Process-Based Ecophysiological Models of Tree-Ring Stable Isotopes
Tree-ring stable isotopes can be used to parameterize process-based models by providing long-term data on tree physiological processes on annual or finer time steps. They can also be used to test process-based ecophysiological models for the assumptions, hypotheses, and simplifications embedded within them. However, a myriad of physiological and biophysical processes influence the stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes in tree rings, so the models must simplify how they represent some of these processes to be useful. Which simplifications are appropriate depends on the application to which the model is applied. Fortunately, water and carbon fluxes represented in process-based models often have strong isotopic effects that are recorded in tree-ring signals. In this chapter, we review the status of several tree-ring δ13C and δ18O models simulating processes for trees, stands, catchments, and ecosystems. The review is not meant to be exhaustive, but it is intended to highlight the structural differences among models with varied objectives and to provide examples of the valuable insights that can come from combining process modeling with tree-ring stable isotope data. We urge that simple stable isotope algorithms be added to any forest model with a process representation of photosynthesis and transpiration as a strict test of model structure and an effective means to constrain the models.