scholarly journals A Remote Sensing Approach to Understanding Patterns of Secondary Succession in Tropical Forest

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2148
Author(s):  
Eric Chraibi ◽  
Haley Arnold ◽  
Sandra Luque ◽  
Amy Deacon ◽  
Anne E. Magurran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Secondary Succession ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Forest Diversity ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Landscape Level

Biodiversity monitoring and understanding ecological processes on a global scale is a major challenge for biodiversity conservation. Field assessments commonly used to assess patterns of biodiversity and habitat condition are costly, challenging, and restricted to small spatial scales. As ecosystems face increasing anthropogenic pressures, it is important that we find ways to assess patterns of biodiversity more efficiently. Remote sensing has the potential to support understanding of landscape-level ecological processes. In this study, we considered cacao agroforests at different stages of secondary succession, and primary forest in the Northern Range of Trinidad, West Indies. We assessed changes in tree biodiversity over succession using both field data, and data derived from remote sensing. We then evaluated the strengths and limitations of each method, exploring the potential for expanding field data by using remote sensing techniques to investigate landscape-level patterns of forest condition and regeneration. Remote sensing and field data provided different insights into tree species compositional changes, and patterns of alpha- and beta-diversity. The results highlight the potential of remote sensing for detecting patterns of compositional change in forests, and for expanding on field data in order to better understand landscape-level patterns of forest diversity.

scholarly journals Local versus site-level effects of algae on coral microbial communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 210035
Author(s):  
Amy A. Briggs ◽  
Anya L. Brown ◽  
Craig W. Osenberg
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Antagonistic Effects ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Macroalgal Cover ◽  
Coral Microbiome ◽  
Turf Algae

Microbes influence ecological processes, including the dynamics and health of macro-organisms and their interactions with other species. In coral reefs, microbes mediate negative effects of algae on corals when corals are in contact with algae. However, it is unknown whether these effects extend to larger spatial scales, such as at sites with high algal densities. We investigated how local algal contact and site-level macroalgal cover influenced coral microbial communities in a field study at two islands in French Polynesia, Mo'orea and Mangareva. At 5 sites at each island, we sampled prokaryotic microbial communities (microbiomes) associated with corals, macroalgae, turf algae and water, with coral samples taken from individuals that were isolated from or in contact with turf or macroalgae. Algal contact and macroalgal cover had antagonistic effects on coral microbiome alpha and beta diversity. Additionally, coral microbiomes shifted and became more similar to macroalgal microbiomes at sites with high macroalgal cover and with algal contact, although the microbial taxa that changed varied by island. Our results indicate that coral microbiomes can be affected by algae outside of the coral's immediate vicinity, and local- and site-level effects of algae can obscure each other's effects when both scales are not considered.

scholarly journals Patterns of diversity on the Paleozoic shelf: implications for controls on clade history

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 266-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. John Sepkoski ◽  
Arnold I. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Physical Geography ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Global Diversity ◽  
Local Ecology

Global diversity often is treated as a barometer of evolutionary success of clades without reference to their occurrence in ecological or biogeographical space. But global diversity is a composite of various spatial scales: alpha diversity, the number of taxa co-occurring in local communities; beta diversity, the distinction in taxonomic composition among local communities; and gamma diversity, the distinction, or degree of endemism, among geographic provinces, It has been argued by some workers that global diversity correlates strongly with alpha (and beta) diversity but by others that provinciality is the principal control of global patterns. The distinction is important, implicating either ecological processes (“adaptation”) or physical geography (“contingency”) as the major factor in expansion of clades.We have examined the ecological half of this problem with a data base comprising 505 fossil assemblages sampled from Paleozoic strata of Laurentian North America. On the basis of associated sedimentary characteristics, each assemblage has been assigned to one of six environmental categories, ranging from onshore peritidal situations to offshore basinal conditions. For each taxonomic order and class, average numbers of genera in each category have been determined for each of 18 time units. These average alpha diversities have been contoured on time-environment diagrams and compared to patterns of global diversity.Three major generalizations are derived from these diagrams:1. Major groups tend to be environmentally conservative, maintaining their life zones of maximum and minimum alpha diversity over vast stretches of time.2. Onshore-offshore shifts are most common during early expansion or late contraction of groups, when their global diversity is rapidly waxing or (more slowly) waning.3. Maxima and minima in global diversity within the groups through time, with few exceptions, are reflected in alpha diversity as fluctuations within the environments of maximum richness and/or as variations in the range of environments occupied.The last observation indicates a tight link between local ecology and global diversity, although the direction of causation is not unambiguous: alpha diversity could be reflecting only the global pool from which species can be recruited into local communities. However, in view of the onshore-offshore shifts during early and late histories of clades we conclude that local ecology is the dominant factor in controlling global diversity, and provinciality is secondary.

