FIRE-BGC

DESCRIPTION

As described by Keane, et al,  FIRE-BGC is a mechanistic, biogeochemical, individual-tree succession model created by merging the gap-phase process-based model FIRESUM with the mechanistic ecosystem biogeochemical model FOREST-BGC. Fire-BGC has mixed spatial and temporal resolution in its simulation architecture. Ecological processes that act at a landscape level, such as fire and seed dispersal, are simulated annually from stand and topographic information. Stand-level processes, such as tree establishment, growth and mortality, organic matter accumulation and decomposition, and undergrowth plant dynamics are simulated both daily and annually.

Tree growth is mechanistically modeled based on the ecosystem process approach of FOREST-BGC where carbon is fixed daily by forest canopy photosynthesis at the stand level. Carbon allocated to the tree stem at the end of the year generates the corresponding diameter and height growth. The model also explicitly simulates fire behavior and effects on landscape characteristics.

Keane and Arno provide additional model description and the application of Fire-BGC to all lands on the east slope of the Bitterroot Mountains to investigate changes in productivity, water, and stand dynamics as a consequence of management.  Keane and Morgan describe the use of Fire-BGC to investigate long-term trends in landscape pattern under present and historical fire regimes for a complex landscape in Glacier National Park.

SCALE AND AREAS OF APPLICATION

SURVEY COMMENTS

No survey respondents mentioned using FIRE-BGC.

BENEFITS (PROS)

COSTS (CONS)

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