In this study, we investigated the natural growth of Haloxylon ammodendron forest in Moso Bay, southwest of Gurbantunggut Desert. Random sample analysis was used to analyze the spatial point pattern performance of Hal...In this study, we investigated the natural growth of Haloxylon ammodendron forest in Moso Bay, southwest of Gurbantunggut Desert. Random sample analysis was used to analyze the spatial point pattern performance of Haloxylon ammodendron population. ArcGIS software was used to summarize and analyze the spatial point pattern response of Haloxylon ammodendron population. The results showed that: 1) There were significant differences in the performance of point pattern analysis among different random quadrants. The paired t-test for variance mean ratio showed that the P values were 0.048, 0.004 and 0.301 respectively, indicating that the influence of quadrat shape on the performance of point pattern analysis was significant under the condition of the same optimal quadrat area. 2) The comparative analysis of square shapes shows that circular square is the best, square and regular hexagonal square are the second, and there is no significant difference between square and regular hexagonal square. 3) The number of samples plays a decisive role in spatial point pattern analysis. Insufficient sample size will lead to unstable results. With the increase of the number of samples to more than 120, the V value and P value curves will eventually stabilize. That is, stable spatial point pattern analysis results are closely related to the increase of the number of samples in random sample square analysis.展开更多
The relationship between fractal point pattern modeling and statistical methods of pa- rameter estimation in point-process modeling is reviewed. Statistical estimation of the cluster fractal dimension by using Ripley...The relationship between fractal point pattern modeling and statistical methods of pa- rameter estimation in point-process modeling is reviewed. Statistical estimation of the cluster fractal dimension by using Ripley＇s K-function has advantages in comparison with the more commonly used methods of box-counting and cluster fractal dimension estimation because it corrects for edge effects, not only for rectangular study areas but also for study areas with curved boundaries determined by re- gional geology. Application of box-counting to estimate the fractal dimension of point patterns has the disadvantage that, in general, it is subject to relatively strong ＂roll-off＂ effects for smaller boxes. Point patterns used for example in this paper are mainly for gold deposits in the Abitibi volcanic belt on the Canadian Shield. Additionally, it is proposed that, worldwide, the local point patterns of podiform Cr, volcanogenic massive sulphide and porphyry copper deposits, which are spatially distributed within irregularly shaped favorable tracts, satisfy the fractal clustering model with similar fractal dimensions. The problem of deposit size （metal tonnage） is also considered. Several examples are provided of cases in which the Pareto distribution provides good results for the largest deposits in metal size-frequency distribution modeling.展开更多
Attended collection and delivery points are vital components of ‘last-mile logistics’.Based on point of interest(POI) data for Cainiao Stations and China Post stations in Changsha City, China, this paper provides a ...Attended collection and delivery points are vital components of ‘last-mile logistics’.Based on point of interest(POI) data for Cainiao Stations and China Post stations in Changsha City, China, this paper provides a detailed exploration of the basic features, spatial distribution, and location influencing factors of attended collection and delivery points.Specifically, analyses of the types, service objects and location distributions of the attended collection and delivery points alongside a discussion of their spatial pattern and influencing factors provides a reference for their general geographic layout and characteristics.The findings of this study indicate that: 1) The main mode of operation of attended collection and delivery points is franchises, with other modes of operation rely on supermarkets and other individual shop types.2) The main service targets of attended collection and delivery points are communities, schools, and businesses, followed by townships, enterprises, scenic spots, and administrative units.3) Approximately 77.44% of the attended collection and delivery points are located near the exits of service areas;others are situated in the centre of the service areas.For the Cainiao Stations, 80% are located within 125 m of the exit;for the China Post stations, 80% are located within 175 m of the exit.4) The spatial distribution of the attended collection and delivery points in Changsha is unbalanced, with ‘more centre and fewer surrounding’.The centre is an ‘inverted triangle’, and the edge is an ‘orphan’, showing a northwest-southeast orientation and symmetrical along the axis.The layout of the attended collection and delivery points forms three core areas, and the number of sites decreases with the distance from the core.5) The number and distribution of the attended collection and delivery points are strongly consistent with the regional economic development level, population, and roadway system traffic convenience.Most attended collection and delivery points are on residential, scientific and educational, and commercial and financial land.展开更多
