1. General Model Information
Name: A Canopy and Shrub extension of the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)
Acronym: COVER
Main medium: terrestrial
Main subject: biogeochemistry
Organization level:
Type of model: not specified
Main application:
Keywords: forest, canopy closure, crown volume, crown profile, foliage biomass
Contact:
Dr. Gary Dixon
USDA Forest Service
3825 E. Mulberry Street
Fort Collins
CO 80524
Phone:
Fax : 303-498-1660
email: fswa/s=g.dixon/ ou=w04A@mhs.attmail.com
Author(s):
Abstract:
COVER is a deterministic extension of the
Prognosis
Forest Vegetation Simulator
(FVS) Model. FVS is a widely used Forest Service model used to manage forest
stands. It predicts tree canopy closure, crown volume, crown profile and
foliage biomass of trees in forest stands. It is primarily developed for use
in forests in the Western United States. COVER may be used with another FVS
extension model, SHRUBS which models understory components of a forest stand.
The COVER model requires Prognosis to run. The CANOPY and SHRUBS extensions
are evoked using the `cover' and `shrubs' options in the FVS model (Moeur,
1985). FVS stand input includes: sample design, species lists with initial
diameters, DEM data, time since disturbance, type of disturbance and
physiographic position.
The COVER and FVS models provide the user with tables showing the number of
trees per acre, canopy closure and crown profiles by 10 foot vertical height
classes. Shrub statistics for species is also produced.
The COVER extensions have been developed by Gary Dixon and Melinda Moeur. The
COVER module is being used extensively in Moscow, Idaho by the Forest Service.
Author of the abstract:
CIESIN (CONSORTIUM FOR
INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE INFORMATION NETWORK):
A Model Data Needs Assessment Report CIESIN
II. Technical Information
II.1 Executables:
Operating System(s): Any PC that has a math coprocessor DOS
II.2 Source-code:
Programming Language(s): FORTRAN
II.3 Manuals:
II.4 Data:
III. Mathematical Information
III.1 Mathematics
III.2 Quantities
III.2.1 Input
III.2.2 Output
IV. References
Moeur, Melinda. 1985.
COVER: A User;s Guide to the CANOPY and SHRUBSExtension of the Stand Prognosis Model. General Technical Report INT-190.Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, IntermountainResearch Station. 49p.
V. Further information in the World-Wide-Web
VI. Additional remarks
The Prognosis FVS model "system" , including COVER, may be useful instudying global change impacts in western US forest stands. Modules have alsobeen developed to examine forest pest impacts on forest production as well.
Last review of this document by: T. Gabele Nov 21th 1997
Status of the document:
last modified by
Tobias Gabele Wed Aug 21 21:44:41 CEST 2002