ABSTRACT
Forest succession models occupy a special niche among models that simulate the dynamics of forest ecosystems. While empirical models (see Chapter 6) focus on the prediction of tree and forest productivity to optimize forest management from an economic point of view, succession models predict the changes in species composition over long-term periods to examine different forest successional pathways. A fundamental difference between
CONTENTS
7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 179 7.2 Types and Structure of Succession Models .................................................................... 180
7.2.1Individual-Based Models (Gap Models) ............................................................. 180 7.2.1.1Initial Developments in Individual-Based Models ............................ 180 7.2.1.2 Concepts of Gap Models ........................................................................ 181 7.2.1.3 Applications ............................................................................................. 191 7.2.1.4 Future Developments ............................................................................. 192
7.2.2Forest Landscape Models ..................................................................................... 192 7.2.2.1 Concepts ................................................................................................... 193 7.2.2.2 Development History .............................................................................200 7.2.2.3 Methods .................................................................................................... 201 7.2.2.4 Classification ............................................................................................ 202 7.2.2.5 Applications ............................................................................................. 203 7.2.2.6Interactions between Gap and Landscape Models ............................ 204 7.2.2.7 Advantages and Limitations of FLMs .................................................. 205
7.3 Application of Forest Succession Models and Linkages with Ecological Indicators .... 206 7.3.1 Introduction to Ecological Indicators and Definitions ..................................... 206 7.3.2Review of Forest Succession Models Linked to Ecological Indicators........... 208
7.3.2.1Composition: Biodiversity and Species Composition ........................ 208 7.3.2.2 Structure: Vegetation and Canopy Structure ...................................... 209 7.3.2.3 Functions: Competition, Forest Resistance, and Resilience .............. 210 7.3.2.4 Global Geographic Coverage of Forest Succession Models .............. 211
7.4Dynamics of Regeneration and Succession Models ..................................................... 211 7.5Application of Remote Sensing ........................................................................................ 213 References ..................................................................................................................................... 214
empirical and succession models resides in their theoretical foundation. Empirical models are generally derived from statistical relationships using data that can be obtained from forest inventories. On the other hand, succession models are based on relationships that represent the essential underlying mechanisms of seedling establishment and individualtree growth and mortality. However, the modeling of abiotic and biotic processes is simpler than process-based models (see Chapter 8).
