Modular Ecosystem Modeling

Abstract

Abstract:The modular ecosystem modeling approach was used to create a flexible landscape model structure that is easy to modify and extend for particular case studies and applications. The Library of Hydro Ecological Modules (LHEM; http://iee.umces.edu/LHEM) includes modules that describe hydrologic processes, nutrient cycling, vegetation growth, decomposition, etc., both locally and spatially. LHEM is implemented within the framework of the Spatial Modeling Environment (SME; http://iee.umces.edu/SME3) that integrates modules and places local simulation models into a spatial context. The LHEM was used to build the Patuxent Landscape Model (PLM) as well as models of several subwatersheds of the Patuxent. Local ecosystem dynamics are replicated across a grid of cells that compose the rasterized landscape. Different habitats and land use types translate into different parameter sets that drive the modules chosen. Spatial hydrologic modules define horizontal fluxes of material and information and link the cells together.Results show good agreement with data for several components of the model at several scales. The modular structure was essential to refocus the model on several problems associated with different management decisions that were to be made.

The Multiscale Integrated Model of Ecosystem Services (MIMES): Simulating the interactions of coupled human and natural systems

“…In MIMES, sub-models representing different spheres of the ecosystem are constructed to follow the conventions of an interaction matrix for plug-and-play capabilities (Voinov et al, 2004). Modeled interactions can be amended over time to incorporate additional inquiry objectives or to make use of new scientific developments in light of the original objectives.…”

Connecting the ecological-economic dots in human-dominated watersheds: Models to link socio-economic activities on the landscape to stream ecosystem health

“…This approach has been successfully adopted in other studies (e.g., Costanza et al, 2002), and has the merit of transparency, modularity, and efficiency (Voinov et al, 2004). Quantitative uncertainty analysis can identify major sources of uncertainty and pinpoint areas of modeling effort requiring improvement (Clark, 2002).…”

Opportunity, challenge and countermeasure for studying relationship among multiple ecosystem services

“…[28] . 生态系统过程的模型较多, 如 LHEM (Library of Hydro-Ecological Modules)模型用来模拟 水循环、营养物循环、植被生长、分解等过程 [29] . 然 而, 生态系统管理方面的模型研究还处于起步阶段, 指 标 需 进 一 步 的 量 化 , 以 达 到 便 于 应 用 的 目 的 [28] .…”