Using a sub-pixel mapping model to improve the accuracy of landscape pattern indices

The assessment of landscape spatial patterns is a key issue in landscape management. Landscape pattern indices (LPIs) are tools appropriate for analyzing landscape spatial patterns. LPIs are often derived from raster land cover maps that are extracted from remotely sensed data through hard classification. However, pixel-based hard classification methods suffer from the mixed pixel problem (in which pixels contain more than one land cover class), making for inaccurate classification maps and LPIs. In addition, LPIs generated by hard classification methods are characterized by grain sizes (the sampling unit sizes) that limit the derived landscape pattern to a certain scale. Sub-pixel mapping (SPM) models can enable fine-scale estimation of the spatial patterns of land cover classes without requiring additional data; hence, this is an appropriate downscaling method for land cover mapping. The fraction images generated by soft classification estimate the area proportion of each land cover class within each pixel, and using these images as input enables SPM models to alleviate the mixed pixel problem. At the same time, by transforming fraction images into a finer-scaled hard classification map, SPM models can minimize the influence of grain size on LPIs calculation. In this research, simulated landscape thematic patterns that can provide different landscape spatial patterns, eight commonly used LPIs and a SPM model that maximizes the spatial dependence between neighbouring sub-pixels were applied to assess the efficiency of deriving LPIs from sub-pixel model maps. Results showed that the SPM model can more precisely characterize landscape patterns than hard classification methods can. Landscape fragmentation, class abundance, the uncertainty in SPM, and the spatial resolution of the remotely sensed data influenced LPIs derived from sub-pixel maps. The largest patch index, landscape division, and patch cohesion derived from remotely sensed data with different spatial resolutions through the SPM model were suitable for inter-comparison, whereas the patch density, mean patch area, edge density, landscape shape index, and area-weighted mean shape index derived from the sub-pixel maps were sensitive to the spatial resolution of the remotely sensed data.     

岷江上游干旱河谷耕地和居民用地的空间特征

以岷江上游干旱河谷耕地和居民用地为对象,用景观格局分析软件FRAGSTATS3.3计算了4个景观格局指数,利用ARCMAP9.0分析了耕地和居民用地与其它景观类型间的空间邻接特征,基于数字高成模型(DEM)研究了耕地和居民用地与海拔及坡度的关系。结果表明:灌木林地是干旱河谷的景观基质;耕地和居民用地斑块的平均面积和密度较小,形状简单;耕地大多在1700~3000m的区域,陡坡耕种比较严重,与灌木林地具有较高的邻接长度和数目;居民用地间隔较远,在低海拔地区分布相对较密,高海拔地区分布比较分散;对居民用地在空间结构影响最大的是耕地的分布。     

Scale dependency and fractal dimension of rarity

The rarity of species in a country is usually determined by counting the number of grid cells occupied by those species on a geographical observation grid. In this paper, we present a measure of rarity that is less sensitive to the shape and size of a country. We demonstrate that the distribution of species on a national grid is not monofractal. Consequently, rarity figures cannot be scaled down to a finer grid merely using scale-area plots. We propose a downscaling method that takes into account the non-monofractal distribution of species. Rarity figures have often been published on a scale comprising a limited number of rarity classes. This article finally provides an insight into the degree of accuracy of such classes.     

Evaluating empirical scaling relations of pattern metrics with simulated landscapes

Landscape patterns demonstrate scale-dependent properties that have been parsimoniously described by empirical scaling functions. These functions, derived from multiple-scale analysis of real landscapes, are evaluated here for their generality and robustness via a series of simulated landscapes with known landscape patterns. A factorial design was used to generate these landscapes, varying the number of classes, class abundance distribution, and patch dispersion. The results confirm that the three types of scaling relations were both general and robust. Type I metrics were predictable with simple scaling functions (e.g. power laws or linear functions); Type II metrics showed stair-case like response patterns and were essentially not predictable; Type III metrics exhibited erratic response patterns that were unpredictable in most cases. However, significant differences were found between real and simulated landscapes when landscape extent was increased. Systematic changes in grain size show that the predictability of scaling relations increases with the number of classes, the evenness of class abundance distribution, and the aggregation of patch dispersion. However, random patch dispersion seemed to enhance the predictability of scaling relations when changing spatial extent.     

