Survival functions for different tree species were estimated from data. Age distributions were estimated via imputation using a fitted regression of age versus diameter at breast height. Resampling techniques were used to adjust for disturbances in the data, such as disease and catastrophic fires. The final simulation model includes spatial dependencies. A simulation was run to explore the dynamics of succession under certain assumptions. It was found that over long time periods, trees formed into groups in order to maximize chance of survival.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Brown, Jason Alan.
• Way, Justin Arthur.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 04C003M

Advisor

• Morales, Carlos J.

Year

• 2003

Date created

• 2003-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mathematical Sciences
• Actuarial Mathematics

Rights statement

• In Copyright