Summary

Abstract: The Rapid Assessment (RA) vegetation dynamics data help to synthesize the best available knowledge of vegetation dynamics and quantify the natural range of variability in vegetation composition and structure. Models consist of two components: (1) a comprehensive description and (2) a quantitative, state-and-transition (box) model, created in the public domain software VDDT (Vegetation Dynamics Development Tool. RA vegetation models were based on a simple, standardized five-box model that combines three generic succession stages with two canopy cover classes. Each class is specifically defined for individual models. Variations on this standardized model were also developed. Models were developed in 2004-2005 during workshops across the conterminous United States where regional vegetation and fire ecology experts synthesized the best available data on vegetation dynamics and disturbances for vegetation communities in their region. A peer review process following workshops garnered additional expert input and offered an opportunity to refine models. Quantitative models are based on inputs such as fire frequency and severity, the probability of other disturbances, and the rate of vegetation growth. Inputs are derived from literature review and expert input during and after modeling workshops. Models simulate several centuries of vegetation dynamics and produce outputs such as the percent of the landscape in each class and the frequency of disturbances. Outputs are checked against available data whenever possible, and are peer-reviewed during and after expert workshops. Model descriptions and quantitative outputs were used in the RA to help define and map potential natural vegetation groups, or the vegetation communities that are likely to exist under the natural range of variability in biophysical environments and ecological processes, including fire and other disturbances. Models are used as reference conditions to calculate Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC), a standardized, interagency index to measure the departure of current conditions from reference conditions (Hann et al 2004). For a complete description of the methodology used to develop RA vegetation models, please consult the LANDFIRE Rapid Assessment Modeling Manuala. [Summary provided by The Nature Conservancy.]

Related URL

Link: GET SERVICE Link: GET SERVICE Description: Download Rapid Assessment Reference Condition Models for the Western and Eastern United States. Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION Description: Download Rapid Assessment Reference Condition Model descriptions.

Service Citation

Originators: The Nature Conservancy Title: LANDFIRE Rapid Assessment Reference Condition Models Release_Date: 2005-11-01 Provider: The Nature Conservancy URL: http://www.landfire.gov/reference_models.php

Service Keywords

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORIES >FIRE ADVISORIES >WILDFIRES   [Definition]

MODELS >COMPONENT PROCESS MODELS   [Definition]

MODELS >LAND SURFACE MODELS   [Definition]

Science Keywords

AGRICULTURE >FOREST SCIENCE >FOREST FIRE SCIENCE   [Definition]

AGRICULTURE >FOREST SCIENCE >FOREST MANAGEMENT   [Definition]

AGRICULTURE >FOREST SCIENCE >FOREST PRODUCTS/COMMODITIES   [Definition]

BIOSPHERE >VEGETATION >VEGETATION COVER   [Definition]

HUMAN DIMENSIONS >BOUNDARIES >ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS   [Definition]

HUMAN DIMENSIONS >INFRASTRUCTURE >TRANSPORTATION   [Definition]

HUMAN DIMENSIONS >ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE/MANAGEMENT >LAND MANAGEMENT   [Definition]

HUMAN DIMENSIONS >NATURAL HAZARDS >WILDFIRES   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >SURFACE WATER >LAKES   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >SURFACE WATER >RIVERS/STREAMS   [Definition]

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >SURFACE WATER >WATER CHANNELS   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >LAND USE/LAND COVER >LAND COVER   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >LAND USE/LAND COVER >LAND USE CLASSES   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >TOPOGRAPHY >LANDFORMS   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >TOPOGRAPHY >TOPOGRAPHICAL RELIEF   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >TOPOGRAPHY >SURFACE ROUGHNESS   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >TOPOGRAPHY >TERRAIN ELEVATION   [Definition]

LAND SURFACE >TOPOGRAPHY >TOPOGRAPHIC EFFECTS   [Definition]

SPECTRAL/ENGINEERING >INFRARED WAVELENGTHS >INFRARED IMAGERY   [Definition]

SPECTRAL/ENGINEERING >VISIBLE WAVELENGTHS >VISIBLE IMAGERY   [Definition]

ISO Topic Category

FARMING BIOTA BOUNDARIES ECONOMY ELEVATION ENVIRONMENT GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION IMAGERY/BASE MAPS/EARTH COVER INLAND WATERS PLANNING CADASTRE TRANSPORTATION

Access Constraints

None. All data are provided as is. The Nature Conservancy makes no warranty as to the currency, completeness, accuracy or utility of any specific data. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data.

Use Constraints

The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.

Keywords

GIS

Geographic Information Systems

Model

vegetation dynamics model

state-and-transition model

box model

succession

fire

ModelTracker database

Global Fire Initiative

Service Provider

GIS, The Nature Conservancy Service Provider Personnel Name: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY Fax: (703) 841-2722 Email: xli at tnc.org Contact Address: The Nature Conservancy Conservation Science and Stewardship Department Latin American and the Caribbean Division 1815 North Lynn Street City: Arlington Province or State: VA Postal Code: 22209 Country: USA

Distribution Media

Distribution_Media: online Fees: No fees

Personnel

TYLER B. STEVENS Role: SERF AUTHOR Phone: (301) 614-6898 Fax: 301-614-5268 Email: Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov Contact Address: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Global Change Master Directory City: Greenbelt Province or State: MD Postal Code: 20771 Country: USA

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY -- LANDFIRE PROJECT Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT Phone: 303-444-2950 Email: helpdesk at landfire.gov Contact Address: The Nature Conservancy LANDFIRE Project 2424 Spruce St. City: Boulder Province or State: CO Postal Code: 80302 Country: USA

Creation and Review Dates

SERF Creation Date: 2006-02-08 SERF Last Revision Date: 2012-08-16