Leaf Area Index simulated by the biogeography model MAPSS using RegCM3 climate with ECHAM5 projections as boundary conditions. MAPSS (Mapped Atmosphere-Plant-Soil System) is a static biogeography model that projects potential vegetation distribution and hydrological flows on a grid (http://www.databasin.org/climate-center/features/mapss-model). MAPSS has been used widely for various climate change assessments including the 2000 National Assessment Synthesis Team's report. MAPSS uses long term, average monthly climate data (mean monthly temperature, vapor pressure, wind speed, and precipitation) as well as soils information (texture, depth). Based on a set of climatic thresholds, the model defines the following plant functional types: [...]
