Structure, function and dynamics of transitions between plant communities

边界结构影响着景观上相邻生态系统之间的能量、物质和生物体的流动。包括结构在内的边缘特征的差异可能取决于森林类型或边缘的类型和年龄等因素。我的研究项目包括对天然林边缘的结构、动态和功能的研究。研究将在马尼托巴的丘吉尔附近和新斯科舍省的布雷东角进行。我的短期项目包括比较不同类型森林中不同结构的林缘，调查森林边缘的枯枝分解过程，并建立永久样地来研究边界的时间动态。拟议的研究将提供深入了解边界结构如何影响森林边缘的模式和过程，评估旧的火灾边缘作为景观上的枯木水库，并启动重要的长期研究自然边界的时间动态。从这些研究的结果将有助于我的长期目标，开发一个分析模型，预测林分和灌木层特征的边界结构和功能的影响。了解地貌形态和过程对于评估森林管理做法、水电开发和气候变化的影响十分重要。这一知识将大大推进景观生态学领域，目前缺乏具体的自然边缘的信息。更好地了解北方森林的景观格局和过程，特别是与可持续森林管理和气候变化有关的景观格局和过程，将使加拿大受益。

Boundary structure affects flows of energy, material and organisms across transitions between adjacent ecosystems on the landscape. Differences in the characteristics of edges including structue may depend on factors such as forest type or the type and age of edge. My research program includes studies on the structure, dynamics and function of natural forest edges. Research will be conducted near Churchill, Manitoba and in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. My short term projects include a comparison of forest edges of different structure in different types of forest, an investigation of the process of deadwood decomposition at forest edges and the establishment of permanent plots to investigate temporal dynamics of boundaries. The proposed research will provide insight into how boundary structure affects patterns and processes at forest edges, evaluate older fire edges as a reservoir for deadwood on the landscape and initiate important long-term research on the temporal dynamics of natural boundaries. Results from these studies will contribute towards my long-term goal of developing an analytical model that predicts the effects of stand and landscape-level charactistics on boundary structure and function. An understanding of the landscape patterns and processes is important as a context within which to assess the impact of forest management practices, hydroelectric development and climate change. This knowledge will greatly advance the field of landscape ecology which currently lacks specific information on natural edges. Canada will benefit from a greater understanding of landscape patterns and processes in the boreal forest, especially as it relates to sustainable forest management and climate change.