Complex adaptive landscapes (CAL): A conceptual framework of multi-functional, non-linear ecohydrological feedback systems

Ryan, J. G.; Ludwig, John A.; McAlpine, Clive

doi:10.1016/j.ecocom.2007.03.004

Cited by 31 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 117 publications

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“…The literature repeatedly calls for the need to consider that processes and functions on a landscape are the result of multiple interactions and feedbacks across scales of space, time, and organization (Liu et al 2007b, Ryan et al 2007, Cumming et al 2010, Cumming 2011. Cross-scale interactions, in the form of landscape pattern that affects individual movement patterns, institutional policies that affect navigational patterns, or governance systems that emerge from individual initiatives, are evident in all three of the case studies described here.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent research suggests that ecosystems and landscapes are complex human-environment systems, having a dynamics characterized by uncertainty, threshold effects, and emergent patterns arising from multiple interacting processes linked across scales of space and time (Levin 1998, Crawford et al 2005, Liu et al 2007a, Liu et al 2007b, Ryan et al 2007). Human-environment systems are increasingly being studied under the guise of "ecological systems (SES)" or "coupled human and natural systems (CHANS)" (Liu et al 2007a, Liu et al 2007b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Agents, Individuals, and Networks: Modeling Methods to Inform Natural Resource Management in Regional Landscapes

Parrott¹,

Chion²,

Gonzalès³

et al. 2012

E&S

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ABSTRACT. Landscapes are complex systems. Landscape dynamics are the result of multiple interacting biophysical and socioeconomic processes that are linked across a broad range of spatial, temporal, and organizational scales. Understanding and describing landscape dynamics poses enormous challenges and demands the use of new multiscale approaches to modeling. In this synthesis article, we present three regional systems-i.e., a forest system, a marine system, and an agricultural systemand describe how hybrid, bottom-up modeling of these systems can be used to represent linkages across scales and between subsystems. Through the use of these three examples, we describe how modeling can be used to simulate emergent system responses to different conservation policy and management scenarios from the bottom up, thereby increasing our understanding of important drivers and feedback loops within a landscape. The first case study involves the use of an individual-based modeling approach to simulate the effects of forest harvesting on the movement patterns of large mammals in Canada's boreal forest and the resulting emergent population dynamics. This model is being used to inform forest harvesting and management guidelines. The second case study combines individual and agent-based approaches to simulate the dynamics of individual boats and whales in a marine park. This model is being used to inform decision-makers on how to mitigate the impacts of maritime traffic on whales in the Saint Lawrence Estuary in eastern Canada. The third example is a case study of biodiversity conservation efforts on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. In this example, the social-ecological system is represented as a complex network of interacting components. Methods of network analysis can be used to explore the emergent responses of the system to changes in the network structure or configuration, thus informing managers about the resilience of the system. These three examples illustrate how bottom-up modeling approaches may contribute to a new landscape science based on scenario building, to find solutions that meet the multiple objectives of integrated resource management in social-ecological systems.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Agents, Individuals, and Networks: Modeling Methods to Inform Natural Resource Management in Regional Landscapes

Parrott¹,

Chion²,

Gonzalès³

et al. 2012

E&S

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“…In addition, nonlinear responses to driving forces are common in hydrological processes Ryan et al, 2007;McGuire and McDonnell, 2010). Complicated feedback mechanisms between hydrological processes and the biotic and abiotic environments increased the difficulty in predicting hydrological behavior (Zehe and Sivapalan, 2009).…”

Section: Limitations and Prospectivementioning

confidence: 99%

Linking vegetation cover patterns to hydrological responses using two process-based pattern indices at the plot scale

Liu

Lü

et al. 2013

Sci. China Earth Sci.

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Vegetation cover pattern is one of the factors controlling hydrological processes. Spatially distributed models are the primary tools previously applied to document the effect of vegetation cover patterns on runoff and soil erosion. Models provide precise estimations of runoff and sediment yields for a given vegetation cover pattern. However, difficulties in parameterization and the problematic explanation of the causes of runoff and sedimentation rates variation weaken prediction capability of these models. Landscape pattern analysis employing pattern indices based on runoff and soil erosion mechanism provides new tools for finding a solution. In this study, the vegetation cover pattern was linked with runoff and soil erosion by two previously developed pattern indices, which were modified in this study, the Directional Leakiness Index (DLI) and Flowlength. Although they use different formats, both indices involve connectivity of sources areas (interpatch bare areas). The indices were revised by bringing in the functional heterogeneity of the plant cover types and the landscape position. Using both artificial and field verified vegetation cover maps, observed runoff and sediment production on experiment plots, we tested the indices' efficiency and compared the indices with their antecedents. The results illustrate that the modified indices are more effective in indicating runoff at the plot/hillslope scale than their antecedents. However, sediment export levels are not provided by the modified indices. This can be attributed to multi-factor interaction on the hydrological process, the feedback mechanism between the hydrological function of cover patterns and threshold phenomena in hydrological processes.

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“…In consequence, the simplification of ecosystems leads to a reduction in the internal complexity of ecosystems and their carrying capacities (e.g. Wagendorp et al 2001;Ryan et al 2007;Zhang et al 2014;Zalewski 2014a, b), with a loss of biodiversity and ultimate dysfunction in systems (e.g. Hassan 2005;Hirsch 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Freudenberger et al (2012), Hobson and Ibisch (2010), Rosen (2009), Ryan et al (2007), the anthropogenic degradation of ecosystems on the global scale leads to a shift from an evolved state of self-ordering complexity towards a state where conditions reflect more simple structures and functions that are less efficient. In consequence, the simplification of ecosystems leads to a reduction in the internal complexity of ecosystems and their carrying capacities (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable floodplain management for flood prevention and water quality improvement

2014

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Although it is not possible to completely eliminate flooding in an era of climate change and intensification of extreme weather events, effective flood prevention and management in river floodplains may make a significant contribution. The land use characteristics of a catchment and river valley determine, to a great extent, the functioning of a river floodplain, as well as the quantity and size of the flood pulses in the river. The paper is focused on the role played by ecohydrology in flood risk management and water quality. From the ecohydrological perspective, river floodplains are extremely important and capacious ecosystems which, being periodically flooded, absorb flood and pollutant peaks and may minimise the danger of flooding. Increased natural water retention capacity in floodplain areas and the whole basin in the face of progressive climate change is possible through three routes: the modelling of the hydrological budget of the catchment towards the sustainable ecohydrological management of floodplains, the optimal use of existing hydrotechnical infrastructure and the implementation of ecohydrological biotechnologies. Furthermore, with such a holistic perspective, the role of river floodplains is one that also enhances the resilience of the river basin against climate and anthropogenic change, as well as increasing flood safety, improving water quality and increasing its ecosystem services for society.

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Complex adaptive landscapes (CAL): A conceptual framework of multi-functional, non-linear ecohydrological feedback systems

Cited by 31 publications

References 117 publications

Agents, Individuals, and Networks: Modeling Methods to Inform Natural Resource Management in Regional Landscapes

Agents, Individuals, and Networks: Modeling Methods to Inform Natural Resource Management in Regional Landscapes

Linking vegetation cover patterns to hydrological responses using two process-based pattern indices at the plot scale

Sustainable floodplain management for flood prevention and water quality improvement

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