ETEMA

European Terrestrial Ecosystem Modelling Activity

co-ordinator: Martin Sykes

Objectives for the current three-year phase of the ETEMA project are:

• To develop a comprehensive modular modelling framework for the coupled dynamics of structure and function in natural and semi-natural ecosystems
• To develop and test against the best available observational data a range of alternative model formulations for the subsystem modules:
• ecosystem-PBL interactions
• ecosystem CO₂ and H₂0 fluxes
• vegetation physiology and phenology
• biogeography and vegetation dynamics
• detritus and SOM dynamics
• human impact and natural disturbance
• To test the coupled system dynamics with data from long-term field measurements and experimental programmes
• To demonstrate the feasibility of applying the modelling framework on a transect or grid basis throughout Europe, by means of a pilot study on "scaling up".

Long-term objectives for ETEMA beyond the current three-year phase include:

• To apply the modelling framework on a spatially extensive basis, allowing the model to be used as a forecasting and planning tool; for example, in the formulation of regional and European policy and planning in relation to environmental change.

contact :

Dr Ben Smith
Climate Impacts Group
Dept of Ecology
Plant Ecology
Lund University
22362 Lund
Sweden
Tel: +46 46 222 4708
Fax: +46 46 222 3742
ben.smith@planteco.lu.se

Dr Martin Sykes
Climate Impacts Group
Dept. of Ecology
Plant Ecology
Lund University
22362 Lund
Sweden
martin.sykes@planteco.lu.se

web site :