Analysis and experimentation on ecosystems

Mediterranean ecosystems are large emitters of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC), and recent studies illustrate how water stress can decrease these emissions even during hot summer. We present here a spatially explicit modelling experiment of BVOC emissions in a water-limited Mediterranean Region in Southern France dominated by Quercus ilex forests. Emission rates were estimated daily using a leaf-level emission model with appropriate up-scaling procedures. The model was based on Guenther’s empirical equations, where we inserted effects for water limitation and seasonality observed from field measurements. Up-scaling from leaves to canopy was performed using Sellers’ theory. For each grid cell, climate variables were interpolated daily from meteorological stations. Incoming solar radiation was measured at one site and extrapolated for the all region based on slope and aspect. Soil properties were derived from pedological maps as well as a digital elevation model, while soil water content was evaluated daily using a bucket-type model.