We follow an integrated approach by combining observations and process-modelling of bio-hydro-atmosphere interactions and trends from molecular to regional scales in a global context of climate change.
Observing the Atmospheric Environment
IMK-IFU measures trace gas, water and energy exchange between the biosphere and the atmosphere on a large range of scales, from single leaves or soil chambers to flux tower-based studies of ecosystem exchange and regional flux transects using an ultralight aircraft, as well as profiles of climatically relevant trace gases, temperature and wind by ground-based remote sensing techniques.
Effective techniques of data quality assurance and control have been developed to conduct complex measurement programs in remote locations over many years.
Modelling of Bio-Hydro-Atmospheric Interactions
Measurements at all scales (biochemical, field scale, and regional scale) are accompanied with intensive efforts of numerical modelling.
Different hydrological, biological and air-chemistry models are thus developed and applied:
- Leaf scale models of isoprenoid emission are developed to foster the understanding of these processes and to understand their relation to environmental changes.
- Models capturing carbon sequestration, leaching and trace gas losses from the soil. The results are scaled to the regional and global scale to serve a better understanding of climate change.
- Biogenic or anthropogenic trace gases are considered in modelling air quality at the local and regional scale.
- Other biosphere properties that affect momentum, energy- and water-balance are considered in regional climate and hydrological models to improve climate change scenarios and to derive regional specific impacts of climate- and landuse-changes.
