The Issue Simulation models are well suited to studying tree populations and the effect of fire on these trees. Because trees grow slowly, field trials are generally not carried out for enough time to capture ecological processes occurring over decades. Likewise the random nature of fire frequency, the slow and gradual effects fire has on the topical savannas, and the expense and difficulty in developing large scale fire experiments, make simulation models a valuable research tool in fire ecology.
CSIRO Research In partnership with the Tropical Savannas CRC we have developed the Flames simulation model that allows us to predict the outcomes of fire management options on the structure and diversity of tree populations at a landscape scale. The understanding of vegetation dynamics that drives the model is derived from CSIRO's Kapalga Fire Experiment and other work by Tropical Savannas CRC partners.
The Flames model also allows us to understand the dynamics of many other issues important to managing the tropical savannas.
These include:
Fuel load accumulation
Fire behaviour and spread
Carbon stock accounting
Gaseous emissions
Grass production
Water use and surface hydrology
Effect of introduced weed species
The economics of fire management on pastoral enterprises
Effect of climate change on tree dynamics
International Collaboration
The Flames model is currently being used to simulate the effect of fire in Kruger National Park, South Africa and develop intercontinental model comparisons.
