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Global Distribution of Root Profiles in Terrestrial Ecosystems

Published by ORNL_DAAC | National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Catalog Last Checked: June 23, 2026 at 08:43 PM | Dataset Last Updated: June 23, 2026
Rooting depths were estimated from a global database of root profiles that was assembled from the primary literature to study relationships of abiotic and biotic factors associated with belowground vegetation structure. Variables used to characterize belowground vegetation structure include the depths above which 50% of all roots and 95% of all roots are located in the profile. For each root profile, information recorded includes latitude and longitude, elevation, soil texture, depth of organic horizons, type of roots measured (e.g., fine or total, live or dead), sampling methods, units of measurements (root mass, length, number, surface area), and sampling depth.

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Complete Metadata
@type dcat:Dataset
accessLevel public
bureauCode 
[
  "026:00"
]
contactPoint 
{
  "fn": "Earthdata Forum",
  "@type": "vcard:Contact",
  "hasEmail": "mailto:earthdata-support@nasa.gov"
}
description Rooting depths were estimated from a global database of root profiles that was assembled from the primary literature to study relationships of abiotic and biotic factors associated with belowground vegetation structure. Variables used to characterize belowground vegetation structure include the depths above which 50% of all roots and 95% of all roots are located in the profile. For each root profile, information recorded includes latitude and longitude, elevation, soil texture, depth of organic horizons, type of roots measured (e.g., fine or total, live or dead), sampling methods, units of measurements (root mass, length, number, surface area), and sampling depth.
distribution 
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identifier 10.3334/ORNLDAAC/660
keyword 
[
  "earth-science-vegetation-biosphere-biomass",
  "earth-science-vegetation-biosphere-plant-characteristics"
]
license https://www.usa.gov/government-works
modified 2026-06-23
programCode 
[
  "026:000"
]
publisher 
{
  "name": "ORNL_DAAC",
  "@type": "org:Organization"
}
spatial 
"["CARTESIAN", [{"WestBoundingCoordinate": -157.0, "NorthBoundingCoordinate": 76.0, "EastBoundingCoordinate": 176.0, "SouthBoundingCoordinate": -46.0}]]"
temporal 1925-01-01/2000-12-31
theme 
[
  "Earth Science"
]
title Global Distribution of Root Profiles in Terrestrial Ecosystems

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