Research on the spatial patterns of tree populations is critical for understanding the structure and dynamic processes of forests.However,little is known about how the underlying drivers shape these patterns and speci...Research on the spatial patterns of tree populations is critical for understanding the structure and dynamic processes of forests.However,little is known about how the underlying drivers shape these patterns and species interactions in forest systems.In this study,spatial point pattern analysis investigated the combined eff ects of intraspecifi c interactions and environmental heterogeneity on the spatial structure and internal maintenance mechanisms of Picea crassifolia in the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve,China.Data were obtained from a 10.2-ha dynamic monitoring plot(DMP)and sixteen 0.04-ha elevation gradient plots(EGPs).Under complete spatial randomness,both mature trees and saplings in the DMP demonstratedlarge-scale aggregation with negative correlations.In EGPs,saplings were clustered in small mesoscales,mature trees were randomly distributed,and the interactions of saplingstrees at all elevations were not correlated.By eliminating the interference of environmental heterogeneity through the inhomogeneous Poisson process,saplings in the DMP and EGPs were clustered in small scales and trees randomly distributed.Intraspecifi c associations were negatively correlated,in the DMP and at low elevations,and no correlations in high elevations of EGPs.In the vertical scale,saplings showed a small-scale aggregation pattern with increase in elevation,and the aggregation degree fi rst decreased and then increased.The interactions of saplings-trees and saplings–saplings showed inhibitions at small scales,with the degree of inhibition gradually decreasing.Spatial patterns and associations of adults–adults did not change signifi-cantly.The results revealed that intraspecifi c interactions and environmental heterogeneity regulated the spatial patterns of P.crassifolia at small and large scales,respectively.Environmental heterogeneity might be the most decisive factor aff ecting the spatial patterns of saplings,while trees were more aff ected by intraspecifi c interactions.Moreover,competition between trees in this area could be more common than facilitation for the growth and development of individuals.展开更多
The divergent gap characteristics and spatial patterns of canopy gaps created by natural or artificial disturbances can exert a dominant influence on forest structure and composition.However,little research has been c...The divergent gap characteristics and spatial patterns of canopy gaps created by natural or artificial disturbances can exert a dominant influence on forest structure and composition.However,little research has been conducted on the effects of ice storm damage on canopy gaps in subtropical mature forests of South China.In this study,one semi-natural site was dominated by a broad-leaf forest and two managed sites were representative of plantations with coniferous forests.Based on airborne laser scanning data and field evidence across sites,statistical analyses were used to examine gap characteristics following ice storms of moderate severity.Generalized Ripley’s K-function analysis was applied to test gap spatial patterns at a range of scales,and spatial point pattern analysis was used to quantitate the relative importance of specific influences on patterns of gap occurrence.The results revealed that the average gap size was 75.7 m^2 and that 12.2 gaps occurred per hectare.Most gaps were single-tree fall events.In addition to more gaps,the mean gap size was smaller and the shape was more complex in the semi-natural site than in two managed sites.Large differences in gap characteristics were observed among snapped,uprooted,snag,and artificial gap damage types.Gaps generally showed a clustered distribution at large scales(e.g.70 m),whereas spatial patterns varied with gap damage types at different sites.The occurrence of gaps was strongly related to slope and topographic position at the semi-natural site,whereas slope,stem density,and human accessibility(proximity to pathways)were the most important factors affecting gap occurrence at the managed sites.We suggest that gap-based silvicultural treatments and natural disturbances regimes conjoin,highlighting interactions with other factors such as microsite conditions,non-tree vegetation and more.展开更多
For exploring the aftershock occurrence process of the 2008 Wenchuan strong earthquake, the spatio-temporal point pattern analysis method is employed to study the sequences of aflershocks with magnitude M≥4.0, M≥4.5...For exploring the aftershock occurrence process of the 2008 Wenchuan strong earthquake, the spatio-temporal point pattern analysis method is employed to study the sequences of aflershocks with magnitude M≥4.0, M≥4.5, and M≥5.0. It is found that these data exhibit the spatio-temporal clustering on a certain distance scale and on a certain time scale. In particular, the space-time interaction obviously strengthens when the distance is less than 60 km and the time is less than 260 h for the first two aftershock sequences; however, it becomes strong when the distance scale is less than 80 km and the time scale is less than 150 h for the last aftershock sequence. The completely spatial randomness analysis on the data regardless of time component shows that the spatial clustering of the aftershocks gradually strengthens on the condition that the distance is less than 60 km. The results are valuable for exploring the occurrence rules of the Wenchuan strong earthquake and for predicting the aftershocks.展开更多
