Photosynthetic response to perturbations in intrinsic water use efficiency within CESM2 

Plants affect the Earth system’s carbon, water, and energy fluxes through photosynthesis and transpiration, regulated by stomata on leaves that control the gas exchange needed for these processes. Water use efficiency (iWUE) represents the tradeoff plants between losing water through transpiration and gaining carbon for photosynthesis and varies with plant type and environment. However, representation of iWUE is often simplified in Earth system models. In our study, we explored how changes in iWUE impact photosynthesis using Earth System models. A change in photosynthesis depending on the choice of iWUE used in Earth System models has implications for the carbon budget. Our study helps clarify uncertainties in how plant photosynthesis might respond to climate change, improving our understanding of potential future scenarios. 

Presentations and Posters given for this work:

• DOE EESM PI Meeting | Poster | Rockville, MD | Aug 2024 
• CESM Land & Biogeochemistry Working Group Meeting | Presentation | Virtual at the Mesa Lab, Boulder, CO | Feb 2024 
• AGU Fall Meeting | Poster | San Francisco, CA | Dec 2023
• Annual Graduate Climate Conference | Poster | Woods Hole, MA | Nov 2023
• Annual CESM Workshop | Presentation | Boulder, CO | Jun 2023
• CESM Land & Biogeochemistry Working Group Meeting | Presentation | Mesa Lab, Boulder, CO | Feb 2023
• Annual Graduate Climate Conference | Poster | Pack Forest, WA | Oct 2023