Parallel analysis of clusters in landscape ecology

When ecosystems are fragmented into patches, the whole can be worth less than the sum of its parts. Parallel methods can greatly speed up statistical analysis of clusters, in landscape ecology or other fields. The term ´landscape ecology´ refers to the analysis of patterns and heterogeneity in natural landscapes and ecosystems. Computer modeling is used in landscape ecology applications to assess habitat fragmentation and its implications. Researchers in the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a model called Noyelp that simulates the search, movement, and foraging activities of free-ranging elk and bison on winter range in northern Yellowstone National Park. The model helps to explore how the scale and patterns of fire affect winter foraging and survival of ungulate populations in the diverse, multihabitat landscape of the park. This model, written in Fortran-77, analyzes maps (2D grids) to determine the number, size, and geometry of habitat regions, or clusters, representing landscape patterns, resources, and animals.<>