Reference carbon cycle dataset for typical Chinese forests via colocated observations and data assimilation

Chinese forests cover most of the representative
forest types in the Northern Hemisphere and function as a large carbon (C)
sink in the global C cycle. The availability of long-term C dynamics
observations is key to evaluating and understanding C sequestration of these
forests. The Chinese Ecosystem Research Network has conducted normalized and
systematic monitoring of the soil-biology-atmosphere-water cycle in Chinese forests since 2000. For the first time, a
reference dataset of the decadal C cycle dynamics was produced for 10 typical Chinese forests after strict quality control, including
biomass, leaf area index, litterfall, soil organic C, and the corresponding meteorological
data. Based on these basic but time-discrete C-cycle elements, an assimilated
dataset of key C cycle parameters and time-continuous C sequestration functions
was generated via model-data fusion, including C allocation, turnover, and soil,
vegetation, and ecosystem C storage. These reference data could be used as a
benchmark for model development, evaluation and C cycle research under global
climate change for typical forests in the Northern Hemisphere.