A roadmap for improving the representation of photosynthesis in Earth system models

Summary Accurate representation of photosynthesis in terrestrial biosphere models ( TBM s) is essential for robust projections of global change. However, current representations vary markedly between TBM s, contributing uncertainty to projections of global carbon fluxes. Here we compared the representation of photosynthesis in seven TBM s by examining leaf and canopy level responses of photosynthetic CO 2 assimilation ( A ) to key environmental variables: light, temperature, CO 2 concentration, vapor pressure deficit and soil water content. We identified research areas where limited process knowledge prevents inclusion of physiological phenomena in current TBM s and research areas where data are urgently…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: DE-SC00112704, DEB‐0955771, 0955771, DEB-0955771, DE-SC0012704
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: DE-SC00112704, SC0012704, DE‐SC00112704, SC00112704
• CF
  Cummings Foundation
• OO
  Office of Science

  Awards: DE-SC00112704, SC0012704, DE-SC0012704
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

  Award: DE-SC0012704
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research

  Awards: DE-SC0012704, DE-SC00112704
• BN
  Brookhaven National Laboratory

  Awards: SC0012704, DE-SC00112704