Landscape Ecological Modeling
Combining spatially distributed data related to organisms, climate, soils, and topography (as collected from ground surveys, satellites and geographic information systems) with statistical modeling techniques provides ever-increasing capabilities in modeling past, present, and potential future ecosystems at multiple scales. Our research team specializes in this type of modeling, as presented on this page.
Our research focuses on understanding the potential consequences of climate change on the habitat of 134 tree and 147 bird species across the eastern United States. Using empirical data we derive statistical species-based models of current habitat associations based on climate and landscape characteristics. These results provide a statistically based prospective of the potential future habitat for trees and birds.
- Climate Change Tree Atlas
- Climate Change Bird Atlas
- DISTRIB: Modeling Potential Tree Habitats
- DISTRIB-BIRD: Modeling Potential Bird Habitats
- SHIFT: Modeling Potential Species Colonization
Emerald Ash Borer an invasive insect, is responsible for killing millions of Ash (Fraxinus) trees throughout much of the Midwestern USA. We model the risk of spread for EAB using a stochastic, spatially explicit cell-based model which incorporates the insect's flight characteristics (Insect Flight Model) and external agents that enable EAB to "hitch a ride" (Insect Ride Model). We have also developed a Ash Tree Health Index (ATHI) classification scheme by weighting the number of epicormic shoots, the number of exit holes, and the canopy light transmission.
Global Impact Assessments
The main goal of our research team is to somehow, somewhere, make tiny contributions to human and environmental well-being. Here we list a few small projects where we have an international focus. We are interested in hearing from people who may want to join with us on a project or idea that could make such a contribution.
- Natural Disasters
- Tsunami Vulnerability
- Poverty Alleviation
more on global issues
Local and Regional Assessments
Here we list projects, tools, or documents that managers, scientists, and the public can use to improve their understanding of the ecosystems they work with.
- Forest Site Quality
- Illinois Vegetation - Illinois Plant Information Network
- Landscape Level Effects of Thinning and Burning
- U.S. Biological Trends (3.2 mb pdf -- You may obtain a free PDF reader from Adobe.)
- Louis Iverson, USDA Forest Service- NRS Research Landscape Ecologist
- Anantha Prasad, USDA Forest Service- NRS Ecologist
- Steve Matthews, Ohio State University, US Forest Service
- Matt Peters, USDA Forest Service- NRS GIS Analyst
Last Modified: 10/21/2010