Community Land Model version 4.5 (CLM4.5) simulations of water, energy, and carbon fluxes for Saddle vegetation communities, 2008 - 2013

Single point simulations of CLM4.5 that include (1) forcing data that
were input to the model and subsequent (2) model output for
simulations that approximate conditions in fellfield, dry meadow,
moist meadow, wet meadow, and snowbed vegetation communities. Forcing
data were generated with observed atmospheric conditions from Tvan,
Saddle precipitation, and incoming shortwave radiation measured from
the AmeriFlux tower site (US-NR1) from 2008-2013. Wintertime
precipitation inputs were modified to approximate average snow depth
for each vegetation community observed across the Saddle grid. Land
models, like CLM, provide a cohesive framework to investigate
biogeophysical and biogeochemical effects of environmental change on
ecosystem processes. We used CLM4.5 to investigate if a global-scale
model can represent local-scale patterns of water, energy, and carbon
fluxes in a heterogeneous mountain environment. Specifically, we were
interested in generating testable projections of potential ecosystem
responses to climate change. Model output includes half-hourly data on
fluxes of energy, water, and carbon, as well as vegetation carbon
stocks and edaphic conditions. We also conducted sensitivity analyses
to look at ecosystem responses to modifications intended to extend
growing season length by decreasing snow albedo and warming air
temperatures (black sand and M-A warm, respectively). Information on
the variables, units, and data are included as attributed in the
network Common Data Form (NetCDF) files for this dataset. For users
unfamiliar with using NetCDF files, we have included R scripts that
write (forcing data) and read (model output) .nc files include in this
data archive. More information about NetCDF files is available at
http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/software/netcdf/docs/index.html.