Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
Qiaojuan Xi
Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
Jianyang Xia
Zhejiang Tiantong Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
Wei Shao
Key Laboratory of Hydrometeorological Disaster Mechanism and Warning, Ministry of Water Resources/School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Ge Sun
Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, Research Triangle Park, Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
The concept of the root zone is widely used but lacks a precise definition. Its importance in Earth system science is not well elaborated upon. Here, we clarified its definition with several similar terms to bridge the multi-disciplinary gap. We underscore the key role of the root zone in the Earth system, which links the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and anthroposphere. To better represent the root zone, we advocate for a paradigm shift towards ecosystem-centred modelling.
The concept of the root zone is widely used but lacks a precise definition. Its importance in...
