Grantee Research Project Results
Constructing Probability Surfaces of Ecological Changes in Coastal Aquatic Systems Through Retrospective Analysis of Phragmites Australis Invasion and Expansion
EPA Grant Number: R832440Title: Constructing Probability Surfaces of Ecological Changes in Coastal Aquatic Systems Through Retrospective Analysis of Phragmites Australis Invasion and Expansion
Investigators: Wardrop, Denice Heller , Whigham, Dennis F. , Easterling, Mary M. , Patil, G. P. , Taillie, C. , King, Ryan
Current Investigators: Wardrop, Denice Heller , Whigham, Dennis F. , Patil, G. P. , Taillie, C. , King, Ryan , Easterling, Mary M.
Institution: Pennsylvania State University , Virginia Institute of Marine Science , Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Current Institution: Pennsylvania State University , Smithsonian Environmental Research Center , Virginia Institute of Marine Science
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2007
Project Amount: $299,995
RFA: Exploratory Research: Understanding Ecological Thresholds In Aquatic Systems Through Retrospective Analysis (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Water
Objective:
(1) Choose an aquatic ecosystem with clearly identified alternative states, and define a limited number of variables that are considered to be the driving factors in state changes; (2) Establish the database of explanatory and response variables over both a spatial and temporal extent; (3) Construct a probability surface of state changes over the n-dimensional space of selected explanatory variables; (4) Describe thresholds in terms of the probability surface; and (5) Test the threshold surface with data from a second location.
Approach:
The identification of thresholds assumes two steps: identification of primary or explanatory variables controlling the transition between alternative stable states, and the identification of the band of conditions for which there is a high probability of a state change (i.e., thresholds). This project develops a conceptual model of Phragmites invasion and spread, and then constructs a probability surface that relates the set of explanatory variables to the shift in stable states. Any set of conditions (i.e., explanatory variables) can then be placed upon the probability surface, illuminating the proximity of threshold conditions and how “close” any given marsh is to a transtition to an alternative state.
Expected Results:
We will develop a unique analytical method, which involves constructing a probability surface, which can be used to identify thresholds for the transition of coastal marshes to dominance by Phragmites. Any set of conditions can then be placed on the probability surface, allowing the statistical model to be used in a predictive fashion. The method could be applied to a wie variety of aquatic ecosystems for which state changes occur over either a spatial and temporal extent, or both.
Supplemental Keywords:
estuary, Mid-Atlantic, coastal marshes, CART, ecosystem condition,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, ECOSYSTEMS, Aquatic Ecosystem, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Ecological Risk Assessment, Aquatic Ecosystems, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Monitoring, computer models, aquaculture, probabilty surface, coastal ecosystem, diagnostic indicators, community structure, ecosystem indicators, modeling ecosystem change, aquatic indicators, ecosystem response, modeling ecosystemsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.