Pattern and Scale in Disturbance-Mediated Systems

这个项目将涉及空间和时间模式的描述符在解释受干扰影响的系统的异质动力学中的应用。首先，将通过对一般模型和一些更特殊的模型的计算机模拟，从理论上探索一系列标准的和不太常见的模式描述符的性质。要使用的描述符包括半方差、频谱分析和分形图。接下来，这些描述符将应用于为加利福尼亚州贾斯珀里奇的蛇纹草土地开发的井数据集。在这种情况下，目标是开发能够描述贾斯珀山脉和其他受干扰影响的地点的植被模式的模型。最后，这些模型将在巴拿马的巴罗科罗拉多岛、伊利诺伊州中部的试验田和杜克森林的树木群落中进行测试。这些格局分析练习的长期目标是提高我们解释景观格局及其原因的能力。最终，探索生物模式对包括生物地球化学循环在内的生态系统过程的影响将是重要的。莱文博士是生态学模式分析领域的领军人物。莱文和负责贾斯珀里奇项目的经验主义者穆尼博士之间的合作肯定被认为是这项提议的一个优势。这一机构对这项研究的支持是极好的。

>>>This project will involve the application of descriptors ofspatial and temporal patterns in the interpretation of theheterogeneous dynamics of disturbance>.>influenced systems. First,the properties of a range of standard and less common patterndescriptors will be explored theoretically, through computersimulations of a general model and a number of more specializedmodels. The descriptors to be used include semivariance,spectral analysis and fractals. Next, the descriptors will beapplied to a well>.>developed data set for the serpentine grass>.>land at Jasper Ridge, California. The goal in this case is thedevelopment of models that can describe vegetation pattern atJasper Ridge and other disturbance>.>influenced sites. Finally,the models will be tested for tree communities of Barro ColoradoIsland, Panama, an experimental field in central Illinois, andthe Duke Forest. The long>.>term goal for these pattern analysis exercises is toimprove our ability to interpret landscape patterns and theircauses. Ultimately, it will be important to explore the effectsof biotic patterning on ecosystem processes includingbiogeochemical cycling. Dr. Levin is a leader in the field of pattern analysis inecology. The cooperation between Levin and Dr. Mooney, andempiricist in charge of the Jasper Ridge project, must beconsidered a strong point of this proposal. This institutionalsupport for this research in excellent.