Internship offer: Modelling the influence of 3D distribution of sunlit/shaded leaves on vegetation eco-physiological functions and energy balance

Subject:

Vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating biogeochemical cycles, which makes the understanding of its biophysical and physiological processes essential for addressing global challenges in resource management under the climate change. The objective of this internship is to model and quantify the role and impact of so-called sunlit and shaded leaves within three-dimensional (3D) representations of vegetations canopies on key processes of plant functioning and energy balance, including evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF). This work, conducted through the simulation of the 3D distribution of temperatures in vegetation canopies, aims to improve our understanding of vegetated terrestrial ecosystems and to contribute to the preparation of the next Franco-Indian thermal infrared satellite mission TRISHNA . The methodological approach relies on the DART-EB « Energy Balance » model, developed at CESBIO since 2021, that facilitates:

1. Modelling of the 3D radiative budget (i.e., radiation intercepted, emitted, etc.) and SIF for landscapes with topography and atmosphere using the DART model, developed at CESBIO since 1992. DART also simulates the various optical remote sensing observations of 3D landscapes.
2. Modelling of non-radiative processes (conduction, photosynthesis, latent and sensible heat fluxes) contributing to vegetation energy balance of 3D landscapes, which is performed through external scripts written in the Python programming language.

Full offer and contact for submission: HERE