The Hainich station, operated by the Bioclimatology Group, plays a particular role since it takes measurements at a site which is both an unmanaged forest and also one of the oldest forests Photo: Alexander Knohl
The Hainich station, operated by the Bioclimatology Group, plays a particular role since it takes measurements at a site which is both an unmanaged forest and also one of the oldest forests Photo: Alexander Knohl Göttingen University research team involved in global study on conditions and capacity to adapt Ecosystems provide a wide range of services to people. These services depend on basic ecosystem functions, which are shaped by natural conditions like climate, the mix of species and by human intervention. A research team including the University of Göttingen has identified three key indicators that describe the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems: the capacity to maximise primary productivity; the efficiency of using water; and the efficiency of using carbon. Monitoring these three indicators will make it possible to assess how adaptable an ecosystem is to climate and environmental changes and how it can evolve under certain conditions. Ecosystems on the land surfaces of the Earth support multiple functions and services that are critical for society, like biomass production, the vegetation's efficiency in using sunlight and water, water retention and climate regulation, and ultimately food security. Climate and environmental changes as well as the impact of people are continuously threatening the ability to provide these functions. To understand how terrestrial ecosystems will respond to this threat, it is crucial to know which functions are essential to obtain a good representation of the ecosystems' overall well-being and functioning.
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