Scientific Project C5 - Development of a
structure and process model
Staff
Scientific project C5 represents the integrative
project of the SFB/TRR. Its main objective is the verification of central
hypotheses of the collaborative research centre against the background of
found structure and process dynamics during the initial development phase of
the system. It describes the temporal development of the spatial
distribution of “structures” in the hydrological catchment, and, going out
from this basis, derives development phases of initial ecosystems and
formulates threshold values which mark transitions in new development stages.
The following tasks shall be achieved:
• A comprehensive compilation and analysis of identified relations on
different spatial scales to the point of the entire catchment.
• Development of structure generators for the catchment scale as a basis for
modelling of fluxes and a 3D data model with visualization of structure
information.
• Description of development states and development stages with
corresponding threshold values.
• Encouragement of internal interdisciplinary cooperation.
• Development of perspectives for forthcoming funding periods of the
collaborative research centre.
• The comprehensive corporate publication of scientific results of the
collaborative research centre.
The scientific project will use a structure and process model for the
integrative analysis of results. Structures of the solid phase form the
starting point due to the initial distribution of sediments (surface types,
particle distribution, sedimentary structures, technologic fill patterns).
Consecutively, hydrological, pedogenic or biogenic structures are formed. In
order to understand initial phases of ecosystem development, both spatial
and temporal structural changes have to be explicitly investigated and
considered in modelling approaches.
This task will be carried out with the help of the structure and process
model, which collects all geometric information and continuously balances
and visualizes the respective structure-forming masses and system components
of the catchment. The synopsis of the complex structural data identifies
relevant processes, which become active upon structural changes or rather
lose significance.
Below the umbrella of the overall integration, models for subregions are
elaborated based on a meaningful delimitation on the spatial and temporal
scale, whereas different methods and new approaches are developed. Based on
a spatial information system (virtual catchment), all relevant,
3D-visualized structures of the structure and process model are made
available.
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