Abies georgei var.smithii is an important plant species in Southeast Tibet,China.It has high ecological value in terms of biodiversity protection,as well as soil and water conservation.We analyzed the spatial pattern ...Abies georgei var.smithii is an important plant species in Southeast Tibet,China.It has high ecological value in terms of biodiversity protection,as well as soil and water conservation.We analyzed the spatial pattern and associations of A.georgei var.smithii populations at different growth stages by using Ripley's L function for point pattern analysis.The diameter structure was a nearly reverse 'J' shape.The amount of saplings and medium-sized trees accounts for a large part of the entire population,suggesting a high regeneration rate and an expanding population.In the transition from saplings to medium trees or to large trees,saplings show a significant aggregation distribution at small scales,while medium trees and large trees show a random distribution.There are significant inverse associations between saplings and medium trees and large trees at small scales,while there are no obvious associations between medium trees and large trees.The natural regeneration was affected by interspecific competition,and it was also affected by intraspecific competition.The joint effects of biological characteristics and environmental factors contribute to the spatial distribution pattern and associations of this A.georgei var.sm ithii population.展开更多
Understanding population structure provides basic ecological data related to species and ecosystems.Our objective was to understand the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of Quercus aquifolioides populations.Using...Understanding population structure provides basic ecological data related to species and ecosystems.Our objective was to understand the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of Quercus aquifolioides populations.Using a 1 ha permanent sample plot data for Q.aquifolioides on Sejila Mountain,Tibet Autonomous Region(Tibet),China,we analyzed the population structure of Q.aquifolioides by combining data for diameter class,static life table and survival curve.Simultaneously,the spatial distribution of Q.aquifolioides was studied using Ripley’s L Function in point pattern analysis.The results showed:(1) Individuals in Q.aquifolioides populations were mainly aggregated in the youngest age classes,that accounted for94.3% of the individuals; the older age classes had much smaller populations.Although the youngest age classes(ClassesⅠ and Ⅱ) had fewer individuals than Class Ⅲ,the total number of individuals in classes Ⅰ and Ⅱ was also greater than in classes Ⅳ to Ⅸ.In terms of tree height,fewsaplings,more medium-sized saplings and few large-sized trees were found.The diameter class structure of Q.aquifolioides populations formed an atypical ‘pyramid’type; the population was expanding,but growth was limited,tending toward a stable population.(2) Mortality of Q.aquifolioides increased continuously with age; life expectancy decreased over time,and the survivorship curve was close to a Deevey I curve.(3) The spatial distribution pattern of Q.aquifolioides varied widely across different developmental stages.Saplings and medium-sized tree showed aggregated distributions at the scales of 0–33 m and 0–29 m,respectively.The aggregation intensities of saplings and medium-sized trees at small scales were significantly stronger than that of large-sized trees.However,large-sized trees showed a random distribution at most scales.(4) No correlation was observed among saplings,medium-and large-sized trees at small scales,while a significant and negative association was observed as the scale increased.Strong competition was found among saplings,medium-and large-sized trees,while no significant association was observed between medium-and largesized trees at all scales.Biotic interactions and local ecological characteristics influenced the spatial distribution pattern of Q.aquifolioides populations most strongly.展开更多
This study aimed at determining the spatial patterns of Road Traffic Crash (RTC) black spots, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) zebra points and emergency health care facilities in Federal Capital City (FCC). The ...This study aimed at determining the spatial patterns of Road Traffic Crash (RTC) black spots, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) zebra points and emergency health care facilities in Federal Capital City (FCC). The aim was to provide stakeholders with information that will aid their understanding of accident prone locations and accessible rescue possibilities for accident victims on the roads in FCT. GPS Map 76S Mark (GARMIN) was used to locate and pick coordinates of data in the study area. A total of 16 possible emergency health care facilities, seventy (70) RTC black spots and Five Zebra point locations were obtained from FRSC. ArcGIS 10.0 was used to compute the data by plotting the coordinates to produce maps of the spatial relationship and to carry out Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA). The result was further used to determine the spatial patterns of RTC black spots as well as patterns of the emergency facilities. Generally, the result shows that the spatial trend is turning towards dispersion. However, there is less than 1% likelihood that the dispersed patterns could be the result of random chance. It was recommended that, the Federal Road Safety Commission should be staffed with trained professionals that can be responsible for accident data surveillance and analysis using geospatial techniques.展开更多
