Ecological Scaling of Aerobiological DispersalProcesses

Gage, S.H., S.A. Isard, and M. Colunga-G

Presented at the ASM at Snowbird (2000-08-02 to 2017-12-05 )

Many organisms change geographic locations during their life history using the atmosphere. They move experiencing meteorological and ecological conditions occurring at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. An understanding of the biological and meteorological interactions that govern the movement of organisms in the atmosphere is a prerequisite to developing adequate strategies for protecting human health and for sustaining a large number of terrestrial ecosystems. We present an ecological scaling approach that integrates concepts of spatial and temporal scaling to understanding aerobiology. We provide examples of the ecological scales important to the long-distance aerial movement of organisms and associated biological processes. An operational framework for ecological scaling of long distance biota movement can be achieved by linking spatially-static ecoregion classification systems with temporally-dynamic measures of vegetation phenology. Operationally, this approach integrates vegetation greening indices (NDVI) derived from satellite data with the less dynamic land cover – land use classification (IGBP) and the relatively static ecoregion boundaries. The correlation of the life histories of species, especially the timing of take-off, to ecosystem phenology through meteorological-based variables and indices allows for dynamic characterization of source ecosystems and can be used to parameterize atmospheric models to forecast the flow of biota in the atmosphere.

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