurate C4 vegetation mapping is crucial for understanding climate change impacts.
- Further research is needed to refine vegetation models and carbon assimilation estimates.
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