What types of ecological indices can be calculated with the model?
A large variety of indices can be calculated directly from model output including ones concerning: hydrologic flow variability, nutrient levels, plant productivity, pattern and proportion of land use, erosion, and general ecosystem health. A linked deer model will be able to estimate indicators related to deer population such as the probability of deer-car encounters. We are also developing statistical models which link simulation model output to information about higher trophic levels such as fish. We hope our continued work with the model will show us important links in the system which are critical to ecosystem function and the provision of valuable services.
