MODELING DIEBACK PHENOMENA IN NATURAL FORESTS

Modelling problems of forest ecosystems is a difficult task because of their long-term dynamics and the influences of spatial aspects. Nevertheless the importance of theoretical investigations of phenomena like forest dieback is evident. We present a type of model called ''dynamical automata model'' that is a specification of the so-called ''cellular automata models''. Basing our approach on a theory deduced from field data enables us to keep the model understandable and testable. We discuss the importance of stochastical influences on the long-term dynamics of monospecific forests and the resulting spatial patterns. Additionally we investigate some examples of natural dieback in different parts of the world.