Eva-Marie Metz and colleagues employed GOSAT satellite data to examine carbon flux variability in southern Africa from 2009 to 2018. They determined that variability is mainly driven by photosynthesis in response to precipitation annually and soil respiration during the rainy season. The insights gained are fundamental for improving the accuracy of global vegetation models in depicting carbon dynamics in semiarid regions.
Research conducted by Eva-Marie Metz and her team from Heidelberg University utilized satellite measurements from the GOSAT to study CO2 concentrations in southern Africa between 2009 and 2018. The study aimed to refine the selection of global vegetation models (TRENDY) and analyze carbon flux variability and cycling processes within the region. The findings indicate that annual variability is chiefly influenced by carbon uptake through photosynthesis in southern grasslands, which is significantly affected by precipitation patterns.
In contrast, the variations observed within individual years are primarily dictated by soil respiration processes that occur after rewetting at the beginning of the rainy season. The analysis of satellite-derived carbon flux data underscores the importance of accurately modeling these respiration pulses to enhance projections of carbon dynamics in semiarid environments. This research is imperative for understanding carbon cycle responses to climatic changes in southern Africa.
In summary, the research highlights the critical role of both precipitation-driven photosynthesis and soil respiration following rewetting in influencing carbon flux variability in southern Africa. Accurate modeling of these dynamics is essential for improving predictions regarding carbon cycling in semiarid regions, providing valuable insights for future environmental assessments and strategies.
Original Source: www.nature.com
