FORESTS

The task of gaining a mechanistic understanding of forest dynamics is beset with notoriously severe problems. Most of these problems result from the great spatial and temporal scales encompassed by forest dynamics, which often preclude many forms of experimental manipulation. As a consequence, most researchers attempting to predict the consequences of global changes on forests have relied on computer models. However, predictions from computer models are only as good as the assumptions that drive them, and these are often untested and unrealistic.

We sought to overcome these problems through integrated studies organized around three themes: contemporary ecology, paleoecology, and modeling. All three consider the interactions between the physical template and disturbance in controlling biotic processes.

Select any of these projects to find more information:

Contemporary Ecology

• Forest Demography
• Seedling Dynamics

Paleoecology

•  Paleo-vegetation

Modeling

• Forest Modeling

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URL: http://www.werc.usgs.gov/sngc/forests.htm

This page last updated: Thursday, March 22, 2007