Areas influenced by multiple edges and their implications in fragmented landscapes

Qinglin Li; Jiquan Chen; Bo Song; Jacob L. LaCroix; Mary K. Breese; John A. Radmacher

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2006.11.022

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Areas influenced by multiple edges and their implications in fragmented landscapes

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Qinglin Li, Jiquan Chen, Bo Song, Jacob L. LaCroix, Mary K. Breese, John A. Radmacher

Year:

2007

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2006.11.022

Source:

Forest Ecology and Management, Vol. 242: 99-107

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Abstract

We introduced a new approach for delineating areas of multiple edge influence (AMEI) within a fragmented landscape using a geographic information system (GIS). AMEI was defined as the interface that is affected by more than two neighboring patch types. We decomposed AMEI into three components: AMEI1, the area where one patch type meets a different patch type; AMEI2, the area where one patch type meets two different patch types; AMEI3, the area where one patch type meets three or more other different patch types. This approach provides a direct measure of the complexities of multiple edge effects that may occur at a spatial location, and also measures the amount of the affected area at the patch and landscape levels. Using the Chequamegon National Forest (CNF), USA, as a case study, we found that the total AMEI was approximately 48, 74, 86, and 92% of the landscape with depth of edge influence (DEI) at 30, 60, 90, and 120 m, respectively. The more complicated components of the area of multiple edge influence (AMEI_{2

Keywords
edge effects, area of multiple edge influences (AMEI), depth of edge influences (DEI), fragmentation, landscape analysis

Citation
Li, Qinglin; Chen, Jiquan; Song, Bo; LaCroix, Jacob L.; Breese, Mary K.; Radmacher, John A. 2007. Areas influenced by multiple edges and their implications in fragmented landscapes. Forest Ecology and Management, Vol. 242: 99-107

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