Introduction

In this module, we will discuss the important roles of climatic and ecological models in forest adaptation to climate change. We will also introduce different types and sources of climate data from weather station observations, observation-based interpolations, and climate model predictions. For ecological models, we will introduce the types and applications of the models, including empirical models and process-based models. 

Outcomes

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Describe the roles climatic and ecological modes in forest adaptation to climate change;
• List the major sources of climate data and climate models;
• Describe the importance of spatial resolution affecting the accuracy of climate data;
• Describe the advantages of an empirical model over a process-based model and vise;
• List 2-4 process-based models.