Summary
This paper presents a comprehensive validation of the Community Land Model version 5 (CLM5) against multiple observational datasets across the contiguous United States over four decades at fine spatial resolution. Whilst parametric and structural updates in CLM5 improved biogeochemical dynamics simulation, the authors identify key deficiencies—particularly in evapotranspiration associated with poor phenology representation in trees and grasses, and in hydrologic parameter calibration for runoff prediction. The findings highlight the necessity for spatially distributed plant phenology parameters and regionally specific agricultural management practice representation in land surface models.
UK applicability
Whilst this study is geographically specific to the contiguous United States, its methodological approach to validating land surface models and its findings on phenology simulation biases may inform similar model development and validation work in the United Kingdom. However, UK-specific validation using British climate data, soil characteristics, and agricultural practices would be required before applying these findings directly to UK conditions.
Key measures
Energy, water and carbon cycle variables; evapotranspiration; vegetation phenological characteristics; leaf area index; irrigation estimates; runoff; subsurface runoff; biophysical and biogeochemical processes
Outcomes reported
The study validated three configurations of the Community Land Model (CLM5BGC, CLM4.5BGC, and CLM5SP) against remote-sensed and in situ data sets over the contiguous United States during 1979–2018 at 0.125° resolution. The research identified specific biases in evapotranspiration, vegetation phenology, leaf area index, and irrigation simulation, and recommended improvements to hydrologic parameters and incorporation of spatially distributed plant phenology and agricultural management practices.
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