Assessing existing peatland models for their applicability for modelling greenhouse gas emissions from tropical peat soils

Modelling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from tropical peatlands is of crucial importance in determining GHG emission rates under global change. Modelling efforts to date have been restricted by the lack of available data for parameterisation, input and validation of simulation models, due to the complex and often inaccessible nature of tropical peatland ecosystems. There have been very limited experimental or modelling studies to predict GHG fluxes from tropical peatlands. However, our understanding of temperate and boreal peatlands is much more advanced. In this paper we consider the processes that would need to be taken into account in modelling tropical peatlands subject to land use change, and discuss how progress in modelling on temperate peatlands could be applied to these systems.

► There is currently no single model suitable for application to tropical peatlands. ► There are models which have been used in temperate zones that could be adapted. ► Temperate models need to be appropriately parameterised for tropical peatlands. ► The limitation for modelling in tropical peatlands is the lack of available data. ► Satellite imagery developments should be linked to the models being developed.