Representing permafrost properties in CoLM for the Qinghai–Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau

Most land surface models (LSMs) used in climate models do not perform well in modeling the permafrost processes. Due to the complex permafrost distribution characteristics and landscapes of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), the LSMs simulations over QTP are even worse. In this study, we revised the permafrost scheme in the original Common Land Model (CoLM) to improve its capability of simulating permafrost processes. We adopted a new frozen soil parameterization scheme, in which maximum unfrozen water content is defined as a function of soil matric potential. In addition, we extended the model's bottom to a depth below that without annual variations in temperature and replaced the zero-flux lower boundary condition with a constant geothermal heat flux based on literature and temperature gradient measurements in a 34.5-m-deep borehole. What's more, we revised the original snow cover fraction parameterization scheme of CoLM according to the special snow cover distribution characteristics over QTP. We calibrated and validated the modified model against observations from 2005 to 2008. The results indicate that the modified model produced more reasonable simulations of radiation balance components and significantly improved the simulation of soil liquid water content. It also shows an improved capability of reproducing soil temperatures from the top to the bottom of soil layers. The modified CoLM provides a useful tool for understanding and predicting the fate of permafrost in QTP under a warming climate. ► Several permafrost properties were coupled into CoLM to improve its capability. ► The modified CoLM could accurately simulate soil temperatures and other projects. ► Geothermal flux may have limited effects on surface fluxes.