Vegetation–Climate Feedbacks in the Conversion of Tropical Savanna to Grassland

摘要: Abstract Tropical savannas have been heavily impacted by human activity, with large expanses transformed from a mixture of trees and grasses to open grassland agriculture. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) CCM3 general circulation model, coupled the NCAR Land Surface Model, was used simulate effects this conversion on regional climate. Conversion savanna reduced precipitation approximately 10% in four five regions under study; only northern African showed no significant decline. Associated decline an increase frequency dry periods within wet season, change that could be particularly damaging shallow-rooted crops. overall is almost equally attributable changes albedo roughness length. increased mean surface air temperature all 0.5°C, primarily because reductions Rooting depth, whi...