Non-point source nitrogen loss poses a risk to sustainable aquatic ecosystems. However, non-point sources, as well as impaired river segments with high nitrogen concentrations, are difficult to monitor and regulate be...Non-point source nitrogen loss poses a risk to sustainable aquatic ecosystems. However, non-point sources, as well as impaired river segments with high nitrogen concentrations, are difficult to monitor and regulate because of their diffusive nature, budget constraints, and resource deficiencies. For the purpose of catchment management, the Bayesian maximum entropy approach and spatial regression models have been used to explore the spatiotemporal patterns of non-point source nitrogen loss. In this study, a total of 18 sampling sites were selected along the river network in the Hujiashan Catchment. Over the time period of 2008e2012, water samples were collected 116 times at each site and analyzed for non-point source nitrogen loss. The morphometric variables and soil drainage of different land cover types were studied and considered potential factors affecting nitrogen loss. The results revealed that, compared with the approach using the Euclidean distance, the Bayesian maximum entropy approach using the river distance led to an appreciable 10.1% reduction in the estimation error, and more than 53.3% and 44.7% of the river network in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, had a probability of non-point source nitrogen impairment. The proportion of the impaired river segments exhibited an overall decreasing trend in the study catchment from 2008 to 2012, and the reduction in the wet seasons was greater than that in the dry seasons. High nitrogen concentrations were primarily found in the downstream reaches and river segments close to the residential lands. Croplands and residential lands were the dominant factors affecting non-point source nitrogen loss, and explained up to 70.7%of total nitrogen in the dry seasons and 54.7% in the wet seasons. A thorough understanding of the location of impaired river segments and the dominant factors affecting total nitrogen concentration would have considerable importance for catchment management.展开更多
Ecological interactions of species and thus their spatial pat- terns may differ between homogeneous and heterogeneous forests. To account for this, techniques of point pattern analysis were implemented on mapped locat...Ecological interactions of species and thus their spatial pat- terns may differ between homogeneous and heterogeneous forests. To account for this, techniques of point pattern analysis were implemented on mapped locations of tree individuals from two 1-ha tropicalforest plots in Vietnam. We analyzed the effect of environmental heterogeneity on tree distributions; spatial distribution patterns of dominant species; inter-specific associations; and conspecific associations between life stages. Our analyses showed that： environmental conditions were homo- geneous at plot 1 but heterogeneous at plot 2; in both plots, all six domi- nant species were aggregated at various scales up to 30 m, and tree spe- cies were aggregated at larger scales in the homogeneous site than in the heterogeneous site; attraction between pairs of species was remarkably higher at the homogeneous site while negative associations were more frequent in the heterogeneous site; some species, H. kurzii, T. ilicifolia （homogeneous plot） and D. sylvatica, S. wightianum （heterogeneous plot） showed a lack of early life-stage individuals near conspecific adults. Moreover, additional clustering of young individuals was independent from conspecific adults, except D. sylvatica in both sites. These findings are consistent with the Janzen-ConneU hypothesis. Overall, habitat het- erogeneity influences spatial patterns and inter-specific associations of the tree species and evidences of self-thinning are shown in most species.展开更多
Landslides influence the capacity for safe and sustainable development of mountainous environments.This study explores the spatial distribution of and the interactions between landslides that are mapped using global p...Landslides influence the capacity for safe and sustainable development of mountainous environments.This study explores the spatial distribution of and the interactions between landslides that are mapped using global positioning system(GPS)and extensive field surveys in Mazandaran Province,Iran.Point-pattern assessment is undertaken using several univariate summary statistical functions,including pair correlation,spherical-contact distribution,nearest-neighbor analysis,and O-ring analysis,as well as bivariate summary statistics,and a markcorrelation function.The maximum entropy method was applied to prioritize the factors controlling the incidence of landslides and the landslides susceptibility map.The validation processes were considered for separated 30%data applying the ROC curves,fourfold plot,and Cohen’s kappa index.The results show that pair correlation and O-ring analyses satisfactorily predicted landslides at scales from 1 to 150 m.At smaller scales,from 150 to 400 m,landslides were randomly distributed.The nearest-neighbor distribution function show that the highest distance to the nearest landslide occurred in the 355 m.The spherical-contact distribution revealed that the patterns were random up to a spatial scale of 80 m.The bivariate correlation functions revealed that landslides were positively linked to several linear features(including faults,roads,and rivers)at all spatial scales.The mark-correlation function showed that aggregated fields of landslides were positively correlated with measures of land use,lithology,drainage density,plan curvature,and aspect,when the numbers of landslides in the groups were greater than the overall average aggregation.The results of analysis of factor importance have showed that elevation(topography map scale:1:25,000),distance to roads,and distance to rivers are the most important factors in the occurrence of landslides.The susceptibility model of landslides indicates an excellent accuracy,i.e.,the AUC value of landslides was 0.860.The susceptibility map of landslides analyzed has shown that 35%of the area is low susceptible to landslides.展开更多
