Section 3 Biological Sciences

*Spatial Variability in Environmental Science - Patterns, Processes, and Analyses*

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hyperspectral data and laserscan data to study beach morphodynamics along the Belgian Coast. Journal of Coastal Research. 2006;**225**:1108-1117

[53] Ruz M-H, Héquette A, Marin D, Sipka V, Crapoulet A, Cartier A. Development of an incipient foredune field along a prograding macrotidal

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pp. 1558-1571

2019;**SI88**:25-45

pp. 1505-1512

**112**

**Chapter 6**

**Abstract**

different elements.

(local, regional and national).

**115**

Spatial and Temporal Variability

Regarding Forest: From Tree

*João Carvalho, Manuela Magalhães and Selma Pena*

Spatial and temporal variability in forest has become a topic attracting great attention regarding the role of the forest ecosystems in biogeochemical cycles, climate change and biological diversity and in human society. Advances in the natural sciences have brought insights into and a better understanding about the patterns and processes at different spatial and temporal scales. At the same time, this supports a better management of the forest ecosystems and landscapes.

Variability from the tree level to the landscape is addressed. Tree characteristics and functions, forest stand dynamics and ecological succession to forest landscape ecology are put together, considering their interrelations and dependencies.

Managing forest stands and variability at different scales is described and discussed,

including the scope of sustainability. An evaluation of forest and landscape characteristics in Portugal is performed with propositions considering these

**1. Introduction: variability at different spatial and temporal scales**

A given forest ecosystem is part of a landscape ecology matrix that develops as a whole and in which several processes operate in variable spatial and temporal scales. Forest dynamics and spatial variability are closely linked, involving the effects of biologic processes and external factors, which occur at a wide range of spatial scales. In turn, spatial variation of environmental conditions creates variable abiotic templates where forest communities develop. In the forest ecosystem, many aspects change in time and space, whether as a result of its own process or influenced by disturbances. The ecosystem functioning, in its various expressions, emphasizes the

At the landscape level, different characteristics are involved, such as the amount of *habitat,* patch size, the landscape mosaic and connectivity, which are under the scope of biological conservation, ecological restoration, forest management, landscape ecology and land management [4]. Different management levels may be more or less dependent or related. In turn, different spatial scales can also be considered

The spatial pattern of forest patches involves elements such as size, quantity, type, proportion, shape and connectivity [5]. The landscape pattern may affect the

**Keywords:** forest ecosystems, forest management, landscape

internal dynamics of the system in a particular state [1–3].

to the Landscape
