Articles | Volume 28, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4477-2024
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4477-2024
Review article
 | 
14 Oct 2024
Review article |  | 14 Oct 2024

Root zone in the Earth system

Hongkai Gao, Markus Hrachowitz, Lan Wang-Erlandsson, Fabrizio Fenicia, Qiaojuan Xi, Jianyang Xia, Wei Shao, Ge Sun, and Hubert H. G. Savenije

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Cited articles

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Short summary
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.
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