A Land–Atmosphere Interaction Theory for the Tropical Deforestation Problem

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Abstract
A theoretical framework is developed in understanding the mechanisms and processes determining the response of the land–atmosphere system to tropical deforestation. The analytical approach is made possible by simplifications in the vertical from the quasi-equilibrium moist convective closure, and in the horizontal from the dynamical temperature homogenization process. The theory emphasizes the energy and water balance. It highlights the interaction among processes of moist convection, cloud, radiation, and surface hydrology while each individual process is simplified. The zero surface energy flux condition, due to the small heat capacity of land, makes land–atmosphere interaction distinctly different from ocean–atmosphere interaction. This imposes a constraint on the sensitivity to the details of surface energy partitioning. Consequently, land surface temperature is largely a response to the energy and water balance, rather than a forcing as in the case of sea surface temperature. Results from a ... Abstract A theoretical framework is developed in understanding the mechanisms and processes determining the response of the land–atmosphere system to tropical deforestation. The analytical approach is made possible by simplifications in the vertical from the quasi-equilibrium moist convective closure, and in the horizontal from the dynamical temperature homogenization process. The theory emphasizes the energy and water balance. It highlights the interaction among processes of moist convection, cloud, radiation, and surface hydrology while each individual process is simplified. The zero surface energy flux condition, due to the small heat capacity of land, makes land–atmosphere interaction distinctly different from ocean–atmosphere interaction. This imposes a constraint on the sensitivity to the details of surface energy partitioning. Consequently, land surface temperature is largely a response to the energy and water balance, rather than a forcing as in the case of sea surface temperature. Results from a ...

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