Applying ecological model evaludation: Lessons learned with the forest dynamics model Samsara2
Authored by B Courbaud, V Lafond, G Lagarrigues, G Vieilledent, T Cordonnier, F Jabot, Coligny F de
Date Published: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.06.039
Sponsors:
European Union
Platforms:
No platforms listed
Model Documentation:
ODD
Flow charts
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
Ecological models are increasingly used as decision-making tools and
their reliability is becoming a key issue. At the same time, the
sophistication of techniques for model development and analysis has
given rise to a relative compartmentalization of model building and
evaluation tasks. Several guidelines invite ecological modelers to
follow an organized sequence of development and analysis steps and have
coined the term ``evaludation{''} for this process. The objective of
this paper is to assess the feasibility and the value of a structured
evaludation process, based on the working example of the Samsara2 model, a spatially explicit individual-based forest dynamics model. We
implemented the six steps of model design, process level calibration, qualitative evaluation, quantitative evaluation, global sensitivity
analysis, and partial recalibration using approximate Bayesian
computing. We then evaluated how the evaludation process revealed model
strengths and weaknesses, specified the model's conditions of use, clarified how the model works, and provided insights into forest
ecosystem functioning. Finally, the efficiency/cost ratio of the process
and future improvements are discussed. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier
B.V.
Tags
Sensitivity-analysis
Growth-model
Ecosystem model
Field-measurements
Uneven-aged management
Norway spruce forest
Patch model
Diameter distribution
Spatial
structure
Mountain forests