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Structural path analysis of ecosystem networks

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  • Lenzen, Manfred

Abstract

This paper explains the application of structural path analysis (SPA), an input–output-based technique for measuring flows in ecological and linked ecological–economic networks. Previous methods of input–output flow analysis have concluded with aggregate indexes relying on the summing feature of the Leontief inverse in order to completely account for throughflows along a multitude of inter-compartmental paths. This paper shows that for most linear dissipative networks, a manageable number of paths of limited length exist that cover in the order of 99% or more of total throughflow. These paths can be conveniently extracted, enumerated and ranked using SPA.

Suggested Citation

  • Lenzen, Manfred, 2007. "Structural path analysis of ecosystem networks," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 200(3), pages 334-342.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:200:y:2007:i:3:p:334-342
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.07.041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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