Econ (landscape ecology)
An econ is a concrete, vertically viewed three-dimensional homogeneous representative section of an ecotope as part of a landscape . Imagine an inherently homogeneous base on the earth's surface, which is expanded by one dimension by adding a height upwards and downwards and forms a space. The term was reintroduced in 2002 by landscape ecologist Jörg Löffler . It is intended to define the smallest possible unit of a landscape, which is selected as the basis for the investigation of vertical processes, especially the exchange of materials and energy. The term was formed as an analogy to the “ pedon ” in soil science .
The predominantly vertically oriented material flows should be considered . The considered space must be horizontally homogeneous (the terrain does not change) and vertically inhomogeneous ( earth atmosphere , hydrosphere , anthroposphere , zoosphere , phytosphere , pedosphere , geomorphosphere , lithosphere ). The Econ thus forms the smallest geographical area considered for landscape-ecological analysis. The vertical structures and the processes involved are examined. An Econ should not be demarcated and serve as a mapping unit of a concrete landscape, but only as its representative.
A related term, Tessera or Messgarten, describes a specific, delimited small, landscape-ecological study area.
The dimensional levels (landscape units) are according to this model (from large to small):
The Econ is only subject to a vertical view, all other dimensions are considered in their horizontal extent.
construction
Included landscape components such as the earth's atmosphere , zoosphere , phytosphere , pedosphere and their specific processes are conditioned in it, across compartment boundaries. As a small representative section of a larger landscape unit, the Econ offers the basis for the analysis of landscape vertical structures and the processes taking place there.
Areas created by combining similar econs are called ecotopes .
literature
- Uta Steinhardt, Oswald Blumenstein, Heiner Barsch (2008): Textbook of landscape ecology. Spektrum Verlag, Heidelberg, pp. 32-34, 42.
- Olaf Bastian, Uta Steinhardt: Development and Perspectives of Landscape Ecology. Springer Science, 2013. ISBN 978-94-017-1237-8 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Tessera in the Lexicon of Geosciences on Spektrum.de , accessed on March 31, 2016.