Eva-Marie Metz and her team investigated carbon flux variability in southern Africa using GOSAT satellite data from 2009 to 2018. Their findings indicate that year-to-year variability is driven by photosynthesis linked to rainfall, while short-term variability results from soil respiration after rainfall. Accurate modeling of these processes is essential for understanding carbon dynamics in semiarid areas.
In their research, Eva-Marie Metz and colleagues from Heidelberg University explored the carbon flux variability in southern Africa using satellite measurements of CO2 concentrations from GOSAT, spanning the years 2009 to 2018. The study reveals that interannual variability is primarily influenced by carbon uptake through photosynthesis in southern grasslands, which is closely linked to precipitation levels. Conversely, within-year variability is mainly attributed to soil respiration that occurs after rewetting during the rainy season. The findings emphasize that models must accurately represent these respiration pulses to project carbon dynamics effectively in semiarid regions.
The study highlights the critical relationship between carbon uptake through photosynthesis and soil respiration in southern African ecosystems. As precipitation patterns affect these processes, the accuracy of carbon dynamics projections in semiarid regions relies heavily on modeling these variability factors correctly. Continued research in this field will enhance our understanding of land carbon sinks.
Original Source: www.nature.com
