Terrestrial biosphere models need better representation of vegetation phenology: results from the N orth A merican C arbon P rogram S ite S ynthesis

Abstract Phenology, by controlling the seasonal activity of vegetation on the land surface, plays a fundamental role in regulating photosynthesis and other ecosystem processes, as well as competitive interactions and feedbacks to the climate system. We conducted an analysis to evaluate the representation of phenology, and the associated seasonality of ecosystem‐scale CO 2 exchange, in 14 models participating in the N orth A merican C arbon P rogram S ite S ynthesis. Model predictions were evaluated using long‐term measurements (emphasizing the period 2000–2006) from 10 forested sites within the A meri F lux and F luxnet‐ C anada networks. In deciduous forests, almost all models consistently predicted that the…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1065029, 0911461
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: FC03-90ER61010, DE-FC03-90ER61010, FC02-06ER64158, FG02-07ER64371, DE-FG02-, DE-FG02
• UD
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• OO
  Office of Science

  Awards: DE-FC02-06ER64158, DE-FG02-07ER64371
• UF
  U.S. Forest Service
• NR
  Northern Research Station