scholarly journals Predicting Forest Cover and Density in Part of Porhat Forest Division, Jharkhand, India using Geospatial Technology and Markov Chain

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 961-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firoz Ahmad ◽  
Laxmi Goparaju
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Markov Chain ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Geospatial Technology

ABSTRACT: The increasing population has posed a threat to the existence of the forests, which provide many services to us. Of late, they seem to be degraded, deforested and converted into other land use classes. In such situation, it becomes necessary to monitor and analyze the changes such that in future protection measures are enforced suitably. Geospatial technology, which is a combination of satellite remote sensing data, GIS and GPS offers better prospective in analyzing the changes in natural resources over various spatial scales and spectral resolutions. The present study aims to study both qualitatively and quantitatively, analyzing and predicting the changes in forest cover by generating forest cover classification map, area statistics, transition matrix in part of Saranda forest of West Singbhum district of the state of Jharkhand, India using remote sensing and GIS. The study evaluates the magnitude, rate and dynamics of change in the spatial extent of the forest between 1975 and 2015 using multi-temporal datasets (Landsat MSS 1975, ETM+ 1999 and OLI/TIRS 2015. The analysis revealed that the dense forests periodically are showing a decreasing trend which constitutes approximately 50%, 33% and 27% of the study area in 1975, 1999 and 2015 respectively. Finally using Markov chain analysis (MCA) forest cover area statistics was predicted for the year 2031. This analysis would help to have a holistic view of the future scenario of forests which would guide the policy makers and managers. Strict policy implementation to safeguard the forests against various anthropogenic pressures and community involvement is necessary to prevent further destruction of forests.

Application of Remote Sensing in Agriculture

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Piekarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Agricultural Crop ◽  
Remote Sensing Methods

AbstractWith increasing intensity of agricultural crop production increases the need to obtain information about environmental conditions in which this production takes place. Remote sensing methods, including satellite images, airborne photographs and ground-based spectral measurements can greatly simplify the monitoring of crop development and decision-making to optimize inputs on agricultural production and reduce its harmful effects on the environment. One of the earliest uses of remote sensing in agriculture is crop identification and their acreage estimation. Satellite data acquired for this purpose are necessary to ensure food security and the proper functioning of agricultural markets at national and global scales. Due to strong relationship between plant bio-physical parameters and the amount of electromagnetic radiation reflected (in certain ranges of the spectrum) from plants and then registered by sensors it is possible to predict crop yields. Other applications of remote sensing are intensively developed in the framework of so-called precision agriculture, in small spatial scales including individual fields. Data from ground-based measurements as well as from airborne or satellite images are used to develop yield and soil maps which can be used to determine the doses of irrigation and fertilization and to take decisions on the use of pesticides.

scholarly journals Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Vegetation Analyses with a Special Focus on Savannas

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 507
Author(s):  
Tasiyiwa Priscilla Muumbe ◽  
Jussi Baade ◽  
Jenia Singh ◽  
Christiane Schmullius ◽  
Christian Thau
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Terrestrial Laser Scanning ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Parameter Extraction ◽  
Airborne Lidar ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Vegetation Parameter

Savannas are heterogeneous ecosystems, composed of varied spatial combinations and proportions of woody and herbaceous vegetation. Most field-based inventory and remote sensing methods fail to account for the lower stratum vegetation (i.e., shrubs and grasses), and are thus underrepresenting the carbon storage potential of savanna ecosystems. For detailed analyses at the local scale, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) has proven to be a promising remote sensing technology over the past decade. Accordingly, several review articles already exist on the use of TLS for characterizing 3D vegetation structure. However, a gap exists on the spatial concentrations of TLS studies according to biome for accurate vegetation structure estimation. A comprehensive review was conducted through a meta-analysis of 113 relevant research articles using 18 attributes. The review covered a range of aspects, including the global distribution of TLS studies, parameters retrieved from TLS point clouds and retrieval methods. The review also examined the relationship between the TLS retrieval method and the overall accuracy in parameter extraction. To date, TLS has mainly been used to characterize vegetation in temperate, boreal/taiga and tropical forests, with only little emphasis on savannas. TLS studies in the savanna focused on the extraction of very few vegetation parameters (e.g., DBH and height) and did not consider the shrub contribution to the overall Above Ground Biomass (AGB). Future work should therefore focus on developing new and adjusting existing algorithms for vegetation parameter extraction in the savanna biome, improving predictive AGB models through 3D reconstructions of savanna trees and shrubs as well as quantifying AGB change through the application of multi-temporal TLS. The integration of data from various sources and platforms e.g., TLS with airborne LiDAR is recommended for improved vegetation parameter extraction (including AGB) at larger spatial scales. The review highlights the huge potential of TLS for accurate savanna vegetation extraction by discussing TLS opportunities, challenges and potential future research in the savanna biome.

