Last updated:
October 11, 2002
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How can we best describe, understand, and predict ecological changes at
the landscape and regional levels?
Part 2: A Specific Simulation Model of a Species On the
Everglades Landscape
The question asked is how well a breeding
colony of wading birds performs under various hydrologic conditions. Water
depth in an area as well as fish densities influence wading bird performance.
The computer monitor shows modeloutput
for three linked models simulating dynamics in a Water Conservation Area.
| Landscape hydrology model developed by
the South Florida Water Management District |
| ATLSS models for finer-scale landscape
hydrology and fish biomass on the wetlands landscape developed by The University
of Tennessee |
| ATLSS model of wading bird breeding colonies
developed by the University of Miami, showing the locations of foraging
wading birds |
| The linkage of the models was done for
ATLSS by the University of Florida |
This illustrates the cooperative relationships among many research groups in applying science to management problems in
the Everglades.
| Topography is a key feature of the landscape,
governing hydrologic and vegetative patterns. Precise measurements of
elevation are essential for development of landscape models. |
(Click on image for larger version.)
| Hydrology is an important driving variable
on the Everglades landscape. It strongly influences patterns of soils,
nutrients, vegetation, and animals. |
(Click on image for larger version.)
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| Hydrologic models are used to predict
effects of water regulation on variations through time of water flow and
depth. |
Next: Studies of the complexe patterns of soils
and vegetation in the Everglades
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