Falge, E., D. Baldocchi, J. Tenhunen, M. Aubinet, P. Bakwin, P. Berbigier, C. Bernhofer, G. Burba, R. Clement, K.J. Davis, J.A. Elbers, A.H. Goldstein, A. Grelle, A. Granier, J. Guomundsson, D. Hollinger, A.S. Kowalski, G. Katul, B.E. Law, Y. Malhi, T. Meyers, R.K. Monson, J.W. Munger, W. Oechel, K.T. Paw, K. Pilegaard, U. Rannik, C. Rebmann, A. Suyker, R. Valentini, K. Wilson, and S. Wofsy, 2002. Seasonality of ecosystem respiration and gross primary production as derived from FLUXNET measurements, Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 113 (1-4), 53-74.

Differences in the seasonal pattern of assimilatory and respiratory processes are responsible for divergences in seasonal net carbon exchange among ecosystems. Using FLUXNET data (http://www,eosdis.orni.gov/FLUXNET) we have analyzed seasonal patterns of gross primary productivity (F-GPP), and ecosystem respiration (F-RE) of boreal and temperate, deciduous and coniferous forests, Mediterranean evergreen systems, a rainforest, temperate grasslands, and C-3 and C-4 crops, Based on generalized seasonal patterns classifications of ecosystems into vegetation functional types can he evaluated for use in global productivity and climate change models. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of respiratory costs of assimilated carbon in various ecosystems.