文摘In this study, we investigated the natural growth of Haloxylon ammodendron forest in Moso Bay, southwest of Gurbantunggut Desert. Random sample analysis was used to analyze the spatial point pattern performance of Haloxylon ammodendron population. ArcGIS software was used to summarize and analyze the spatial point pattern response of Haloxylon ammodendron population. The results showed that: 1) There were significant differences in the performance of point pattern analysis among different random quadrants. The paired t-test for variance mean ratio showed that the P values were 0.048, 0.004 and 0.301 respectively, indicating that the influence of quadrat shape on the performance of point pattern analysis was significant under the condition of the same optimal quadrat area. 2) The comparative analysis of square shapes shows that circular square is the best, square and regular hexagonal square are the second, and there is no significant difference between square and regular hexagonal square. 3) The number of samples plays a decisive role in spatial point pattern analysis. Insufficient sample size will lead to unstable results. With the increase of the number of samples to more than 120, the V value and P value curves will eventually stabilize. That is, stable spatial point pattern analysis results are closely related to the increase of the number of samples in random sample square analysis.
基金supported by Geological Survey of Canada and China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
文摘The relationship between fractal point pattern modeling and statistical methods of pa- rameter estimation in point-process modeling is reviewed. Statistical estimation of the cluster fractal dimension by using Ripley＇s K-function has advantages in comparison with the more commonly used methods of box-counting and cluster fractal dimension estimation because it corrects for edge effects, not only for rectangular study areas but also for study areas with curved boundaries determined by re- gional geology. Application of box-counting to estimate the fractal dimension of point patterns has the disadvantage that, in general, it is subject to relatively strong ＂roll-off＂ effects for smaller boxes. Point patterns used for example in this paper are mainly for gold deposits in the Abitibi volcanic belt on the Canadian Shield. Additionally, it is proposed that, worldwide, the local point patterns of podiform Cr, volcanogenic massive sulphide and porphyry copper deposits, which are spatially distributed within irregularly shaped favorable tracts, satisfy the fractal clustering model with similar fractal dimensions. The problem of deposit size （metal tonnage） is also considered. Several examples are provided of cases in which the Pareto distribution provides good results for the largest deposits in metal size-frequency distribution modeling.
基金Under the auspices of the Tang Scholar Program of Northwest University(No.2016)
文摘Attended collection and delivery points are vital components of ‘last-mile logistics’.Based on point of interest(POI) data for Cainiao Stations and China Post stations in Changsha City, China, this paper provides a detailed exploration of the basic features, spatial distribution, and location influencing factors of attended collection and delivery points.Specifically, analyses of the types, service objects and location distributions of the attended collection and delivery points alongside a discussion of their spatial pattern and influencing factors provides a reference for their general geographic layout and characteristics.The findings of this study indicate that: 1) The main mode of operation of attended collection and delivery points is franchises, with other modes of operation rely on supermarkets and other individual shop types.2) The main service targets of attended collection and delivery points are communities, schools, and businesses, followed by townships, enterprises, scenic spots, and administrative units.3) Approximately 77.44% of the attended collection and delivery points are located near the exits of service areas;others are situated in the centre of the service areas.For the Cainiao Stations, 80% are located within 125 m of the exit;for the China Post stations, 80% are located within 175 m of the exit.4) The spatial distribution of the attended collection and delivery points in Changsha is unbalanced, with ‘more centre and fewer surrounding’.The centre is an ‘inverted triangle’, and the edge is an ‘orphan’, showing a northwest-southeast orientation and symmetrical along the axis.The layout of the attended collection and delivery points forms three core areas, and the number of sites decreases with the distance from the core.5) The number and distribution of the attended collection and delivery points are strongly consistent with the regional economic development level, population, and roadway system traffic convenience.Most attended collection and delivery points are on residential, scientific and educational, and commercial and financial land.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32060247)the Central Guidance on Local Science and Technology Development Fund of Gansu Province(No.22ZY2QG001).
