Some examples of mathematical models in forest management
Date
2009-08-24T22:48:25Z
Authors
Reed, W.J.
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Abstract
The problem of the management of a forest subject to the risk of fire gives rise to some simple models which can be profitably used in a Mathematical Modelling course. The problem can be modelled at two levels:- (a) that of the single stand, and (b) that of the "whole forest". The stand level model presented is in continuous time and provides some analytic results with interesting economic interpretations. The forest level model is in discrete-time and the results from it are numerical. The mathematical techniques used in the stand level analysis include simple probability (the Poisson process), geometric series and calculus. The forest level model is formulated using a stochastic difference equation and an approximately optimal feedback solution is found using linear programming. The results of the analyses at the two levels are complementary.
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technical reports (mathematics and statistics)