Measuring stream habitat conditions: Can remote sensing substitute for field data?

2021 ◽  
pp. 147617
Author(s):  
Karina Dias-Silva ◽  
Thiago Bernardi Vieira ◽  
Talissa Pio de Matos ◽  
Leandro Juen ◽  
Juliana Simião-Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Stream Habitat ◽  
Habitat Conditions

scholarly journals Imaging Spectroscopy for Conservation Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
Megan Seeley ◽  
Gregory P. Asner
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Imaging Spectroscopy ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Broad Array

As humans continue to alter Earth systems, conservationists look to remote sensing to monitor, inventory, and understand ecosystems and ecosystem processes at large spatial scales. Multispectral remote sensing data are commonly integrated into conservation decision-making frameworks, yet imaging spectroscopy, or hyperspectral remote sensing, is underutilized in conservation. The high spectral resolution of imaging spectrometers captures the chemistry of Earth surfaces, whereas multispectral satellites indirectly represent such surfaces through band ratios. Here, we present case studies wherein imaging spectroscopy was used to inform and improve conservation decision-making and discuss potential future applications. These case studies include a broad array of conservation areas, including forest, dryland, and marine ecosystems, as well as urban applications and methane monitoring. Imaging spectroscopy technology is rapidly developing, especially with regard to satellite-based spectrometers. Improving on and expanding existing applications of imaging spectroscopy to conservation, developing imaging spectroscopy data products for use by other researchers and decision-makers, and pioneering novel uses of imaging spectroscopy will greatly expand the toolset for conservation decision-makers.

scholarly journals Imaging spectroscopy links aspen genotype with below-ground processes at landscape scales

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1643) ◽  
pp. 20130194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Madritch ◽  
Clayton C. Kingdon ◽  
Aditya Singh ◽  
Karen E. Mock ◽  
Richard L. Lindroth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Imaging Spectroscopy ◽  
Spectral Signature ◽  
Spectral Variation ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Landscape Scales ◽  
Spectrometer Data

Fine-scale biodiversity is increasingly recognized as important to ecosystem-level processes. Remote sensing technologies have great potential to estimate both biodiversity and ecosystem function over large spatial scales. Here, we demonstrate the capacity of imaging spectroscopy to discriminate among genotypes of Populus tremuloides (trembling aspen), one of the most genetically diverse and widespread forest species in North America. We combine imaging spectroscopy (AVIRIS) data with genetic, phytochemical, microbial and biogeochemical data to determine how intraspecific plant genetic variation influences below-ground processes at landscape scales. We demonstrate that both canopy chemistry and below-ground processes vary over large spatial scales (continental) according to aspen genotype. Imaging spectrometer data distinguish aspen genotypes through variation in canopy spectral signature. In addition, foliar spectral variation correlates well with variation in canopy chemistry, especially condensed tannins. Variation in aspen canopy chemistry, in turn, is correlated with variation in below-ground processes. Variation in spectra also correlates well with variation in soil traits. These findings indicate that forest tree species can create spatial mosaics of ecosystem functioning across large spatial scales and that these patterns can be quantified via remote sensing techniques. Moreover, they demonstrate the utility of using optical properties as proxies for fine-scale measurements of biodiversity over large spatial scales.

scholarly journals Contrasting responses of above- and belowground diversity to multiple components of land-use intensity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëtane Le Provost ◽  
Jan Thiele ◽  
Catrin Westphal ◽  
Caterina Penone ◽  
Eric Allan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Land Use Intensity ◽  
Trophic Groups ◽  
Multiple Components ◽  
Belowground Diversity ◽  
Landscape Level

AbstractLand-use intensification is a major driver of biodiversity loss. However, understanding how different components of land use drive biodiversity loss requires the investigation of multiple trophic levels across spatial scales. Using data from 150 agricultural grasslands in central Europe, we assess the influence of multiple components of local- and landscape-level land use on more than 4,000 above- and belowground taxa, spanning 20 trophic groups. Plot-level land-use intensity is strongly and negatively associated with aboveground trophic groups, but positively or not associated with belowground trophic groups. Meanwhile, both above- and belowground trophic groups respond to landscape-level land use, but to different drivers: aboveground diversity of grasslands is promoted by diverse surrounding land-cover, while belowground diversity is positively related to a high permanent forest cover in the surrounding landscape. These results highlight a role of landscape-level land use in shaping belowground communities, and suggest that revised agroecosystem management strategies are needed to conserve whole-ecosystem biodiversity.

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