Articles | Volume 24, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-553-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-24-553-2017
Research article
 | 
06 Sep 2017
Research article |  | 06 Sep 2017

Non-Gaussian data assimilation of satellite-based leaf area index observations with an individual-based dynamic global vegetation model

Hazuki Arakida, Takemasa Miyoshi, Takeshi Ise, Shin-ichiro Shima, and Shunji Kotsuki

Abstract. We developed a data assimilation system based on a particle filter approach with the spatially explicit individual-based dynamic global vegetation model (SEIB-DGVM). We first performed an idealized observing system simulation experiment to evaluate the impact of assimilating the leaf area index (LAI) data every 4 days, simulating the satellite-based LAI. Although we assimilated only LAI as a whole, the tree and grass LAIs were estimated separately with high accuracy. Uncertain model parameters and other state variables were also estimated accurately. Therefore, we extended the experiment to the real world using the real Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LAI data and obtained promising results.

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Short summary
This is the first study assimilating the satellite-based leaf area index observations every 4 days into a numerical model simulating the growth and death of individual plants. The newly developed data assimilation system successfully reduced the uncertainties of the model parameters related to phenology and carbon dynamics. It also provides better estimates of the present vegetation structure which can be used as the initial states for the simulation of the future vegetation change.