Hierarchical Modeling of Vegetation-Climate Interaction and Its Impact on Tropical Climate Variability

University Of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract ATM-987644 Zeng, Ning University of California, Los Angeles Title: Hierarchical Modeling of Vegetation-Climate Interaction and its Impact on Tropical Climate Variability The PIs propose to study how vegetation changes with climate in the Sahel. The consequences of this interaction on tropical interdecadal/interannual climate variability will also be examined. The PIs will use a coupled atmosphere-land-vegetation model of intermediate complexity. While GCM sensitivity studies have demonstrated the potential impact on climate from land-use change such as deforestation and desertification, the impact of naturally varying vegetation on climate variability has received less attention. The work is important because it will increase understanding of interactions between vegetation and climate.