Soil moisture fluctuations drive most global variations in land carbon uptake
In short: Researchers using climate model simulations found that changes in soil moisture are responsible for 90 per cent of the year-to-year variability in how much carbon land ecosystems absorb. This process primarily occurs because soil moisture levels influence photosynthesis and influence broader atmospheric conditions.
The study used factorial climate model simulations to isolate the drivers of carbon uptake variability. It revealed that the feedback between soil moisture and the atmosphere amplifies temperature and humidity shifts, which in turn intensifies the impact of water stress on plants.
While the findings highlight a critical feedback loop, the results are based on model simulations rather than direct physical observations of all global ecosystems.
Why it matters: Understanding the feedback between soil and the atmosphere is essential for predicting how the carbon cycle responds to climate change.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Source: Research: Humphrey et al. (2021). Soil moisture–atmosphere feedback dominates land carbon uptake variability. Nature. · cc-by
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-research-soil-moisture-fluctuations-drive-most-global-variations-in-l.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Ecology · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics
