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Development and parameterization of a general forest gap dynamics simulator for the North-eastern Mediterranean Basin (GREek FOrest Species)

Author

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  • Fyllas, Nikolaos M.
  • Phillips, Oliver L.
  • Kunin, William E.
  • Matsinos, Yiannis G.
  • Troumbis, Andreas I.

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a model, able to simulate the dynamics of typical mountainous Mediterranean ecosystems, following the forest gap dynamics framework. The model has been adapted to the bioclimatic conditions and species traits of the North-eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin, based on forest inventories and climate data from Greece. With GREFOS (GREek FOrest Species), we tried to develop a generalized forest simulator able to both perform realistically in the mountainous Mediterranean climatic zone, and to identify transitional zones with the lower elevation Mediterranean vegetation profile. GREFOS follows the structure and “evolution” of the ForClim model, which was initially developed for Temperate Central European forests. A life history strategy parameter, which affects (under a functional group type approach) the regeneration and mortality pathways of the species included in the model, has been incorporated. In addition, a simplified fire submodel was also embodied. For all species included in the model, we have computed the whole set of essential parameters used in forest gap models. Simulation exercises were carried out in two geographical areas with district site characteristics (Krania and Parnassos), where quantitative and qualitative field data were available, respectively. In both cases an altitudinal gradient exists and vegetation changes from a Mediterranean to a mountainous Mediterranean profile. The model produces realistic outputs despite its generality, while areas dominated by Mediterranean sclerophyllous species are successfully identified. As a final simulation exercise, for the second area of study, which comprises a natural reserve, we used GREFOS to explore scenarios of changes in the fire frequency. Following these scenarios pioneer pine species seem able to enhance their abundance, at both the upper distributional limit of typical Mediterranean forest communities and the lower limit of more Temperate oriented vegetative patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Fyllas, Nikolaos M. & Phillips, Oliver L. & Kunin, William E. & Matsinos, Yiannis G. & Troumbis, Andreas I., 2007. "Development and parameterization of a general forest gap dynamics simulator for the North-eastern Mediterranean Basin (GREek FOrest Species)," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 204(3), pages 439-456.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:204:y:2007:i:3:p:439-456
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.02.006
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ngugi, Michael R. & Botkin, Daniel B. & Doley, David & Cant, Mark & Kelley, Jack, 2013. "Restoration and management of callitris forest ecosystems in Eastern Australia: Simulation of attributes of growth dynamics, growth increment and biomass accumulation," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 263(C), pages 152-161.
    2. Holm, Jennifer A. & Shugart, H.H. & Van Bloem, S.J. & Larocque, G.R., 2012. "Gap model development, validation, and application to succession of secondary subtropical dry forests of Puerto Rico," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 233(C), pages 70-82.
    3. Koniak, Gili & Noy-Meir, Imanuel, 2009. "A hierarchical, multi-scale, management-responsive model of Mediterranean vegetation dynamics," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 220(8), pages 1148-1158.
    4. Kint, V. & Aertsen, W. & Fyllas, N.M. & Trabucco, A. & Janssen, E. & Özkan, K. & Muys, B., 2014. "Ecological traits of Mediterranean tree species as a basis for modelling forest dynamics in the Taurus mountains, Turkey," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 286(C), pages 53-65.
    5. Fyllas, Nikolaos M. & Politi, Patrizia I. & Galanidis, Alexandros & Dimitrakopoulos, Panayiotis G. & Arianoutsou, Margarita, 2010. "Simulating regeneration and vegetation dynamics in Mediterranean coniferous forests," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 221(11), pages 1494-1504.
    6. Krivtsov, V. & Vigy, O. & Legg, C. & Curt, T. & Rigolot, E. & Lecomte, I. & Jappiot, M. & Lampin-Maillet, C. & Fernandes, P. & Pezzatti, G.B., 2009. "Fuel modelling in terrestrial ecosystems: An overview in the context of the development of an object-orientated database for wild fire analysis," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 220(21), pages 2915-2926.
    7. Ngugi, Michael R. & Johnson, Robert W. & McDonald, William J.F., 2011. "Restoration of ecosystems for biodiversity and carbon sequestration: Simulating growth dynamics of brigalow vegetation communities in Australia," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(3), pages 785-794.

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