LandClim Forest Production and Water Use Model
TERRECO Cluster F-01
From 02/2012Principal Investigator: Björn Reineking, John Tenhunen, Bernd Huwe, Jong Hwan Lim
Staff: Kwanghun Choi
Abstract 2013: Forests provide numerous ecosystem services such as timber production, carbon sequestration, water regulation, erosion control and preservation of biodiversity. Many of these functions are closely related to the forest structure, which is characterized by species composition and tree size distributions at different spatial scales. While environmental changes are unquestionably affecting forest structures and landscape functions, consequences of the changes on forest ecosystems are insufficiently known. In order to understand the medium- and long-term consequences of environmental changes and alternative management options to maintain landscape functions, process-based simulation models of landscape dynamics are required. The aim of the research is to link forest structures with forest functions and ecosystem services (e.g.water regulation, animal habitats and erosion control). To achieve this goal, we set up five research objectives: (1) We will simulate forest dynamics to project forest structure using the dynamic forest landscape model, LandClim. (2) To quantify the amount of water flux regulated by the forest, we will establish empirical relationships between forest structure and MODIS-based evapotranspiration (ET). (3) The relationship between forest structure and animal habitat (e.g. hazel grouse) will be quantified using LiDAR data and wildlife survey data. (4) MMF, the semi-physical soil erosion prediction model, will run upon the simulated vegetation of LandClim and project the amount of eroded soil from the forested area of the study site annually. (5) With the coarse woody debris (CWD) output from LandClim and transport capacity of runoff simulated by MMF, predict annual CWD inflow to the aquatic ecosystem from the forested area. Based on those results, we will describe historical forest structural change, water flux regulation, bird habitat, soil erosion, and CWD transport to the aquatic system. Essentially, we will be able to link forest structures with functional and ecosystem services perspectives. The outcome of the study will contribute to the evaluation of ecosystem services and improved decision-making, thus sustainable management strategies for the study area.
Key words: ecosystem services, forest structure, evapotranspiration, habitat prediction, soil erosion, coarse woody debris, LandClim, MMF, Soyang Lake watershed
project description in detail from proceedings of 2011 TERRECO Science Conference GAP