Description of FORICO: a Tropical GAP Dynamics Model of the Lower Montane Rain Forest of Puerto Rico. Environmental Sciences Division Publication No. 1875

摘要

The FORICO model, a gap dynamics model of the lower montane rain forest in Puerto Rico, is documented. It simulates gap formation and replacement of a 1/30 ha forest stand. The model increments the growth of individual trees, introduces new seedlings, and considers the death of trees on a per annum basis. This stochastic gap model also simulates the return frequency and stand damage effects of hurricanes common to West Indian forests. Key autecological parameters of 36 common tree species are used as input to the model. Model subroutines are illustrated and described in their order and function. A listing of the FORICO model and a sample of model output is included. (ERA citation 08:001001)