How landscapes change: Integration of spatial patterns and human processes in temperate landscapes of southern Chile

A comprehensive understanding of the patterns that occur as human processes transform landscapes is necessary for sustainable development. We provide new evidence on how landscapes change by analysing the spatial patterns of human processes in three forest landscapes in southern Chile at different states of alteration (40%–90% of old-growth forest loss). Three phases of landscape alteration are distinguished. In Phase I (40%–65% of old-growth forest loss), deforestation rates are < 1% yr−1, forests are increasingly degraded, and clearance for pastureland is concentrated on deeper soils. In Phase II (65%–80%), deforestation reaches its maximum rate of 1–1.5% yr−1, with clearance for pastureland being the main human process, creating a landscape dominated by disturbed forest and shrubland. In this phase, clearance for pastureland is the primary driver of change, with pastures expanding onto poorer soils in more spatially aggregated patterns. In Phase III (80%–90%), deforestation rates are again relatively low (<1% yr−1) and forest regrowth is observed on marginal lands. During this phase, clearance is the dominant process and pastureland is the main land cover. As a forest landscape is transformed, the extent and intensity of human processes vary according to the existing state of landscape alteration, resulting in distinctive landscape patterns in each phase. A relationship between spatial patterns of land cover and human-related processes has been identified along the gradient of landscape alteration. This integrative framework can potentially provide insights into the patterns and processes of dynamic landscapes in other areas subjected to intensifying human use.

► We examine how patterns and human processes occur as real landscapes are transformed. Three phases of landscape alteration were determined as primary forest is lost. Extent and intensity of human processes vary according to the phase of landscape alteration. Spatial patterns are associated with human-related processes in changing landscape. Results could lead to a generalised understanding on how landscape change.