Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
4.5.3.2. The ECOCLIMAP database
Météo-France [MAS 03] developed the ECOCLIMAP database with a
resolution of 1 km (http://www.cnrm.meteo.fr/gmme/PROJETS/ECOCLIMAP/
page_ecoclimap.htm), with the aim of initializing SVAT models used in weather
forecast or climate (global or regional) models.
215 ecosystems, which represent homogenous vegetation zones, have been
derived from the combination of:
- existing climate maps (Koeppe and de Lond, 1958), giving 15 climate types at
1 km resolution (Figure 4.19);
- land cover maps: a global classification from University of Maryland into 15
classes at 1 km resolution (Figure 4.20);
- Corine Land Cover classification over Europe (Figure 4.21);
- and by using AVHRR data.
Figure 4.19. Global Climate Map from Koepp and de Lond (see color section)
Surface variables used in SVAT models (such as LAI, vegetation fraction,
roughness length, minimal stomatal resistance, albedo and emissivity) are computed
using tables. These variables which are linked to land cover are derived every month
from satellite data.
The very fine resolution achieved makes it possible to address regional and local
scales. Such an approach is particularly helpful when nested models are used (in that
case, the high resolution model takes its boundary conditions from the larger scale
model). It ensures that the description of the surface in both models is made
consistent.
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