Seminar: Arvind Gauns

Savannas, as semi-arid ecosystems with scattered trees and grass, play a crucial role in global carbon and water fluxes. To study these dynamics, terrestrial ecosystem models (TEMs) like QUINCY, which integrate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, are essential. However, TEMs require numerous variables and site-specific parameters, limiting their accuracy. Radiative transfer models (RTMs) like senSCOPE, which separately simulate green and senescent vegetation, can improve remote sensing data assimilation into TEMs but are computationally demanding. To address this, simplified RTMs based on a dual-leaf approach were developed for QUINCY, enhancing the representation of senescent material in nutrient cycles. This integration allows for better modeling of ecosystem processes and improves computational efficiency. Statistical analyses showed that the new models better represent gross primary productivity, absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, and albedo compared to the standard QUINCY model.