文摘Research on the spatial patterns of tree populations is critical for understanding the structure and dynamic processes of forests.However,little is known about how the underlying drivers shape these patterns and species interactions in forest systems.In this study,spatial point pattern analysis investigated the combined eff ects of intraspecifi c interactions and environmental heterogeneity on the spatial structure and internal maintenance mechanisms of Picea crassifolia in the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve,China.Data were obtained from a 10.2-ha dynamic monitoring plot(DMP)and sixteen 0.04-ha elevation gradient plots(EGPs).Under complete spatial randomness,both mature trees and saplings in the DMP demonstratedlarge-scale aggregation with negative correlations.In EGPs,saplings were clustered in small mesoscales,mature trees were randomly distributed,and the interactions of saplingstrees at all elevations were not correlated.By eliminating the interference of environmental heterogeneity through the inhomogeneous Poisson process,saplings in the DMP and EGPs were clustered in small scales and trees randomly distributed.Intraspecifi c associations were negatively correlated,in the DMP and at low elevations,and no correlations in high elevations of EGPs.In the vertical scale,saplings showed a small-scale aggregation pattern with increase in elevation,and the aggregation degree fi rst decreased and then increased.The interactions of saplings-trees and saplings–saplings showed inhibitions at small scales,with the degree of inhibition gradually decreasing.Spatial patterns and associations of adults–adults did not change signifi-cantly.The results revealed that intraspecifi c interactions and environmental heterogeneity regulated the spatial patterns of P.crassifolia at small and large scales,respectively.Environmental heterogeneity might be the most decisive factor aff ecting the spatial patterns of saplings,while trees were more aff ected by intraspecifi c interactions.Moreover,competition between trees in this area could be more common than facilitation for the growth and development of individuals.
基金funded by the Science&Technology Innovation Platform and Talents Plan of Hunan Province in China(Grants No.2017TP1022)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province in China(Grant No.2020JJ4938)。
文摘The divergent gap characteristics and spatial patterns of canopy gaps created by natural or artificial disturbances can exert a dominant influence on forest structure and composition.However,little research has been conducted on the effects of ice storm damage on canopy gaps in subtropical mature forests of South China.In this study,one semi-natural site was dominated by a broad-leaf forest and two managed sites were representative of plantations with coniferous forests.Based on airborne laser scanning data and field evidence across sites,statistical analyses were used to examine gap characteristics following ice storms of moderate severity.Generalized Ripley’s K-function analysis was applied to test gap spatial patterns at a range of scales,and spatial point pattern analysis was used to quantitate the relative importance of specific influences on patterns of gap occurrence.The results revealed that the average gap size was 75.7 m^2 and that 12.2 gaps occurred per hectare.Most gaps were single-tree fall events.In addition to more gaps,the mean gap size was smaller and the shape was more complex in the semi-natural site than in two managed sites.Large differences in gap characteristics were observed among snapped,uprooted,snag,and artificial gap damage types.Gaps generally showed a clustered distribution at large scales(e.g.70 m),whereas spatial patterns varied with gap damage types at different sites.The occurrence of gaps was strongly related to slope and topographic position at the semi-natural site,whereas slope,stem density,and human accessibility(proximity to pathways)were the most important factors affecting gap occurrence at the managed sites.We suggest that gap-based silvicultural treatments and natural disturbances regimes conjoin,highlighting interactions with other factors such as microsite conditions,non-tree vegetation and more.
基金supported by the Key Project of Chinese National Programs for Fun-damental Research and Development (973 program) (2008CB425704)
文摘For exploring the aftershock occurrence process of the 2008 Wenchuan strong earthquake, the spatio-temporal point pattern analysis method is employed to study the sequences of aflershocks with magnitude M≥4.0, M≥4.5, and M≥5.0. It is found that these data exhibit the spatio-temporal clustering on a certain distance scale and on a certain time scale. In particular, the space-time interaction obviously strengthens when the distance is less than 60 km and the time is less than 260 h for the first two aftershock sequences; however, it becomes strong when the distance scale is less than 80 km and the time scale is less than 150 h for the last aftershock sequence. The completely spatial randomness analysis on the data regardless of time component shows that the spatial clustering of the aftershocks gradually strengthens on the condition that the distance is less than 60 km. The results are valuable for exploring the occurrence rules of the Wenchuan strong earthquake and for predicting the aftershocks.
