PML-V2.2: Extended global terrestrial evapotranspiration and gross primary production dataset from 1980 to near present

Reliable long-term estimates of terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP) are fundamental for understanding ecohydrological responses to climate change, yet remain challenged by satellite sensor transitions and forcing inconsistencies. Here, we build upon the diagnostic Penman–Monteith–Leuning (PML) model to introduce PML-V2.2, an extended 45-year ET and GPP dataset (1980–2024). By bridging multiple satellite epochs, PML-V2.2 provides a globally consistent record that supports both high-resolution near-present monitoring and robust long-term ecohydrological attribution.

Driven by bias-corrected MSWEP precipitation and MSWX meteorological forcing, PML-V2.2 leverages a multi-sensor simulation and consolidation framework to provide an extended data record. The dataset comprises three complementary products: (1) PML-V2.2a, an 8-day 500-m MODIS-based product (2000–2024) optimized for near-present monitoring; (2) PML-V2.2b, a half-month 0.1° AVHRR-based record (1980–2020) for long-term climate attribution; and (3) PML-V2.2c, a consolidated half-month 0.1° product (1980–2024) ensuring 45-year temporal continuity. The model was calibrated using 208 eddy-covariance flux sites with a refined parameterization that explicitly distinguishes irrigated from rainfed croplands, reducing agricultural biases in ET and GPP by ~7.5% and ~15%, respectively. Cross-validation against flux observations demonstrates robust performance across various plant functional types (with most NSE values > 0.60 and absolute bias < 5%), while water-balance validation across 152 large river basins yields excellent agreement (NSE = 0.89–0.91).

Globally, mean annual ET and GPP over 1980–2024 are estimated at 65.6 10³ km³ yr⁻¹ and 147.0 PgC yr⁻¹, respectively. Both exhibit significant (p < 0.05) increasing trends, with ET rising by 0.015 10³ km³ yr⁻² and GPP by 0.338 PgC yr⁻², indicating enhanced ecosystem productivity and water-use efficiency, partially moderated by CO₂-induced physiological water savings. By providing an internally consistent, observation-constrained long-term record, PML-V2.2 offers a robust foundation for global ecohydrological studies, including drought impacts, carbon–water coupling, and model benchmarking under a changing climate.