About CLIMate-VEGetation models for WINdows

CLIMate-VEGetation models for WINdows (CLIMVEG_WIN) runs several different models for predicting vegetation type based on readily available climate data.  Features include:

• A choice of running one model alone or several models together for comparison;
• Procedures that create matrices of constants used in the models;
• Procedures that allow use of preexisting input data files or the creation of new ones.  A subroutine will estimate monthly radiation values if none are available for the site;
• A procedure that predicts vegetation composition using Budyko's method (Budyko 1974, 1986).  The radiation and radiative index of dryness estimates are based on Budyko's assumption that potential evapotranspiration approximately equals net radiation divided by the latent heat of vaporization of water.  The results of a modified classification based on the Budyko method, presented by Monserud et al. (1993), are also presented.
• A procedure that predicts vegetation composition using the Holdrige Life Zone model (Holdridge 1947);
• A procedure that classifies the climate according to the Koeppen climate classification scheme (Koeppen 1936) as modified by Guetter and Kutzbach (1990).  While the model primarily classifies the climate, it also allows for a prediction of the vegetation growing at a particular site.
• A procedure that predicts vegetation composition using the Lieth-Whittaker model (Whittaker 1975);
• A procedure that determines classifies climate and determines vegetation composition from climate data using the approaches of Thornthwaite (1948), Mather and Yoshioka (1968) and Stephenson (1990).  A revised moisture index, developed by Willmott and Feddema (1992), is also calculated.  The water balance calculations are based on Thornthwaite (1948) and Thornthwaite and Mather (1955).  Vegetation classifications are based on Mather and Yoshioka (1968) and Stephenson (1990).
• A procedure that classifies vegetation based using the BIOME model of Prentice and colleagues (Prentice et al., 1992).
• A procedure that classifies vegetation based on the ECOSIEVE model of Box (Box 1981).
• A model based on that of Woodward (1987).  It is a PASCAL translation of a FORTRAN translation of a BASIC model.  Some differences in results from the three versions exist.  The cause of the differences is not known, but the discrepancies appear to be minor.  I hope in the future to correct the problem.

Copyright © 2003-2011, David M. Lawrence

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