White, Joseph Daniel.Thomas, Jonathan Armstrong, 1981-Baylor University. Dept. of Biology.2009-06-102009-06-102009-052009-06-10http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5337Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-55).The present study examines canopy foliar traits and their interactions with the greater ecosystem at multiple scales. Leaf mass/area ratios, nitrogen, and phosphorus were measured and were shown to correlate with relative light levels in some species. Leaf nutrition is used as the basis for a leaf development model. Leaf mass and leaf area index data are utilized to calculate canopy fuels. Species presence/absence at sites is shown to result in significantly different crown fuel loadings. A multiple linear regression approach was adopted to create mapping that takes into account crown bulk density (CBD) spatial heterogeneity. This mapping was used for a series of crown fire simulation comparisons. Fire simulation data show significantly greater frequency of active crown fire occurrence with modeled CBD mapping. Active crown fire initiation is shown to be a function of fuel contiguity levels not achieved by average CBD mapping.vii, 55 p. : ill.585509 bytes293996 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Forest canopy ecology.Ecological disturbances.Ecological heterogeneity.Trees -- Physiology --- Texas.Forest fires -- Simulation methods.Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Tex.)ThesisWorldwide access