黄土丘陵沟壑区景观格局对流域侵蚀产沙过程的影响——斑块类型水平

在黄土丘陵沟壑区,景观格局对侵蚀产沙过程有着复杂的影响,且与尺度密切相关。选取河口-龙门区间内42个水文站控制流域为研究对象,以侵蚀模数、输沙模数和泥沙输移比作为表征各流域单元内土壤侵蚀、产沙及泥沙输移过程的特征指标,运用景观指数和CCA排序,系统分析了斑块类型水平上景观格局对流域侵蚀产沙过程的影响。结果表明:流域侵蚀产沙及泥沙输移过程中,空间分异特征随景观类型不同而异;对于不同用地类型,影响"过程"空间分异的景观格局指标不同,显著影响流域侵蚀产沙及泥沙输移过程的景观指数有草地平均斑块面积(AREA_MN3)、居民建设用地景观面积百分比(PLAND5)、居民建设用地和其它类型用地景观的斑块密度(PD5和PD6),其中斑块密度(PD)是影响流域侵蚀产沙及泥沙输移过程的共性指标;草地、居民建设用地、其它类型用地的景观格局特征对"过程"变化的解释程度要高于其它景观类型。开展景观格局与生态过程关系研究时,不仅需要考虑景观格局的整体效应,更应关注单一景观类型及其格局特征对一些生态过程的指示意义。     

Determinants of distribution and abundance in the clouded apollo butterfly: a landscape ecological approach

Recent studies on the determinants of distribution and abundance of animals at landscape level have emphasized the usefulness of the metapopulation approach, in which patch area and habitat connectivity have often proved to explain satisfactorily existing patch occupancy patterns. A different approach is needed to study the common situation in which suitable habitat is difficult to determine or does not occur in well‐defined habitat patches. We applied a landscape ecological approach to study the determinants of distribution and abundance of the threatened clouded apollo Parnassius mnemosyne butterfly within an area of 6 km² of agricultural landscape in south‐western Finland. The relative role of 24 environmental variables potentially affecting the distribution and abundance of the butterfly was studied using a spatial grid system with 2408 grid squares of 0.25 ha, of which 349 were occupied by the clouded apollo. Both the probability of butterfly presence and abundance in a 0.25 ha square increased with the presence of the larval host plant Corydalis solida the cover of semi‐natural grassland, the amount of solar radiation and spalial autocorrelation in butterfly occurrence. Additionally, butterfly abundance increased with overall mean patch size and decreased with maximum slope angle and wind speed. Two advantages of the employment of a spatial grid system included the avoidance of a subjective definition of suitable habitat patches and an evaluation of the relative significance of different components of habitat quality at the same time with habitat availability and connectivity. The large variation in habitat quality was influenced by the abundance of the larval host plant and adult nectar sources but also by climatological. topographical and structural factors. The application of a spatial grid system as used here has potential for a wide use in studies on landscape‐level distribution and abundance patterns in species with complex habitat requirements and habitat availability patterns.     

