Canadian Forest Service Publications
Validation of the integrated biosphere simulator over Canadian deciduous and coniferous boreal forest stands. 2001. El Maayar, M.; Price, D.T.; Delire, C.; Foley, J.A.; Black, T.A.; Bessemoulin, P. Journal of Geophysical Research 106(D13): 14,339-14,355.
Year: 2001
Issued by: Northern Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 18494
Language: English
Availability: Order paper copy (free), PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
Data collected during the BOReal Ecosystem–Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) at four different forest stands were used to test surface energy and carbon fluxes simulated by the Integrated BIosphere Simulator (IBIS). These stands included deciduous and conifer species, and were located in both the BOREAS Northern and Southern Study Areas. Two runs were made: one using the original IBIS model and the other using a version modified to consider an organic soil layer (OSL) covering the mineral soil surface. Results show that the inclusion of the OSL substantially improved simulated soil heat flux, as well as temperature and moisture of the topmost soil layer. With a thick (50 cm) OSL, layer simulation of latent heat flux and net ecosystem exchange of carbon was also substantially improved. Consideration of the OSL in the model also led to better simulation of the onsets of soil thawing. Correct estimation of heat diffusion to deep soil through thick organic layers requires a parameterization that accounts for the state of the organic material decomposition. Simulations presented here also show the necessity for using detailed information on soil physical properties for better evaluation of model performance.