Ecosystem structure and function modeling

By:  and 
Edited by: Mark E. Jensen and P. Bourgeron

Links

Abstract

An important component of ecological assessments is the ability to predict and display changes in ecosystem structure and function over a variety of spatial and temporal scales. These changes can occur over short (less than 1 year) or long time frames (over 100 years). Models may emphasize structural responses (changes in species composition, growth forms, canopy height, amount of old growth, etc.) or functional responses (cycling of carbon, nutrients, and water). Both are needed to display changes in ecosystem components for use in robust ecological assessments. Structure and function models vary in the ecosystem components included, algorithms employed, level of detail, and spatial and temporal scales incorporated. They range from models that track individual organisms to models of broad-scale landscape changes. This chapter describes models appropriate for ecological assessments. The models selected for inclusion can be implemented in a spatial framework and for the most part have been run in more than one system.
Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Ecosystem structure and function modeling
DOI 10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_19
Year Published 2001
Language English
Publisher Springer-Verlag
Publisher location New York
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description p. 257-272
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Other Government Series
Larger Work Title A guidebook for integrated ecological assessments
First page 257
Last page 272
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details