ON THE APPLICATION OF CHAOS THEORY TO ANALYSE FLUCTUATIONS IN WET MEADOWS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Abstract

The very complex behaviour of non-linear systems can make any predictability in the longer term extremely difficult if not impossible. Chaotic dynamics is likely to be the rule rather than the exception in natural ecosystems. In this context, new possibilities are offered by tools of chaos theory with the application of simple but non-linear mathematical models that might be able to describe a major part of the dynamics of the level of aggregation we are observing. The authors present preliminary results based on the application of an interacting particle system (IPS) model to analyse long-term investigations of vegetation dynamics in permanent plots.