Analysis and prediction of gap dynamics in a secondary deciduous broadleaf forest of central japan using airborne multi-lidar observations

Abstract

Gaps are important for growth of vegetation on the forest floor. However, monitoring of gaps in large areas is difficult. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data make precise gap mapping possible. We formulated a method to describe changes in gaps by time-series tracking of gap area changes using three digital canopy height models (DCHMs) based on LiDAR data collected in 2005, 2011, and 2016 over secondary deciduous broadleaf forest. We generated a mask that covered merging or splitting of gaps in the three DCHMs and allowed us to identify their spatiotemporal relationships. One-fifth of gaps merged with adjacent gaps or split into several gaps between 2005 and 2016. Gap shrinkage showed a strong linear correlation with gap area in 2005, via lateral growth of gap-edge trees between 2005 and 2016, as modeled by a linear regression analysis. New gaps that emerged between 2005 and 2011 shrank faster than gaps present in 2005. A statistical model to predict gap lifespan was developed and gap lifespan was mapped using data from 2005 and 2016. Predicted gap lifespan decreased greatly due to shrinkage and splitting of gaps between 2005 and 2016.