A minimal model of interaction between climate and vegetation: Qualitative approach

Yuri M. Svirezhev and Werner von Bloh
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
Telegrafenberg, P.O. Box 601203, D-14412 Potsdam
Germany

Ecological Modelling 92, 89-99 (1996)

Abstract:

A so-called ``Minimal model'' is presented for the qualitative description of the interaction between climate and vegetation. Such conceptual simple models are important to give a better understanding of the fundamental feedback mechanisms acting between geo- and biosphere. This spatially one-dimensional model is analyzed in respect to the uniform biosphere and the existence of possible diffusive instabilities. It is proved that there do not exist any non-uniform equilibrium solutions, but the evolution of non-uniform initial perturbations is quite interesting: Depending on the spatial form of the perturbations propagating non-linear waves are observed.

Keywords: Minimal model, diffusive instability, nonlinear waves

 
• Introduction
• The model description
• Preliminary analysis: uniform biosphere
• Do dissipative structures exist? diffusive instability
• The waves: propagation of perturbations
• Conclusion
• References
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