Approximations of a spatial model for the global carbon cycle using the finite element method

Abstract

The proposal here presented is an analytical model for global carbon cycle based on Lade et al. Lade y cols. (2018), but with a novel addition of spacial data in one variable and a diffusion component for three of the four state variables of the system which are those in oceans, atmosphere and temperature but not in soils for this is not a dimension where diffusion is meant to be considered in a natural way. The finite element method (FEM) is used to reach estimations on carbon and temperature flow changes. The method used in this work can be useful for other studies on biogeochemical cycles which are crucial for climate system, and that is the main reason to present here the description of such methodology; but also, the process for validation of the implemented code for FEM is described. All approaches are meant to be valid until year 2100, due to the nature of the validity of parameters and scenarios of carbon emissions in which this work has been based.