This study employed satellite data from GOSAT to explore carbon flux variability in southern Africa, revealing that annual variability is driven by photosynthesis influenced by precipitation, while intra-annual variability is linked to soil respiration post-rewetting. The findings stress the need for accurate modeling of these processes to inform future carbon dynamics projections in semiarid areas.
Eva-Marie Metz and colleagues from Heidelberg University utilized satellite measurements of CO₂ concentrations over southern Africa during the period from 2009 to 2018 to assess global vegetation models and analyze carbon flux variability. Their research indicated that year-to-year variability is primarily influenced by carbon uptake through photosynthesis in southern grasslands, which is driven by precipitation levels. Conversely, intra-annual variability is mostly attributed to soil respiration, particularly after rewetting at the start of the rainy season. This study highlights the importance of accurately modeling these respiration pulses for effective predictions of carbon dynamics in semiarid regions.
The research by Metz et al. underscores the significance of using satellite data to understand carbon dynamics in southern Africa. Their findings indicate that both annual and intra-annual carbon flux variability is linked to environmental factors such as precipitation and soil moisture. Accurate modeling of these factors is crucial for predicting changes in carbon storage in semiarid environments.
Original Source: www.nature.com
