dynamic soil albedo

[chrisbs@umich_edu]

Hi,If I run CESM1.2 with the dynamic vegetation model turned on, the vegetation induced change in litter/soil organic matter will not have a direct impact on the underlying soil albedo, correct?  My current understanding is that the changes in litter/soil organic matter may influence soil albedo indirectly through soil moisture changes, but not directly through soil color changes. Thanks!

 

[oleson]

Yes, that is correct, no influences on soil albedo.  Similarly though, I don't think that the changes in litter will affect soil column organic matter or soil moisture.  Litter does decompose into soil organic matter pools but those pools don't actually affect the soil organic matter that is used to determine thermal and hydraulic properties of the soil.  At least I don't see anything like that in the code.
Keith

 

[chrisbs@umich_edu]

Ah, okay.  That is very useful information, thank you! - Chris