03264nam a2200277 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001902000180006010000120007824500930009026000160018330000110019950000560021052025450026665000130281165000240282465000120284865000090286065000130286965000220288265000230290465000090292765000170293665300200295365300130297312441832011-01-14       2001    bl uuuu  m   00u1 u    #d  a90-5808-355-11 aKOK, K.  aScaling the land use systemba modelling approach with case studies for Central America.  a2001.c2001  a153 p.  aThesis (Ph.D.) - Wageningen University, Wageningen.  aThis thesis describes and discusses the application of a land use change model that quantitatively accounts for various of scale. The unique aspect of the model is its aim to apply a multi-scale methodology as opposed to a theoretical elaboration on the existence of the scale-effect. The overall objective of this project is to analyse the scale sensitivity of land use modelling. Furthermore, it is the intention to show how different parts of the model function, how model results can be interpreted and to discuss validation results. The thesis can be read independently, but has by no means been the work of one person. Including this one, theree PhD theses are available that are largely based on the same land use model, and it is only when read together, that all aspects and subtleties of the model will become apparent. So, for any further clarification, reference is made to the PhD theses of Peter Verburg (Verburg, 2000)and Free de Koning (De Koning, 1999). This thesis applies the land use change model to Central America, in which main land use change processes are in many ways complementary to particularly the study areas of Peter Verburg (China and Java). The main reaction of land use in Central America to the fast growing demand for agricultural products is an area expansion, which results in a continuing deforestation. Among others, high population growth rates, a relativelyhigh accessibility for forested areas, and the vicinity of the US market ensure continuation of present trends. Past, present, and future developments of land use and its drivers will be discussed in the various chapters. Because of my background in ecology, I often refer to the theories that concern the ecosystem, which have a longer history and are more developed than land use system theories. In particular, many of the principles of multi-scale analysis resemble those derived in the field of landscape ecology, and ecosystem theories as formulated by Holling fit to describe the modelled behaviour of the land use system.This thesis is intended to add to the general undestanding of modelling the land use system, and will keep alive the discussion about how to model land use best. Chapter2 till 7 form the core of the thesis and will be published as articles as articles or book chapters.The advantage of presenting results in the form of number of concise and clear messages outweighs possible discontinuities between the chapters. Chapter 1 and Chapter 8 clarify and summarise key issues and merge findings of separate chapters.  aland use  amathematical models  amulches  asoil  aAnálise  aCobertura Vegetal  aModelo Matemático  aSolo  aUso da Terra  aAmerica Central  aAnalysis