Modeling the effects of air pollution on forest ecosystems: Considerations for applying a model to Southeast Asia.

摘要

This paper concentrates on assessing the effects of acid rain on terrestrial ecosystems. However, terrestrial effects are determined by the location and intensity of the source pollutant and by the repercussions of damage of terrestrial resources on the social and economic systems. Therefore, the fully integrated assessment must consider multiple aspects of the industrial, biotic, social, and economic systems. This paper describes a model of forest development that has been used to assess disturbance impacts in North America, Europe, and Australia. Pertinent applications of the model are discussed. The model has been used to project the regional effects of growth declines such as may result from air pollution. The model has also been used to test hypotheses for explanations for the observed tree decline that may be independent of air pollution. The model has been used to show that past disturbances must also be considered in assessing air pollution effects to forests. Finally, the paper discusses how the model structure can be applied to forests of Southeast Asia.