Spatial heterogeneity in the determinants of woody plant invasion of lowland heath

Questions: 1. What is the scale and extent of spatial variability in factors affecting Betula invasion of heaths? 2. How much effect does each factor have on within‐patch patterns of invasion? 3. How can this understanding aid in managing Betula invasions? Location: Lowland heath of southern England. Methods: Determinants of Betula (both B. pubescens and B. pendula) invasion: biomass density, necromass density, mean vegetation height, P‐availability, soil water content and total Betula seed bank density, were measured at two sites on a 5‐ha sampling grid. Spatial pattern was assessed using geostatistics. Contributions of each determinant to within‐site heterogeneity in predicted Betula seedling densities were estimated by varying variables over their full and interquartile ranges in a statistical model derived from experimental data. Results: Salient spatial trends were revealed: strong autocorrelation over distances of < 50 m for soil factors and more extensive autocorrelation (0 to > 150 m) in vegetation variables and Betula seed bank densities. The latter resulted in single across‐site gradients, the former small, distinct patches. All patterns were overlain with variance that was present at distances of < 17.6 m. Variables displaying spatial pattern also accounted for within‐site heterogeneity in predicted Betula seedling densities but their relative contribution to this varied between sites. Conclusions: Identifiable spatial autocorrelation in factors controlling patch‐scale invasion patterns allows managers to target invasion prone patches, potentially reducing management intensities. Furthermore, management effort may be optimised by spatially de‐coupling Betula seed from safe‐sites. This plan may adaptable to the management of other weeds and open‐land ecosystems.     

区域农田景观格局对麦蚜种群数量的影响

明确农田景观格局对麦田蚜虫种群的影响,是开展区域性害虫生态调控的重要理论依据之一。以区域性小麦种植区为研究对象,基于遥感影像与土地覆盖分类数据以及田间调查的蚜虫种群数据,计算景观格局指数,使用负二项分布的广义线性模型从农田景观、非作物生境景观和区域景观3个方面分析了区域农田景观格局对麦田蚜虫种群的影响。结果表明,蚜虫种群的数量与草地的平均斑块面积和最大斑块指数显著正相关,与县域的平均几何最邻近距离和面积加权平均斑块面积显著负相关,与耕地的面积加权平均斑块面积显著负相关,与耕地的斑块密度显著正相关。草地斑块面积的增大、区域景观与耕地的破碎化、区域景观的聚集会促进蚜虫种群数量的增加。使用草地的斑块面积和最大斑块指数、区域景观的平均几何最邻近距离可以预测蚜虫种群的发生量。非作物生境草地的斑块面积、耕地的破碎化、区域景观的空间分布及破碎化是影响麦田蚜虫种群发生的重要景观因素。     

Classification of the heterogeneous structure of urban landscapes (STURLA) as an indicator of landscape function applied to surface temperature in New York City

Defining landscape structure and key relationships between landscape structure and function is challenging in urban areas characterized by density and patchy spatial patterns. In order to trace the spatial and temporal patterns of urban landscape structures, compare patterns across cities, or inform urban design principles, we need to classify the landscape in a way that captures context and landscape heterogeneity, but can be broadly applied across different cities or landscape variations within a city. In this study, we introduce a simple and reproducible approach for classifying the structure of urban landscapes (STURLA) that utilizes heterogeneous, composite classes which represent combinations of built and natural features, and examine the response of a landscape function – surface temperature.This classification approach is unique in that it develops composite (as opposed to homogeneous) classes, which are defined a posteriori, based on compositions of adjacent structural elements that emerge in the urban landscape, using a cellular grid to define units of analysis. We test the separability of classes that emerge from this approach, and find that it is possible to discern classes – comprised of the mix of land and building covers common in urban areas – which have meaningfully distinct temperature signatures. This classification approach may be extended to multiple cities and ecological indicators in order to offer insight into the relationship between urban landscape structure and ecosystem response, in a way that accounts for interactions among different types of urban landscape surfaces. We suggest that this approach can support spatial prioritization of landscape function needs in urban development and design approaches for improving particular types of functioning, such as reductions in urban heat.     

