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A threshold precipitation function determines when ecosystem respiration depends on water

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Terrestrial ecosystem respiration converts organic carbon into CO2 and increases as temperature increases, which causes a positive feedback loop that could accelerate global warming. We identify a threshold precipitation function that determines when ecosystem respiration is temperature-limited or water-limited, which helps to reduce uncertainties in climate change projections.

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Fig. 1: A threshold function for temperature-limited and precipitation-limited Re.

References

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This is a summary of: Zhang, Q. et al. Water limitation regulates positive feedback of increased ecosystem respiration. Nat. Ecol. Evol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02501-w (2024).

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A threshold precipitation function determines when ecosystem respiration depends on water. Nat Ecol Evol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02502-9

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