Regular and Irregular Vegetation Pattern Formation in Semiarid Regions: A Study on Discrete Klausmeier Model

The research on regular and irregular vegetation pattern formation in semiarid regions is an important field in ecology. Applying the framework of coupled map lattice, a novel nonlinear space- and time-discrete model is developed based on discretizing the classical Klausmeier model and the vegetation pattern formation in semiarid regions is restudied in this research. Through analysis of Turing-type instability for the discrete model, the conditions for vegetation pattern formation are determined. The discrete model is verified by Klausmeier’s results with the same parametric data, and shows advantages in quantitatively describing diverse vegetation patterns in semiarid regions, such as the patterns of regular mosaicirregular patches, stripes, fractured stripesspots, and stripes-spots, in comparing with former theoretical models. Moreover, the discrete model predicts variations of rainfall and vegetation types can cause transitions of vegetation patterns. This research demonstrates that the nonlinear mechanism of the discrete model better captures the diversity and complexity of vegetation pattern formation in semiarid regions.

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Irregular Striped Vegetation Patterns in Arid and Semiarid Regions Resulted from Oscillatory Instability

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.707.263 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 707 ◽

pp. 263-266

Author(s):

Tou Sheng Huang ◽

Hua Yong Zhang ◽

Fei Fan Zhang

Keyword(s):

Pattern Formation ◽

Vegetation Pattern ◽

Theoretical Explanation ◽

Ecological Systems ◽

Oscillatory Instability ◽

Vegetation Patterns ◽

Modified Model ◽

Semiarid Regions ◽

Nonlinear Mechanism ◽

Arid And Semiarid

Striped vegetation pattern formation in arid and semiarid regions has attracted many researchers in ecological field. In this research, we modify the classical Klausmeier model and study nonlinear mechanism of oscillatory instability which can also possibly lead to pattern formation in ecological systems. Via simulation, irregular striped vegetation patterns are numerically obtained for the modified model. From the mechanism of oscillatory instability, this research provides a theoretical explanation for the formation of irregular striped vegetation patterns in nature.

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A mechanistic description of the formation and evolution of vegetation patterns

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences ◽

10.5194/hess-17-63-2013 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 63-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

R. Foti ◽

J. A. Ramírez

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Pattern Formation ◽

Vegetation Pattern ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Vegetation Patterns ◽

Self Organized ◽

Physically Based ◽

Density Surface ◽

Formation And Evolution ◽

Hillslope Scale

Abstract. Vegetation patterns are a common and well-defined characteristic of many landscapes. In this paper we explore some of the physical mechanisms responsible for the establishment of self-organized, non-random vegetation patterns that arise at the hillslope scale in many areas of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In doing so, we provide a fundamental mechanistic understanding of the dynamics of vegetation pattern formation and development. Reciprocal effects of vegetation on the hillslope thermodynamics, runoff production and run-on infiltration, root density, surface albedo and soil moisture content are analyzed. In particular, we: (1) present a physically based mechanistic description of processes leading to vegetation pattern formation; (2) quantify the relative impact of each process on pattern formation; and (3) describe the relationships between vegetation patterns and the climatic, hydraulic and topographic characteristics of the system. We validate the model by comparing simulations with observed natural patterns in the areas of Niger near Niamey and Somalia near Garoowe. Our analyses suggest that the phenomenon of pattern formation is primarily driven by run-on infiltration and mechanisms of facilitation/inhibition among adjacent vegetation groups, mediated by vegetation effects on soil properties and controls on soil moisture and albedo. Nonetheless, even in presence of those mechanisms, patterns arise only when the climatic conditions, particularly annual precipitation and net radiation, are favorable.

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Snow Avalanches and Vegetation Pattern in Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park

The UW National Parks Service Research Station Annual Reports ◽

10.13001/uwnpsrc.1986.2565 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 104-119

Author(s):

Robin Patten ◽

Dennis Knight

Keyword(s):

Environmental Conditions ◽

National Park ◽

Vegetation Pattern ◽

Slope Aspect ◽

Vegetation Patterns ◽

Vegetation Types ◽

Snow Avalanches ◽

The South ◽

Grand Teton National Park ◽

The Relationship

Snow avalanches are an important factor in the landscape of Cascade Canyon, influencing both the vegetation types and their distribution. The relationship between avalanches and vegetation is most apparent in the conifer woodlands. Large-conifer woodlands are found primarily outside of avalanche areas while essentially all of the Small-conifer woodlands are within avalanche areas. This suggests that Small-conifer woodlands are created and maintained by avalanches. Slope aspect is also important in the vegetation pattern of Cascade Canyon. Environmental conditions resulting from the aspect of the slope affect vegetation distributions and potentially reduce the importance of avalanches in structuring vegetation patterns, especially on the south-facing slope.

