Simulating spatiotemporal variations of atmospheric CO2 using a nested hemispheric model

A three-dimensional Eulerian nested model for transport, diffusion, and surface fluxes Of CO2 has been developed. The model is used to study the spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric CO2 concentrations as a step towards a better understanding of the regional source pattern over Europe. The influence from the national surface characteristics, as e.g. fossil CO2 emissions or ecosystem fluxes, can be treated on a continental or national level in the model. In the future the model can be used as a mean to corroborate national and EU-wide controls or reductions of carbon emissions. One of the major questions in the estimation of e.g. national CO2 budgets is the quantification of surface ecosystem fluxes. In order to test the sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 concentrations to ecosystem fluxes, two different parameterizations [J. Geophys. Res. 92 (1987) 2999] and [Global Biogeochem. Cycles 10 (1996) 269] have been implemented in the model. The model both with and without nest is validated by comparison with measurements and the different model results will be discussed. The results show that including a nested domain with higher spatial resolution significantly improves the model performance in some areas. In spite of regional deviations in the two sets of ecosystems fluxes no major differences are seen over Europe as a whole when either of the two parameterizations are included in the model and the results compared. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.