Patch configuration affects alpine plant distribution

The relative importance of niche requirements and dispersal limitation in controlling the landscape‐scale distribution of plants is still contentious. Local occurrence and abundance of alpine plants are commonly thought to be driven by abiotic site conditions due to pronounced environmental gradients over short distances. However, explicit tests of the additional role of dispersal‐related processes for alpine plant distribution patterns are lacking. Here, we combine niche‐based species distribution models with variables describing patch size and connectivity to evaluate if, besides abiotic limitations, spatial habitat configuration affects the occurrence and abundance of six plant species inhabiting patchy snowbed mosaics of the northeastern Calcareous Alps in Austria. Moreover, we assess if eventual effects of spatial patch configuration are more clearly detectable when calculating connectivity based on parameterized mechanistic dispersal kernels for both wind and animal vectors instead of using nearest neighbour metrics. We show that patch size and connectivity are significantly correlated to the occurrence of all and to the abundance of four out of six study species, although the relative importance of these variables, as compared to niche constraints, varies among species. In addition, connectivity measures derived from parameterized dispersal kernels were more closely related to occupancy, and in particular to abundance patterns than a simple nearest neighbour metric. The fitted kernels also suggest that dispersal by alpine chamois plays an important role for inter‐patch seed exchange. We conclude that, despite evident abiotic limitations, recurrent local extinctions and delayed re‐colonizations indeed play a role for the distribution of our study species, and that alpine plants may hence be less in equilibrium with their abiotic environment than commonly thought. Moreover, the relatively high long‐distance dispersal probabilities of animal kernels indicate that the ability of alpine plants to adapt their ranges to a rapidly warming climate may, among other factors, depend on the availability of dispersal services by large mammals.     

Small-scale spatial pattern of web-building spiders (Araneae) in alfalfa: relationship to disturbance from cutting, prey availability, and intraguild interactions

Understanding the development of spatial patterns in generalist predators will improve our ability to incorporate them into biological control programs. We studied the small-scale spatial patterns of spider webs in alfalfa by analyzing the relationship between web locations over distances ranging from 4 to 66 cm. Using a coordinate-based spatial statistic (O-ring) and assuming a heterogeneous distribution of suitable web sites, we analyzed the impact of cutting and changes in spider abundance on web distribution. We analyzed the influence of small-scale variation in prey availability by comparing web distributions to the pattern of sticky-trap captures of Aphididae and Diptera described by a count-based spatial statistic (SADIE). Cutting of alfalfa reduced the overall density of web-building spiders but had no immediate impact on the spatial distribution of their webs. Availability of aphids was highest before the alfalfa was cut and was clumped at a scale of 66 cm. Spider webs, however, were not clumped at any scale or date. In contrast, webs were regularly distributed at smaller distances (<20 cm) immediately before and after cutting. Because cursorial and web-building spiders were most active during this period, we hypothesize that the development of small-scale regularity in web locations was driven by intraguild interactions. Our results suggest that intraguild interactions contribute to the development of small-scale spatial patterns of spider webs in alfalfa. Variation in prey availability may have more of an influence on web distribution in crops with a different vegetation structure or if patterns are studied at larger spatial scales.     

杭州石荠苧的传粉、小坚果散布和邻群大小

作者在杭州葛岭对杭州石荠苧自然居群的传粉和小坚果散布进行了详细的观察和实验。结果显示 ,以 2 6 0个传粉昆虫的飞行距离推算的花粉绝对散布方差为 0 .0 82 m2 ,798个小坚果的亲子散布方差为0 .1587m2。在上述散布特点和异交率为 0 .92 5条件下的邻群面积为 2 .2 33m 2 ,在有效密度为 4 7.7株 / m 2的有效密度下的邻群大小为 10 6 .5株。杭州石荠以异交为主 ,非常有限的基因散布导致邻群面积很小 ,居群容易发生遗传分化。     

