Adaptation and local validation in a Mediterranean environment of a process-level ecosystem model driven by remotely sensed inputs

A process-level ecosystem model (FOREST-BGC) has been used to simulate the short-term variability of functional processes and the slower responding allocation of photosynthesis products to plant components maintenance or growth, and to decomposition. The model emphasises Leaf Area Index (LAI) as a key structural attribute with substantial control over ecosystem process rates. Model simulations (soil water balance, photosynthesis, net primary production,...) have been obtained for a 10 years period (1984-1993) and partially validated with ground measurements from an experimental test site located in Southern France (dominant species: holm oak). Further work include scaling up from local to regional level, using remote sensing inputs and ancillary data.