Reengineering a dynamic vegetation model to explore the stability of Australian terrestrial carbon. Overseas models do not represent Australian biophysical processes well: our flora and fauna are unique and our soils are old and nutrient poor. In contrast, the National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) is a world-class framework for estimating current carbon processes. By building NCAS expertise into an overseas model of soil and vegetation processes we can develop the capacity to increase our con ....Reengineering a dynamic vegetation model to explore the stability of Australian terrestrial carbon. Overseas models do not represent Australian biophysical processes well: our flora and fauna are unique and our soils are old and nutrient poor. In contrast, the National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) is a world-class framework for estimating current carbon processes. By building NCAS expertise into an overseas model of soil and vegetation processes we can develop the capacity to increase our confidence in future projections of carbon and vegetation change. Our proposal, linking Universities, CSIRO and the Australian Greenhouse Office establishes a team that is internationally competitive. It will enhance local expertise and local model development to ensure national policy development is underpinned by world-class science.Read moreRead less
Predicting soil loss from wind erosion, using an integrated, high resolution, land surface data assimilation-modelling system. Australia is an ancient, dry, continent. Soil losses from wind erosion are practically irreversible. Prevention of wind erosion, especially in agricultural areas, is a major challenge to agricultural communities and land management organisations. For continental and regional scale assessment of wind erosion potential, the high-resolution integrated wind erosion modelling ....Predicting soil loss from wind erosion, using an integrated, high resolution, land surface data assimilation-modelling system. Australia is an ancient, dry, continent. Soil losses from wind erosion are practically irreversible. Prevention of wind erosion, especially in agricultural areas, is a major challenge to agricultural communities and land management organisations. For continental and regional scale assessment of wind erosion potential, the high-resolution integrated wind erosion modelling system developed here is a powerful tool. The system will identify areas prone to soil erosion and provide a solid scientific basis for strategic and practical measures for wind erosion prevention. The proposal allows the CIs to continue to play a leading international role in this National Research Priority area.Read moreRead less