Environmental Modelling: Global Ecosystem Modelling

Lecture/Practical/Seminar in SoSe 22 (Geo 415C; Friedolin: 71272)

Lecturers: Sönke Zaehle
Location: MMZ pool
Time: Monday 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
First lecture: Monday, April 11, 2022

More information (schedule, lecture notes, coding examples, seminar topics) on Moodle

Aim of the module

Introduction to global ecosystem modeling in the context of global change.
Description of essential processes & components: Biogeophysical & biogeochemical processes (vegetation/soil), phenology, vegetation dynamics & biodiversity, anthropogenic land use, and their implementation in global simulation models.
Practical simulation of biogeochemical dynamics (setting up a simple model, evaluation, sensitivity tests) & addressing uncertainties (development and simulation of scenarios).

Basic understanding of the capabilities and limitations of global ecosystem modeling to predict climate change impacts.
Basic insight into dynamic ecosystem model programming, its application and interpretation (using highly simplified examples)
Synthesis and presentation of scientific literature

Some prior knowledge of programming with R is an advantage, but appropriate guidance will be provided for independent learning.

Successfully completed exercises (written report)
Presentation: synthesis, presentation and discussion of a scientific article on current issues in global ecosystem modeling. Suggested topics will be given, own suggestions are welcome.