两个林分水曲柳土壤种子库空间格局的定量比较

依据地统计理论和方法,采取规则网格数据结构的空间取样设计,在树种组成、林分密度及林下植被等均不相同的两个林分中设置样地,对水曲柳土壤种子库的空间格局进行了定量比较研究．结果表明,在水曲柳杨树等混生的样地1,种子库密度较大(158．1±96．7个·m^-2),异质性程度较高(C0+C＝0．549),格局尺度相对较大(4．52m),空间自相关因素引起的变异高达89．4％,随机变异仅占10．6％,格局变异呈现较高的自相似性(分数维值D＝1．728-1．865)．在水曲柳纯林中的样地2,种子库密度较小(57．4±44．7个·m^-2),异质性程度较低(C0+C＝0．125),且主要体现在相对较小的尺度范围内(2．59m),空间自相关变异占56．8％,随机因素对空间格局的影响较大(D＝1．906-1．960)．两样地之间种子库空间格局表现的尺度范围、强度及空间结构等有显著差异,林分空间异质性是导致这种差异的主要原因．     

Integrating the Rabinowitz rarity framework with a National Plant Inventory in South Korea

Increasingly large presence‐only survey datasets are becoming available for use in conservation assessments. Potentially, these records could be used to determine spatial patterns of plant species rarity and endemism. We test the integration of a large South Korean species record database with Rabinowitz rarity classes. Rabinowitz proposed seven classes of species rarity using three variables: geographic range, habitat specificity, and local population size. We estimated the range size and local abundance of 2,215 plant species from species occurrence records and habitat specificity as the number of landcover types each species’ records were found in. We classified each species into a rarity class or as common, compared species composition by class to national lists, and mapped the spatial pattern of species richness for each rarity class. Species were classed to narrow or wide geographic ranges using 315 km, the average from a range size index of all species (D_max), based on maximum distance between observations. There were four classes each within the narrow and wide range groups, sorted using cutoffs of local abundance and habitat specificity. Nationally listed endangered species only appeared in the narrow‐range classes, while nationally listed endemic species appeared in almost all classes. Species richness in most rarity classes was high in northeastern South Korea especially for species with narrow ranges. Policy implications. Large presence‐only surveys may be able to estimate some classes of rarity better than others, but modification to include estimates of local abundance and habitat types, could greatly increase their utility. Application of the Rabinowitz rarity framework to such surveys can extend their utility beyond species distribution models and can identify areas that need further surveys and for conservation priority. Future studies should be aware of the subjectivity of the rarity classification and that regional scale implementations of the framework may differ.     

SCALE-DEPENDENT SPATIAL DYNAMICSMARINE BIRDS IN THE BERING SEA

• 1 One of the major developments in ecology has been the recognition of the importance of spatial and temporal scale in describing patterns of distribution and abundance. This article develops a quantitative framework that includes both spatial and temporal scale, then uses it to review what has been learned about a well studied group of mobile organisms — marine birds in the Bering Sea.
• 2 Review showed that lateral gradients in density are by far the most frequently measured property of birds away from colonies in the Bering Sea. Gradients are related to a variety of environmental factors, depending on spatial scale.
• 3 Review within a quantitative framework showed that the assumptions for interpreting the spatial dynamics responsible for observed patterns are rarely stated, that interpretations of pattern at sea have focused on individual movements in relation to food concentration, and that little is known about wind and water-driven movements, or rates of death and recruitment away from colonies.
• 4 Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that distribution and feeding are linked to the rate of resupply of nekton to birds near the sea surface.
• 5 The framework provided here permits the relative importance of competing processes to be stated and evaluated as a function of spatial scale. The framework should be useful in summarizing the spatial dynamics of other groups of mobile organisms.

