A one-dimensional theoretical description of the vegetation-atmosphere interaction

An analytically continuous, one-dimensional model of the vegetation-atmosphere interaction is created which is 'multi-layer' in concept, and therefore similar in principle to previous numerical simulation models (except that it also includes the effect of surface water on the vegetation). Mathematical development of this model yields a 'combination equation' similar in form to that produced by single-source, Penman-Monteith models; and demonstrates that the interaction is indeed capable of conceptual representation as a simple electrical analogue, but that all property transfers are subject to a 'surface' resistance. In this way, it is shown that 'multi-layer' and 'single-source' descriptions are more similar than they appear at first sight: the differences between the two approaches become apparent and in this way the assumptions and approximations involved in the single-source hypothesis become explicit.