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Parameters for global ecosystem models

Nature volume 399, pages 535–536 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

We agree that the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model analyses by Tianet al.1 of carbon fluxes of Amazonian ecosystems represent a methodological improvement compared with extrapolation from site-specific estimates2, especially with regard to spatial resolution. However, the resolution of a model cannot be finer than that of the input data, and Tian et al. disregard one important group of ecosystems: peatlands. This is understandable, as the literature grossly underestimates the extent of peatlands in Amazonia. Our estimate is 150,000 km2, ten times more than previously reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Section of Ecology, University of Turku, FIN-20014, Turku, Finland

    Leif Schulman, Kalle Ruokolainen & Hanna Tuomisto

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  1. Leif Schulman
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  2. Kalle Ruokolainen
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  3. Hanna Tuomisto
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Schulman, L., Ruokolainen, K. & Tuomisto, H. Parameters for global ecosystem models. Nature 399, 535–536 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/21100

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