Explicit avalanche-forest feedback simulations improve the performance of a coupled avalanche-forest model

The simulations showed that the behavior of TreeMig-Aval is plausible and comparable to expert knowledge and previously published literature. Moreover, large differences in the sensitivity of the avalanche release probability to the environmental factors were apparent between TreeMig-Aval and the simplified model versions, revealing that for plausible simulations of avalanche-prone mountain regions it is necessary to explicitly account for the avalanche-forest feedback in TreeMig-Aval. In particular the simulated treeline was sensitive to changes in model structure and prone to underestimation of the avalanche release probability in the simplified model versions. When the feedback is explicitly accounted for, TreeMig-Aval is a useful tool for simulation studies of mountain forests including spatially explicit disturbances.