Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8254548 | Chaos, Solitons & Fractals | 2016 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Deforestation is an important phenomenon that may create major imbalances in ecosystems. In this study we propose a new mathematical analysis of the forest area dynamic, enabling qualitative as well as quantitative statements and results. Fractal dimensions of the area and the perimeter of a forest were determined using digital images. The difference between fractal dimensions of the area and the perimeter images turned out to be a crucial quantitative parameter. Accordingly, we propose a new fractal fragmentation index, FFI, which is based on this difference and which highlights the degree of compaction or non-compaction of the forest area in order to interpret geographic features. Particularly, this method was applied to forests, where large areas have been legally or illegally deforested. However, these methods can easily be used for other ecological or geographical investigations based on digital images, including deforestation of rainforests.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Authors
Ion C. Andronache, Helmut Ahammer, Herbert F. Jelinek, Daniel Peptenatu, Ana-M. Ciobotaru, Cristian C. Draghici, Radu D. Pintilii, Adrian G. Simion, Camelia Teodorescu,