Terrestrial Biogeochemical Modelling

This textbook provides the detailed steps of a system modeling approach for terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. The steps include model conceptualization, formulation, programming, verification, parameterization, validation, uncertainty analysis, sensitivity analysis, system state analysis, and model applications with examples. Readers can follow those steps to create their own models and go through model analyses before applying their models to address science questions. The book also provides the way to use such models to address socioeconomic problems related to terrestrial ecosystem goods and services. In addition, this text provides a state-of-the-art understanding of processes and mechanisms that govern the water and elemental cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. These to-be-modeled processes and mechanisms will be the reference source for terrestrial biogeochemical modeling researchers. The content of this textbook is designed for a semester-long senior undergraduate and graduate level course. The book aims to balance three goals. First, it provides methodological details and steps to develop and apply a state-of-the-art terrestrial ecosystem biogeochemistry model. Second, it provides the details of quantitative terrestrial ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycling to be represented in the model. Third, it provides a general modeling framework with the most-updated biogeochemical processes and mechanisms to allow readers to build on to have a more adequate model for their research.