Extending the record of photosynthetic activity in the eastern United States into the presatellite period using surface diurnal temperature range

Céline Bonfils*, Alon Angert, Cara C. Henning, Sébastien Biraud, Scott C. Doney, Inez Fung

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate that mid-latitude surface measurements of diurnal temperature range (DTR) can be used to reconstruct decadal variability of regional-scale terrestrial photosynthetic activity 1) during and prior to the period with satellite retrievals of land greenness and 2) without the need for moisture data. While the two relative maxima present in the seasonal evolution of DTR can determine the beginning and the end of the growing season, the summertime average DTR can be used as a proxy of summertime terrestrial photosynthesis. In a case study in the eastern United States (1966-1997), the DTR reconstructions indicate significant natural decadal variability in photosynthetic activity, but no secular, long-term trend. The summertime photosynthesis was found to be controlled primarily by moisture availability. Also, contrary to existing model parameterizations, the timing of spring onset was found to depend on both temperature and moisture.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1-4
Number of pages4
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume32
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Apr 2005
Externally publishedYes

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