%0 Journal Article
%T Implementation and evaluation of a new methane model within a dynamic global vegetation model: LPJ-WHyMe v1.3
%A R. Wania
%A I. Ross
%A I. C. Prentice
%J Geoscientific Model Development Discussions
%D 2010
%I Copernicus Publications
%X For the first time, a model that simulates methane emissions from northern peatlands is incorporated directly into a dynamic global vegetation model. The model, LPJ-WHyMe (LPJ-Wetland Hydrology and Methane), was previously modified in order to simulate peatland hydrology, permafrost dynamics and peatland vegetation. LPJ-WHyMe simulates methane emissions using a mechanistic approach, although the use of some empirical relationships and parameters is unavoidable. The model simulates methane production, three pathways of methane transport (diffusion, plant-mediated transport and ebullition) and methane oxidation. Two sensitivity tests were conducted, first to identify the most important factors influencing methane emissions and secondly to justify the choice of parameters. A comparison of model results to observations from seven sites revealed in general good agreement but also highlighted some problems. Circumpolar methane emissions for the period 1961¨C1990 were estimated to be between 40.8 and 73.7 Tg CH4 a-1.
%U http://www.geosci-model-dev-discuss.net/3/1/2010/gmdd-3-1-2010.pdf