基金funded by the National Key Technology Support Program (2013BAC04B01)
文摘Abies georgei var.smithii is an important plant species in Southeast Tibet,China.It has high ecological value in terms of biodiversity protection,as well as soil and water conservation.We analyzed the spatial pattern and associations of A.georgei var.smithii populations at different growth stages by using Ripley's L function for point pattern analysis.The diameter structure was a nearly reverse 'J' shape.The amount of saplings and medium-sized trees accounts for a large part of the entire population,suggesting a high regeneration rate and an expanding population.In the transition from saplings to medium trees or to large trees,saplings show a significant aggregation distribution at small scales,while medium trees and large trees show a random distribution.There are significant inverse associations between saplings and medium trees and large trees at small scales,while there are no obvious associations between medium trees and large trees.The natural regeneration was affected by interspecific competition,and it was also affected by intraspecific competition.The joint effects of biological characteristics and environmental factors contribute to the spatial distribution pattern and associations of this A.georgei var.sm ithii population.
基金financially supported by the National Key Technology Support Program(Grant No.2013BAC04B01)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31460200)
文摘Understanding population structure provides basic ecological data related to species and ecosystems.Our objective was to understand the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of Quercus aquifolioides populations.Using a 1 ha permanent sample plot data for Q.aquifolioides on Sejila Mountain,Tibet Autonomous Region(Tibet),China,we analyzed the population structure of Q.aquifolioides by combining data for diameter class,static life table and survival curve.Simultaneously,the spatial distribution of Q.aquifolioides was studied using Ripley’s L Function in point pattern analysis.The results showed:(1) Individuals in Q.aquifolioides populations were mainly aggregated in the youngest age classes,that accounted for94.3% of the individuals; the older age classes had much smaller populations.Although the youngest age classes(ClassesⅠ and Ⅱ) had fewer individuals than Class Ⅲ,the total number of individuals in classes Ⅰ and Ⅱ was also greater than in classes Ⅳ to Ⅸ.In terms of tree height,fewsaplings,more medium-sized saplings and few large-sized trees were found.The diameter class structure of Q.aquifolioides populations formed an atypical ‘pyramid’type; the population was expanding,but growth was limited,tending toward a stable population.(2) Mortality of Q.aquifolioides increased continuously with age; life expectancy decreased over time,and the survivorship curve was close to a Deevey I curve.(3) The spatial distribution pattern of Q.aquifolioides varied widely across different developmental stages.Saplings and medium-sized tree showed aggregated distributions at the scales of 0–33 m and 0–29 m,respectively.The aggregation intensities of saplings and medium-sized trees at small scales were significantly stronger than that of large-sized trees.However,large-sized trees showed a random distribution at most scales.(4) No correlation was observed among saplings,medium-and large-sized trees at small scales,while a significant and negative association was observed as the scale increased.Strong competition was found among saplings,medium-and large-sized trees,while no significant association was observed between medium-and largesized trees at all scales.Biotic interactions and local ecological characteristics influenced the spatial distribution pattern of Q.aquifolioides populations most strongly.
文摘This study aimed at determining the spatial patterns of Road Traffic Crash (RTC) black spots, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) zebra points and emergency health care facilities in Federal Capital City (FCC). The aim was to provide stakeholders with information that will aid their understanding of accident prone locations and accessible rescue possibilities for accident victims on the roads in FCT. GPS Map 76S Mark (GARMIN) was used to locate and pick coordinates of data in the study area. A total of 16 possible emergency health care facilities, seventy (70) RTC black spots and Five Zebra point locations were obtained from FRSC. ArcGIS 10.0 was used to compute the data by plotting the coordinates to produce maps of the spatial relationship and to carry out Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA). The result was further used to determine the spatial patterns of RTC black spots as well as patterns of the emergency facilities. Generally, the result shows that the spatial trend is turning towards dispersion. However, there is less than 1% likelihood that the dispersed patterns could be the result of random chance. It was recommended that, the Federal Road Safety Commission should be staffed with trained professionals that can be responsible for accident data surveillance and analysis using geospatial techniques.
