Field measurements, biogeochemical model input files, climate data, and simulation output for aspen sites in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, ID, USA (1984-2015).
Dates
Publication Date
2017-03-31
Start Date
1984-01-01
End Date
2015-12-31
Citation
Ben Soderquist, 20170331, Field measurements, biogeochemical model input files, climate data, and simulation output for aspen sites in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, ID, USA (1984-2015).: .
Summary
Field measurements, daily meteorological inputs, and previously validated iSnobal simulations were used to run and inform the biogeochemical models Biome-BGC and Biome-BGC MuSo at three aspen stands in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed. iSnobal simulations of snow redistribution were used to modify measured precipitation values to account for the redistribution of snow. Biome-BGC simulations were run under historical conditions (1984-2015) assuming both a uniform and redistributed snow layer. Biome-BGC MuSo simulations were run under historical (1996-2015) and future climate scenarios (2046-2065) and account for the redistribution of snow. Biogeochemical simulation data sets include input files used to run Biome-BGC and Biome-BGC [...]
Summary
Field measurements, daily meteorological inputs, and previously validated iSnobal simulations were used to run and inform the biogeochemical models Biome-BGC and Biome-BGC MuSo at three aspen stands in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed. iSnobal simulations of snow redistribution were used to modify measured precipitation values to account for the redistribution of snow. Biome-BGC simulations were run under historical conditions (1984-2015) assuming both a uniform and redistributed snow layer. Biome-BGC MuSo simulations were run under historical (1996-2015) and future climate scenarios (2046-2065) and account for the redistribution of snow. Biogeochemical simulation data sets include input files used to run Biome-BGC and Biome-BGC MuSo simulations of aspen at three sites in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed under historical and mid-21st conditions. Input files include .ini files describing site conditions and outputs, .epc files describing ecophysiological parameters, and .met files containing historical and modified climate data used to run simulations under historical and mid-21st century conditions. Variables associated with daily simulation outputs are defined in .ini files. Field measurement datasets include hourly soil moisture measurements, monthly pre-dawn leaf water potential measurements, and leaf area index (LAI) measurements collected at each site between 2012 and 2015. iSnobal simulation data sets include daily iSnobal simulated snow water equivalent (SWE) extracted from a single point in drifts located at each site. Data are displayed based on day of water year. Number of simulation years varies from 2 to 24 years depending on site. Drift factors were calculated based on the ratio of peak SWE extracted from iSnobal simulations and uniform SWE falling across the drift accumulation period. Drift factors were then applied to measured precipitation values based on 0°C day and night time temperature thresholds.
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Purpose
Data were collected to 1) parameterize and run simulation models and 2) evaluate model performance. Aspen is an environmentally, economically, and socially important species in the western U.S. It is typically the most abundant deciduous tree species in mountainous landscapes of the western U.S., providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including black bear, deer, elk, moose, and numerous bird species. Aspen woodlands also provide high quality forage for livestock and draw tourists to the region to view the golden vistas that form in the fall. However, aspen is currently declining across large portions of the West and it’s estimated that approximately 40% of western aspen will be without suitable climate conditions within 50 years. In the northern and central Rocky Mountains, it’s thought that reduced soil moisture and changing fire patterns in particular could affect the trees. Yet understanding the future of aspen in the region is currently challenged by a lack of information on how changes in fire and soil moisture interact to impact aspen growth, survival, and distribution. For example, in some places aspen may thrive following fire if soil moisture is adequate, while they may decline in areas where soil moisture is too low. The goal of this work is to project the likely effects of altered moisture and fire regimes on aspen under climate change. Based on the results, researchers will develop maps of future aspen distribution in the northern and central Rocky Mountains and identify areas that could be suitable for aspen restoration. Additionally, researchers will project how climate change and aspen mortality might alter streamflow in watersheds that have large amounts of snow redistribution, in order to help small-scale irrigators adapt to future conditions. The results of this project will help land managers prioritize areas for aspen protection and restoration and proactively plan for the effects of climate change on this important species.