     

长江上游坡地景观特征对河流水质的影响

景观组成及景观格局特征决定了污染物的来源和地表景观的拦截消纳潜力,地表坡降会加剧土壤侵蚀,坡地景观特征是影响河流水质的重要因素。研究基于长江上游重庆段2015年水质监测数据和30 m空间分辨率土地利用数据,提取河岸带100 m、200 m、300 m、500 m、1000 m和子流域6种空间尺度上景观格局和景观组成,并进一步将景观组成分为总地类、缓坡地类和陡坡地类三种不同坡度尺度,再采用相关分析和冗余分析（RDA）等方法定量探讨了坡地景观特征（坡地景观组成、景观格局）对河流水质的多时空尺度影响。结果表明：坡地景观特征对2015年长江上游重庆段河流水质的影响具有空间尺度效应;坡地景观特征对河流水质的影响在河岸带尺度强于子流域尺度,其中关键尺度为河岸带100 m至300 m,最有效尺度为河岸带200 m。坡地景观特征影响水质的季节差异随空间尺度不同而变化,在河岸带100 m至300 m尺度为汛期强于非汛期,在河岸带1000 m尺度相反,在子流域尺度无季节差异。建设用地面积比与溶解氧（DO）和高锰酸盐指数（COD_Mn）正相关,耕地面积百分比与氨氮（NH₄⁺-N）参数正相关,两者为水质污染"源景观",且缓坡耕地对水质的解释率高于总地类耕地;林地与水质参数呈负相关,对缓解水质恶化具有积极作用;集聚度（COHESION）、聚合度（AI）指标与NH₄⁺-N参数及斑块密度（PD）、边缘密度（ED）与DO、COD_Mn参数均呈正相关。在集水区尤其是河岸带300 m范围内,严格把控建设用地污水收集与处理,种植河岸带防护林,采取横坡耕种方式,并通过优化景观结构（如种植植物篱）以增强景观拦截力以减少污染物的集中输出,从而改善河流水质。     

毛乌素沙地油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)种群空间格局对比

以空间自相关分析、半方差分析和九项轨迹方差分析等方法对比研究了毛乌素沙地优良固沙小灌木油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)在不同沙地条件下的小尺度种群格局.结果表明:在半固定沙地上油蒿种群的空间自相关性和空间异质性较强,同时斑块与斑块间隙的分化较为显著;在固定沙地上油蒿种群的空间自相关性和空间异质性较弱,同时斑块与斑块间隙的分化较轻微.半固定沙地油蒿种群的空间格局可能受控于地表风沙流,因为频繁而强烈的风沙流可以通过淘汰非聚集植株促使油蒿种群发生斑块分化.聚集斑块不仅是半固定沙地油蒿种群生存的重要形式,而且是半固定沙地油蒿种群继续发展的基础.在半固定沙地上油蒿种群的面积扩增很可能通过斑块边缘的连续性扩张过程实现.固定沙地油蒿种群缺乏斑块分化的现象可能与种群盖度高和种内竞争剧烈有关.研究结果对流沙治理具有指导意义,当把油蒿人工移栽到流动沙地时,如果将其配置为斑块与斑块间隙交替排列的格局,将有助于提高流沙固定和植被恢复重建的效率.     

Prey Patch Patterns Predict Habitat Use by Top Marine Predators with Diverse Foraging Strategies

Spatial coherence between predators and prey has rarely been observed in pelagic marine ecosystems. We used measures of the environment, prey abundance, prey quality, and prey distribution to explain the observed distributions of three co-occurring predator species breeding on islands in the southeastern Bering Sea: black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia), and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). Predictions of statistical models were tested using movement patterns obtained from satellite-tracked individual animals. With the most commonly used measures to quantify prey distributions - areal biomass, density, and numerical abundance - we were unable to find a spatial relationship between predators and their prey. We instead found that habitat use by all three predators was predicted most strongly by prey patch characteristics such as depth and local density within spatial aggregations. Additional prey patch characteristics and physical habitat also contributed significantly to characterizing predator patterns. Our results indicate that the small-scale prey patch characteristics are critical to how predators perceive the quality of their food supply and the mechanisms they use to exploit it, regardless of time of day, sampling year, or source colony. The three focal predator species had different constraints and employed different foraging strategies – a shallow diver that makes trips of moderate distance (kittiwakes), a deep diver that makes trip of short distances (murres), and a deep diver that makes extensive trips (fur seals). However, all three were similarly linked by patchiness of prey rather than by the distribution of overall biomass. This supports the hypothesis that patchiness may be critical for understanding predator-prey relationships in pelagic marine systems more generally.     

