Ecosystem dynamics: disturbance and Recovery in the Cape Floristic

Region of South AfricaWilson AM, May 12 2014, FIGSHARE, VALE Climate & Energy Inst.

Wilson AM et al (2011) Scaling up: linking field data and remote sensing with a hierarchical model. Geo Inf Sci 25(3)

Research Q: How does FIRE FREQUENCY vary in space and time?

Burned areas from field & satellite ~1980 to presentTopography 90mLANDSAT (satellite) Vegetation Index 30m *1970 to presentMODIS (satellite) Vegetation Index 250m* 2000 to presentDaily temp and precipitation (gridded) 10km* 1950 to presentBiomass measurements 2x3m quadrts0.1-12ha

plots, 2009-10(*resolution spectral bands)

Antarctic Ocean Oscillation cycles CLOUD COVER index.

DATA SOURCES

Further research Q: Fynbos conservation model • (Wilson fire frequency ratio + biodiversity + maturity + land use index)

biodiversity index Incl the 3 major INVASIVE species (Aus. Acacia and Wattle)

maturity index for Fynbos, NOT necessarily related to veg height/density land use index “dispersal corridor”: (lack of) veg cover; arson, decr. link between veg quality/age with fire cause/frequency

GROUNDTRUTHING databasecorrelate date, rainfall, fire, topography, species cover (density, diversity, alien spp) visible land markers with LANSAT spectrometry [~~ digital age SAPIA!]

Ecoregions – SANBI 2005

MAP

Shortwave Infrared & Topographic – ESRI 1989-

2010

Sonoran Desert EPA Level IV Ecoregions - ESRI 2010