The carbon and hydrological cycles are coupled in different ways and at different time scales over land. At short time scales, for instance, stomatal conductance relates carbon and water exchanges between the canopy and atmosphere (water-use efficiency), and the decomposition of organic matter depends on soil moisture. At longer time scales, soil moisture status impacts carbon allocation and even plant composition within the ecosystem. Both processes have effects on rooting pattern. Disturbances, especially fire, are also dependent on moisture leading to subsequent pulses of carbon to the atmosphere and major changes in physical properties of the land surface. The sum of all these interactions may have significant impacts on the regional and global climate systems. Therefore, an improved understanding of the interaction of carbon and water cycles is crucial for future climate predictions.

This symposium aims at bringing together a wide range of studies that address the relation between the water and carbon cycle at scales ranging from plot level, through catchment and regional to global scales. Both modelling and observational studies are solicited.

The symposium can be jointly organized by the Hydrology, Biogeosciences and Climate sections of EGU.