Comparison between model simulations and empirical data of changes in SOC under different fire regimes across aridity classes. Coloured symbols and lines represent means from different DGVMs, and the black symbols and grey line represent the empirical data with the error bars illustrating the 95% confidence intervals (sample sizes: arid and semi-arid: n = 22; dry sub-humid: n = 6, humid: n = 3, hyper-humid: n = 22). DGVMs calculate the percent difference by comparing the simulations with fire vs a ‘world without fire’ (described in the main text and Methods ). Aridity index is calculated as the ratio between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, and these categories are defined as in UNEP World Atlas of Desertification, arid and semi-arid: 0 < AI <= 0.5; dry sub-humid: 0.5 < AI <= 0.65; humid: 0.65 < AI <= 0.75; hyper-humid: AI > 0.75.