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A mechanistic description of the formation and evolution of vegetation patterns

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions ◽

10.5194/hessd-9-8737-2012 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 8737-8798

Author(s):

R. Foti ◽

J. A. Ramírez

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Pattern Formation ◽

Vegetation Pattern ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Vegetation Patterns ◽

Self Organized ◽

Physically Based ◽

Density Surface ◽

Formation And Evolution ◽

Hillslope Scale

Abstract. Vegetation patterns are a common and well-defined characteristic of many landscapes. In this paper we explore some of the physical mechanisms responsible for the establishment of self-organized, non-random vegetation patterns that arise at the hillslope scale in many areas of the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In doing so, we provide a fundamental mechanistic understanding of the dynamics of vegetation pattern formation and development. Reciprocal effects of vegetation on the hillslope thermodynamics, runoff production and run-on infiltration, root density, surface albedo and soil moisture content are analyzed. In particular, we: (1) present a physically based mechanistic description of processes leading to vegetation pattern formation; (2) quantify the relative impact of each process on pattern formation; and (3) describe the relationships between vegetation patterns and the climatic, hydraulic and topographic characteristics of the system. We validate the model by comparing simulations with observed natural patterns in the areas of Niger near Niamey and Somalia near Garoowe. Our analyses suggest that the phenomenon of pattern formation is primarily driven by run-on infiltration and mechanisms of facilitation/inhibition among adjacent vegetation groups mediated by vegetation effects on soil properties and controls on soil moisture and albedo. Nonetheless, even in presence of those mechanisms, patterns arise only when the climatic conditions, particularly annual precipitation and net radiation, are favorable.

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A fast–slow model of banded vegetation pattern formation in drylands

Physica D Nonlinear Phenomena ◽

10.1016/j.physd.2020.132534 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 410 ◽

pp. 132534 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Punit Gandhi ◽

Sara Bonetti ◽

Sarah Iams ◽

Amilcare Porporato ◽

Mary Silber

Keyword(s):

Pattern Formation ◽

Vegetation Pattern ◽

Banded Vegetation

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A Review of some Theoretical Models for Point Defect Calculations

Defect and Diffusion Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/ddf.329.81 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 329 ◽

pp. 81-0

Author(s):

Amitava Ghorai

Keyword(s):

Point Defect ◽

Discrete Model ◽

Continuum Model ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Jellium Model ◽

Main Thrust ◽

Lattice Statics ◽

Bond Model ◽

Model Lattice ◽

Model Continuum

A Brief Sketch of Different Models for the Calculation of Defect Parameters in Metals and Alloys, Comparison of Data and Limitations Has Been Reviewed here; Especially Relaxations due to a Vacancy Type of Point Defect, its Formation, Migration, Activation Energies and Related other Parameters Based upon the Present Experimental Status. the Models Reviewed Are the Bond Model, Continuum Model, Semi-Discrete Model, Jellium Model, Thermodynamic Model, Lattice Statics Model, Atomistic Continuum Model and Pseudopotential Model. the Main Thrust Concerns the Last Model. the Taylor, Vashishta and Singwi, Harrison, Kleinmann and King and Kutler Form of Exchange and Correlation Function Are Almost Similar, Give Moderate Results and May Be Trusted for Better Results.

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How spatial vegetation distribution affects soil erosion and sediment transport

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-7882 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Malte Kuegler ◽

Thomas Hoffmann ◽

Jana Eichel ◽

Lothar Schrott ◽

Juergen Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Vegetation Cover ◽

Vegetation Pattern ◽

Vegetation Coverage ◽

Future Research ◽

Initial Increase ◽

Vegetation Patterns ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

Catchment Areas ◽

The Impact

There are a multitude of factors that affect soil erosion and the process of sediment movement. One particular factor known to have a considerable impact is vegetation coverage within catchment areas.&#160; Previous studies have examined the impact of vegetation cover on erosion.&#160;However, there is a lack of research on how the spatial distribution of vegetation influences erosion rates.A greater understanding of hillslope erosion is fundamental in modelling previous and future topographic changes under various climate conditions. Here, the physical based erosion model EROSION 3D &#169; is used to evaluate the impact of a variety of vegetation patterns and degrees of vegetation cover on sediment erosion and transport. The model was applied on a natural catchment in La Campana (Central Chile). For this purpose, three different vegetation patterns were created: (i) random distribution, (ii) water-dependent distribution (TWIR) and (iii) banded vegetation pattern distribution. Additional to this, the areas covered by vegetation generated in the first step were expanded by steps of 10% [0...100%]. The Erosion3D &#169; model then was applied on all vegetation patterns and degrees of cover.Our results show an initial increase of soil erosion with increasing plant coverage within the catchment up to a certain cover threshold ranging between 10 and 40%. At larger vegetation cover soil erosion rates decline. The strength of increase and decline, as well as the cover-threshold is strongly conditioned by the spatial vegetation pattern. In the light of this, future research should pay particular attention to the properties of the plants and their distribution, not solely on the amount of biomass within catchment areas.

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