Satellite-derived Ecosystem Functional Types of Europe

This dataset contains the spatial map of satellite-derived Ecosystem Functional Types (EFTs) for Europe, generated from time series (2001–2014) of the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) derived from the MODIS MOD13Q1 product. EFTs represent groups of ecosystems or land surface patches that share similar temporal dynamics of matter and energy exchanges, providing a functional classification of ecosystems based on satellite observations. The study area corresponds to the area defined in the associated manuscript (Cazorla et al., 2026, Biogeosciences), for which the EFTs were derived and analysed. The dataset was developed to assess spatial heterogeneity and interannual variability in ecosystem functioning at regional scales.In the associated study (Cazorla et al., 2026, Biogeosciences), EFT classes were evaluated against measurements of Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) of CO₂ obtained using the Eddy Covariance technique across multiple European sites. Results show that distinct EFT classes exhibit significantly different magnitudes and seasonal dynamics of NEE and that EFTs perform marginally better than Plant Functional Types (PFTs) in explaining regional patterns of carbon exchange. Compared to land-cover or PFT-based classifications, satellite-derived EFTs offer several key advantages: they are directly based on observed ecosystem dynamics, are sensitive to short-term changes in ecosystem performance (e.g. droughts or disturbances), and can be recalculated annually in a consistent and repeatable manner. These properties make EFTs particularly suitable for monitoring interannual changes in ecosystem functioning and functional diversity over large regions.