Everglades Ecological Simulation Models for Hydrological Scenarios

A multimodel suite for the Greater Everglades simulates the effects of hydrological scenarios on biotic populations and vegetation succession. The ATLSS program, coordinated by USGS and university researchers, integrates linked models for physical processes and species response across the landscape. It supports the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) by providing quantitative projections for restoration planning.

Use Cases

• Project changes in vegetation types using a succession model based on hydrology, fire frequency, and nutrient loading inputs.
• Compare relative impacts of alternative hydrologic scenarios on biotic components using spatially explicit species indices (SESI) for breeding and foraging success.
• Translate hydrologic scenario outputs into effects on habitat suitability and demographic variables for selected Everglades biota.
• Estimate high-resolution water depth across the landscape using topographic data within the common framework.

Strengths

• Integrated multimodel suite linking physical and biotic system components.
• Framework utilizes common high-resolution vegetative, topographic, and land use maps for spatial consistency.
• Designed to support adaptive assessment and monitoring within a major restoration plan (CERP).

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column details, and dataset size are unknown.
• Data accessibility may be limited as models are migrating to a web-based platform.
• Geographic scope is restricted to the Greater Everglades region of South Florida.

Provenance

Source

USGS ATLSS Program, coordinating modelers and ecologists from multiple universities and research centers.

Collection Method

Computer simulation models integrating outputs from physical system models (e.g., hydrology) into ecological models.

Geography

Greater Everglades, South Florida, USA.