The MOSAIC team brings together scientists and engineers working on modelling the continental biosphere and exchanges at the surface-atmosphere interface. The team comprises two sub-groups: MOSAIC and BIOGEO. Our work aims to gain a better understanding of the impact of global change on biogeochemical cycles, by proposing integrated modelling of these cycles in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Our main (but not only) working tool is the IPSL’s ORCHIDEE continental surface model. More specifically, the team’s objectives correspond to the following themes:
Processes
Understanding the key processes (photosynthesis, respiration, evapotranspiration, etc.) controlling the material (water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) and energy balances of terrestrial ecosystems and their spatial and temporal variations.
Modelling
Modelling these processes in order to study the impact of global changes (climate change, increase in greenhouse gases, anthropogenic forcings) on the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and their feedback.
Remote sensing
The development of space-based methods for characterising the continental biosphere (land use, vegetation phenology, surface temperature, soil humidity, etc.).