A new scientific publication highlights the importance of accurately representing vegetation seasonal cycles in land surface models used to study the Earth’s climate system. The study, titled “Plant phenology evaluation of CRESCENDO land surface models using satellite-derived Leaf Area Index – Part 2: Seasonal trough, peak, and amplitude”, has been published in the journal Biogeosciences and provides a comprehensive assessment of how well current models capture key phases of vegetation dynamics.

Led by Daniele Peano and co-authored by Deborah Hemming, Christine Delire, Yuanchao Fan, Hanna Lee, Stefano Materia, Julia E. M. S. Nabel, Taejin Park, David Wårlind, Andy Wiltshire, and Sönke Zaehle, the research evaluates the seasonal behaviour of vegetation using satellite-derived estimates of Leaf Area Index (LAI). LAI is a key indicator of vegetation canopy structure and plays a central role in scaling plant processes to the regional and global levels, influencing how ecosystems interact with climate through carbon, water, and energy exchanges.

Using satellite LAI products, the study quantifies the global patterns of three important phenological metrics: the seasonal trough, peak, and amplitude of vegetation leaf area. These observations are then compared with simulations from seven land surface models that form part of state-of-the-art Earth system models developed within the CRESCENDO framework.

The results reveal that many of the models show substantial delays in the timing of seasonal vegetation dynamics. In some regions, the simulated timing of LAI troughs and peaks occurs up to three months later than indicated by satellite observations. These discrepancies are particularly evident across the Northern Hemisphere and reinforce findings from previous research showing that some models delay the onset of spring leaf development.

By analysing vegetation phenology at regional and global scales, the research emphasises the role of seasonal plant dynamics as a sensitive indicator of interactions between climate, hydrology, soil conditions, and plant physiology. Accurate representation of these processes is essential for improving predictions of ecosystem responses to environmental change.

The findings underline the need for continued refinement of phenology processes within land surface models. Enhancing the accuracy of seasonal vegetation cycles will help ensure that Earth system models more reliably simulate the dynamics of carbon, water, and energy exchanges between the land surface and the atmosphere. Such improvements are crucial for strengthening our understanding of ecosystem responses to climate change and for supporting the development of robust climate projections.

Between 24-25 February 2026, the CONCERTO consortium gathered in Barcelona, Spain, for its annual project meeting, bringing together around 40 participants in person and 10 colleagues online. Over two dynamic days, partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving carbon cycle representation through multi-scale models and Earth observation for terrestrial ecosystems.

The meeting provided an important opportunity to reflect on progress achieved during the past year. All project partners delivered individual presentations outlining their scientific advancements, methodological developments, and key milestones reached within their respective work packages. These sessions highlighted the strong momentum built across the consortium and demonstrated the complementary expertise that underpins CONCERTO’s interdisciplinary approach.

Beyond reporting achievements, the meeting served as a platform for active collaboration. Dedicated working groups were established to address specific project goals, fostering focused discussions on technical challenges, data integration, and model development strategies. These interactive sessions encouraged open dialogue, strengthened synergies between teams, and helped refine the roadmap for the upcoming project phases.

The Barcelona meeting not only reinforced scientific coordination but also strengthened the collaborative spirit of the consortium. The combination of in-person engagement and online participation ensured inclusive and productive exchanges, reflecting CONCERTO’s commitment to effective and transparent cooperation.

As the project moves forward, the outcomes of this meeting will play a key role in shaping the next steps towards reducing uncertainty in carbon cycle modelling and enhancing the reliability of climate projections.

The European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2026 (EGU General Assembly 26) will take place from 3 to 8 May 2026 in Vienna, Austria, with the option to participate online. Among the many scientific sessions, a dedicated session on “Remote Sensing Applications for the Biosphere” will bring together researchers working at the interface of atmosphere, vegetation, soil and water.

The session is convened by Willem Verstraeten, with co-conveners Manuela Balzarolo and Benjamin Dechant. Manuela Balzarolo is also the coordinator of the CONCERTO project, reinforcing the strong link between this session and CONCERTO’s objectives of advancing Earth observation, modelling, and integrated ecosystem understanding.

The session invites contributions that advance strategies, methods and applications of remote sensing for biosphere research. Topics include the integration of remote sensing data across spectral regions and viewing geometries, the combination of satellite observations with in-situ measurements for modelling carbon, water and nutrient cycles, and the use of remote sensing in climate change mitigation and adaptation, food security, biodiversity, land and nature conservation, epidemiology and public health. Contributions addressing air pollution from natural and anthropogenic sources, data assimilation in land surface and atmospheric models, and innovative signal extraction and processing techniques are also encouraged.

Abstract submission is open until 15 January 2026, at 13:00 CET, you can apply here. Participation in this session offers an excellent opportunity to share cutting-edge research, engage with the international remote sensing community, and strengthen the visibility of work aligned with CONCERTO and related initiatives.