LINKAGES: An Individual-based Forest Ecosystem Biogeochemistry Model

This model product contains the source codes for version 1 of the individual-based forest ecosystem biogeochemistry model LINKAGES and two subsequent versions as well as example input and output data. LINKAGES predicts long-term structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems as constrained by nitrogen availability, climate, and soil moisture. Model simulations compare favorably to field data from different geographic areas worldwide. LINKAGES, written in FORTRAN and provided in ASCII format, simulates birth, growth, and death of all trees greater than 1.43-cm dbh. Litter fall and decomposition are also simulated. Sunlight is the driving variable. Growing season degree days, soil water availability, and AET are calculated from precipitation, temperature, soil field moisture capacity, and wilting point. Decomposition and soil N availability are calculated from organic matter quantity and carbon chemistry, evapotranspiration, and degree of canopy closure. Light availability to each tree is a function of leaf biomass of taller trees. Degree days and availabilities of light and water constrain species reproduction. These variables plus soil N constrain tree growth and carbon accumulation in biomass. Tree death probability increases with age and slow growth. Leaf, root, and woody litter are returned to the soil at the end of each year to decay the following year. Climatic and forest data for eastern North America and New South Wales are provided as example model inputs. Modelers may use their own site data within any version of LINKAGES. Example model output is also provided.

Data and Resources

Field Value
accessLevel public
bureauCode {026:00}
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citation Post, W.M., and J. Pastor. 2013. LINKAGES: An Individual-based Forest Ecosystem Biogeochemistry Model. ORNL DAAC, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA. http://dx.doi.org/10.3334/ORNLDAAC/1166
graphic-preview-description Browse Image
graphic-preview-file https://daac.ornl.gov/graphics/browse/project/square/model-archive_logo_square.png
identifier C179124965-ORNL_DAAC
issued 2013-06-17
landingPage https://doi.org/10.3334/ORNLDAAC/1166
language {en-US}
metadata_type geospatial
modified 2019-04-15
programCode {026:001}
publisher ORNL_DAAC
resource-type Dataset
source_datajson_identifier true
source_hash d078c61ac701290922a5a3f2145299ea0d16fda0
source_schema_version 1.1
spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-180.0, -90.0], [180.0, -90.0], [180.0, 90.0], [-180.0, 90.0], [-180.0, -90.0]]]}
temporal 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z/2008-12-31T23:59:59Z
theme {"Model Archive",geospatial}
Groups
  • AmeriGEOSS
  • National Provider
  • North America
Tags
  • amerigeo
  • amerigeoss
  • atmosphere
  • atmospheric-radiation
  • atmospheric-temperature
  • atmospheric-water-vapor
  • biosphere
  • ckan
  • earth-science
  • ecological-dynamics
  • ecosystems
  • geo
  • geoss
  • land-surface
  • national
  • north-america
  • precipitation
  • soils
  • united-states
  • vegetation
isopen False
license_id notspecified
license_title License not specified
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maintainer_email uso@daac.ornl.gov
metadata_created 2025-11-22T12:51:13.604315
metadata_modified 2025-11-22T12:51:13.604320
notes This model product contains the source codes for version 1 of the individual-based forest ecosystem biogeochemistry model LINKAGES and two subsequent versions as well as example input and output data. LINKAGES predicts long-term structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems as constrained by nitrogen availability, climate, and soil moisture. Model simulations compare favorably to field data from different geographic areas worldwide. LINKAGES, written in FORTRAN and provided in ASCII format, simulates birth, growth, and death of all trees greater than 1.43-cm dbh. Litter fall and decomposition are also simulated. Sunlight is the driving variable. Growing season degree days, soil water availability, and AET are calculated from precipitation, temperature, soil field moisture capacity, and wilting point. Decomposition and soil N availability are calculated from organic matter quantity and carbon chemistry, evapotranspiration, and degree of canopy closure. Light availability to each tree is a function of leaf biomass of taller trees. Degree days and availabilities of light and water constrain species reproduction. These variables plus soil N constrain tree growth and carbon accumulation in biomass. Tree death probability increases with age and slow growth. Leaf, root, and woody litter are returned to the soil at the end of each year to decay the following year. Climatic and forest data for eastern North America and New South Wales are provided as example model inputs. Modelers may use their own site data within any version of LINKAGES. Example model output is also provided.
num_resources 9
num_tags 20
title LINKAGES: An Individual-based Forest Ecosystem Biogeochemistry Model