庙岛群岛北五岛景观格局特征及其生态效应

海岛由于自然特征的空间差异、人类活动的日益增强以及生态系统的脆弱性,其景观格局空间分异性明显且生态效应趋于复杂。以庙岛群岛北五岛为研究区,基于现场调查和3S技术,从景观尺度、海岛尺度和区块尺度分析海岛景观格局空间特征,进而探讨景观格局与净初级生产力(NPP)、植物多样性和土壤性质的关系。结果显示:(1)不同尺度景观格局均表现出了空间差异。景观尺度上,针叶林、阔叶林和草地3类植被景观面积最大,斑块密度、边缘密度和平均形状指数总体较高,建筑用地也具有较大规模,其斑块密度较高,平均形状指数处于最低值,裸地也具有一定规模,其各项景观指标处于中间位置;海岛尺度上,随着海岛面积、人口和GDP的增加,斑块密度和人为干扰指数均明显增大;区块尺度上,斑块密度、边缘密度和平均形状指数与海拔呈显著正相关,人为干扰指数与海拔和坡度均呈显著负相关。海岛面积、地形和人类活动分别是北五岛景观格局的基本因子、重要限制因子和直接驱动因子。(2)海岛景观格局的生态效应与尺度密切相关。景观尺度上,各项生态效应指标在不同景观类型上均具有显著差异,海岛尺度上的生态效应指标对景观格局的响应不甚灵敏;区块尺度上,生态效应指标与景观格局指数表现出了显著的简单相关性和偏相关性,但二者结果具有差异。NPP和土壤水分主要受到景观类型和植被生长状况的影响,多样性和土壤养分同时受到景观类型和景观格局破碎度、边缘效应的影响,人为活动强度的增大地带来了各项生态效应指标的降低。控制建设规模、优化景观布局与改进开发利用方式是维系海岛生态系统稳定性的重要措施。     

云冷杉天然次生林死木分布格局及空间关联性

为揭示天然次生林群落演替规律,以吉林省汪清林业局金沟岭林场的云冷杉天然次生林为对象,采用相邻网格法调查样地(100 m×100 m)内每株林木(DBH≥1 cm)的基本特征及坐标位置,研究死木的分布格局及空间关联性。结果表明: 死木的径级分布呈左偏单峰山状分布,其中枯倒木呈多峰山状分布;各树种的死木株数与该树种的总株数没有必然联系;树种死木株数与树种混交度之间存在显著负指数关系;死木主要在0～8 m尺度上呈聚集分布,随着尺度的增大,逐渐转变为随机分布或均匀分布,以随机分布为主;中(10 cm≤DBH＜20 cm)、小径级(1 cm≤DBH＜10 cm)死木在8 m以下的小尺度上的聚集分布是造成死木总体在小尺度上呈聚集分布的主要原因。不同径级死木与不同径级活立木的空间关联性差异较大,死木与幼树(1 cm≤DBH＜5 cm)的关系较为明显,尤其是大径级死木与幼树在2～25 m尺度上呈显著正关联性;死木与小树(5 cm≤DBH＜15 cm)没有明显的关联性;中、小径级死木与中树(15 cm≤DBH＜25 cm)在0～3 m尺度上呈正关联性,与大树(DBH≥25 cm)分别在9、11～14 m以及15、42～45 m尺度上呈负关联性。树种在生物学特性、径级分布和空间布局上的差异影响着死木的株数和径级分布;混交程度低的树种可能出现较多的死木;死木空间分布格局随林木径级和研究尺度的大小产生变化;死木与活立木的空间关联性在不同径级和不同尺度上呈现出明显差异。