基金supported by the Special Fund for Agro-Scientific Research in the Public Interest of China(Grant No.201503106)
文摘Non-point source nitrogen loss poses a risk to sustainable aquatic ecosystems. However, non-point sources, as well as impaired river segments with high nitrogen concentrations, are difficult to monitor and regulate because of their diffusive nature, budget constraints, and resource deficiencies. For the purpose of catchment management, the Bayesian maximum entropy approach and spatial regression models have been used to explore the spatiotemporal patterns of non-point source nitrogen loss. In this study, a total of 18 sampling sites were selected along the river network in the Hujiashan Catchment. Over the time period of 2008e2012, water samples were collected 116 times at each site and analyzed for non-point source nitrogen loss. The morphometric variables and soil drainage of different land cover types were studied and considered potential factors affecting nitrogen loss. The results revealed that, compared with the approach using the Euclidean distance, the Bayesian maximum entropy approach using the river distance led to an appreciable 10.1% reduction in the estimation error, and more than 53.3% and 44.7% of the river network in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, had a probability of non-point source nitrogen impairment. The proportion of the impaired river segments exhibited an overall decreasing trend in the study catchment from 2008 to 2012, and the reduction in the wet seasons was greater than that in the dry seasons. High nitrogen concentrations were primarily found in the downstream reaches and river segments close to the residential lands. Croplands and residential lands were the dominant factors affecting non-point source nitrogen loss, and explained up to 70.7%of total nitrogen in the dry seasons and 54.7% in the wet seasons. A thorough understanding of the location of impaired river segments and the dominant factors affecting total nitrogen concentration would have considerable importance for catchment management.
基金supported with funds from the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam
文摘Ecological interactions of species and thus their spatial pat- terns may differ between homogeneous and heterogeneous forests. To account for this, techniques of point pattern analysis were implemented on mapped locations of tree individuals from two 1-ha tropicalforest plots in Vietnam. We analyzed the effect of environmental heterogeneity on tree distributions; spatial distribution patterns of dominant species; inter-specific associations; and conspecific associations between life stages. Our analyses showed that： environmental conditions were homo- geneous at plot 1 but heterogeneous at plot 2; in both plots, all six domi- nant species were aggregated at various scales up to 30 m, and tree spe- cies were aggregated at larger scales in the homogeneous site than in the heterogeneous site; attraction between pairs of species was remarkably higher at the homogeneous site while negative associations were more frequent in the heterogeneous site; some species, H. kurzii, T. ilicifolia （homogeneous plot） and D. sylvatica, S. wightianum （heterogeneous plot） showed a lack of early life-stage individuals near conspecific adults. Moreover, additional clustering of young individuals was independent from conspecific adults, except D. sylvatica in both sites. These findings are consistent with the Janzen-ConneU hypothesis. Overall, habitat het- erogeneity influences spatial patterns and inter-specific associations of the tree species and evidences of self-thinning are shown in most species.
基金We would like to thank from Shiraz University for supporting us on this studyThe study was supported by College of Agriculture,Shiraz University(Grant No.96GRD1M271143).
文摘Landslides influence the capacity for safe and sustainable development of mountainous environments.This study explores the spatial distribution of and the interactions between landslides that are mapped using global positioning system(GPS)and extensive field surveys in Mazandaran Province,Iran.Point-pattern assessment is undertaken using several univariate summary statistical functions,including pair correlation,spherical-contact distribution,nearest-neighbor analysis,and O-ring analysis,as well as bivariate summary statistics,and a markcorrelation function.The maximum entropy method was applied to prioritize the factors controlling the incidence of landslides and the landslides susceptibility map.The validation processes were considered for separated 30%data applying the ROC curves,fourfold plot,and Cohen’s kappa index.The results show that pair correlation and O-ring analyses satisfactorily predicted landslides at scales from 1 to 150 m.At smaller scales,from 150 to 400 m,landslides were randomly distributed.The nearest-neighbor distribution function show that the highest distance to the nearest landslide occurred in the 355 m.The spherical-contact distribution revealed that the patterns were random up to a spatial scale of 80 m.The bivariate correlation functions revealed that landslides were positively linked to several linear features(including faults,roads,and rivers)at all spatial scales.The mark-correlation function showed that aggregated fields of landslides were positively correlated with measures of land use,lithology,drainage density,plan curvature,and aspect,when the numbers of landslides in the groups were greater than the overall average aggregation.The results of analysis of factor importance have showed that elevation(topography map scale:1:25,000),distance to roads,and distance to rivers are the most important factors in the occurrence of landslides.The susceptibility model of landslides indicates an excellent accuracy,i.e.,the AUC value of landslides was 0.860.The susceptibility map of landslides analyzed has shown that 35%of the area is low susceptible to landslides.
