The ORNL DAAC announces the release of data from the Vegetation/Ecosystem Modeling and Analysis Project (VEMAP).
VEMAP is an international project studying the response of biogeochemical models and vegetation-type distribution models (i.e., biogeographical models) to variability in climate and to other spatial and temporal factors. Phase 1 compared the results of six models under various climate and vegetation scenarios. Phase 2 compares time-dependent ecological responses of models to historical and projected transient scenarios of climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The data used as model input in Phase 1 are now available on a CD-ROM entitled "VEMAP 1: Model Input Database." The CD includes compiled data as well as model-generated data for long-term mean climate, soil, vegetation, and climate change scenarios for the conterminous United States. The data are on a 0.5-degree latitude/longitude grid.
The climate data used as model input in Phase 2 have recently been released in data sets entitled "VEMAP 2: U.S. Monthly Climate, 1895-1993" and "VEMAP 2: U.S. Monthly Climate Change Scenarios." The transient climate data were used in combination with Phase 1 model input data for Phase 2 modeling.
To learn more about VEMAP or to order data, visit the VEMAP Web page maintained by the ORNL DAAC.