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On the Ecology of Mountainous Forests in a Changing Climate: A ...

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Analysis <strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g forest gap models 17<br />

update mechanism on <strong>the</strong> frequency distribution <strong>of</strong> tree numbers is not negligible, and<br />

this may be important <strong>in</strong> studies that compare and validate gap models (e.g. Leemans<br />

1992).<br />

In conclusion, forest gap models can be viewed as a mixture <strong>of</strong> discrete time and discrete<br />

event models, which for practical reasons are implemented as discrete time models (Sequential<br />

Mach<strong>in</strong>es, Zeigler 1976). However, many gap models do not conform to <strong>the</strong> formalism<br />

<strong>of</strong> a sequential mach<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y handle <strong>the</strong> update <strong>of</strong> state variables and<br />

should be revised <strong>in</strong> this respect.<br />

2.2 Statistical analysis<br />

2.2.1 Characteristics <strong>of</strong> model behaviour on a s<strong>in</strong>gle forest patch<br />

The basic unit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gap dynamics hypo<strong>the</strong>sis <strong>in</strong> forests is a small area <strong>of</strong> land <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> order<br />

<strong>of</strong> 100 to 1'000 m 2 (0.01-0.1 ha; cf. Tab. 2.1). Various terms have been proposed<br />

to denote such a unit (Botk<strong>in</strong> et al. 1972a,b, Pickett & White 1985, Kienast 1987): The<br />

term “plot” is ambiguous s<strong>in</strong>ce it may also denote a graphical representation <strong>of</strong> data. A<br />

“gap” would be close to <strong>the</strong> term “gap dynamics”, yet this is confus<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce such a<br />

“gap” could also carry a mature stand. The term “patch” is unambiguous and clear; <strong>the</strong>refore<br />

I will refer to <strong>the</strong> basic unit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gap dynamics hypo<strong>the</strong>sis as a patch, correspond<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to <strong>the</strong> title <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> book by Pickett & White (1985).<br />

Before sett<strong>in</strong>g out for a detailed analysis <strong>of</strong> forest gap models, it may be useful to have a<br />

look at <strong>the</strong> simulation results produced on one s<strong>in</strong>gle patch <strong>of</strong> 1 / 12 ha <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> FORECE<br />

model, exemplify<strong>in</strong>g both <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> gap dynamics and some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir basic statistical<br />

properties.<br />

MATERIAL & METHODS<br />

The FORECE model V1.1 was used to simulate forest dynamics at two sites on one patch<br />

each: The site Davos is typical <strong>of</strong> forests <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> subalp<strong>in</strong>e zone, which are composed <strong>of</strong> a<br />

few coniferous species. These forests have comparably low biomass, and tree growth<br />

generally is slow. The site Bern is representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mixed deciduous forests on <strong>the</strong>

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