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Analyzing linear spatial features in ecology

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 04:31 authored by Jessie BuettelJessie Buettel, Andrew ColeAndrew Cole, John DickeyJohn Dickey, Barry BrookBarry Brook
The spatial analysis of dimensionless points (e.g., tree locations on a plot map) is common in ecology, for instance using point-process statistics to detect and compare patterns. However, the treatment of one-dimensional linear features (fiber processes) is rarely attempted. Here we appropriate the methods of vector sums and dot products, used regularly in fields like astrophysics, to analyze a data set of mapped linear features (logs) measured in 12 x 1-ha forest plots. For this demonstrative case study, we ask two deceptively simple questions: do trees tend to fall downhill, and if so, does slope gradient matter? Despite noisy data and many potential confounders, we show clearly that topography (slope direction and steepness) of forest plots does matter to treefall. More generally, these results underscore the value of mathematical methods of physics to problems in the spatial analysis of linear features, and the opportunities that interdisciplinary collaboration provides. This work provides scope for a variety of future ecological analyzes of fiber processes in space.

History

Publication title

Ecology

Volume

99

Issue

6

Pagination

1490-1497

ISSN

0012-9658

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Ecological Soc Amer

Place of publication

1707 H St Nw, Ste 400, Washington, USA, Dc, 20006-3915

Rights statement

Copyright 2018 by the Ecological Society of America

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Native forests

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