ACRONYM : a hierarchical tree and forest growth model framework.

Abstract

ACRONYM is an extensible tree-level forest growth and dynamics model framework for the synthesis and assessment of models and submodels of forest ecosystem processes. The framework is designed for research in forest ecology and silviculture, development and testing of silvicultural guidelines, forest inventory updates, and long-term projections of forest and landscape dynamics. The framework accepts modules (submodels) of forest regeneration, tree growth, mortality, silviculture, harvesting and natural disturbance, each of which may operate at different spatial or temporal scales and levels of resolution. Component modules can range from empirical to process based, as understanding and data permit. Modules can be interchanged with a minimum of reprogramming to allow for comparison of assumptions about processes, different data input protocols, and project-specific reporting requirements.