<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

A multitude of landscape characterisation and mapping methods exist, but few methods take into account that landscapes properties vary in a gradual, continuous manner along multiple directions of variation. In this study, we used gradient analytic methods, rooted in ecological continuum theory, to analyse landscape variation throughout Norway. The aim is to explain differences in landscape properties in the simplest possible way, by identifying ‘complex landscape gradients’ (CLGs), i.e. composite gradients of co-occurring landscape elements and properties. We collected data by stratified sampling of 100 test areas (20×20 km), in which we delineated a total of 3966 observation units (landscape polygons 4–30 km²) based on geo-morphological criteria. For each observation unit, 85 landscape variables were recorded. We identified patterns of variation in landscape element composition by parallel use of two multivariate statistical methods, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and global nonmetric multidimensional scaling (GNMDS).
The analyses revealed that the most important properties explaining differences in total landscape elements composition was location of the landscape relative to the coastline and coarse-scale landform variation. Most landscape elements had distinct optima within specific segments along broad-scale complex-gradients in landscape properties. A tentative landscape-type hierarchy was built by an iterative procedure by which the amount of compositional turnover in landscape-element composition between adjacent types was standardised. Six ‘major landscape types’ were identified based on geomorphological criteria. Within each major type, we identified a unique set of 2–5 important CLGs, representing geo-ecological, bio-ecological, and land use-related landscape variation. Minor landscape types were obtained by combining segments along two or more CLGs.
The study shows that geological diversity, biological diversity and human land-use are tightly intertwined at the landscape level of ecological complexity, and that predominantly abiotic processes control and constrain both biotic processes and human land use.
</abstract>

a) Geo-ecological research group, Department of Research and Collections, Natural History Museum

Geo-ecological research group, Department of Research and Collections, Natural History Museum

Gradient analysis of landscape variation in Norway

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 40 (2022): Issue 1 (December 2022)

Volume 39 (2019): Issue 1 (January 2019)

Volume 38 (2018): Issue 1 (October 2018)

Volume 37 (2014): Issue 1 (April 2014) Multiple parallel ordinations: the importance of choice of ordination method and weighting of species abundance data, Editor: Vegar Bakkestuen

Volume 36 (2013): Issue 1 (April 2013) A strict maximum likelihood explanation of MaxEnt, and some implications for distribution modelling, Editor: Vegar Bakkestuen

Volume 35 (2012): Issue 1 (December 2012) A gradient analytic perspective on distribution modelling, Editor: Vegar Bakkestuen

Volume 34 (2010): Issue 1 (April 2010) Vegetation composition, gradients and environment relationships of birch forest in six reference areas in Norway,
Editor: R. H. Økland

Volume 33 (2009): Issue 1 (December 2009) The lichen flora of Svalbard, Editor: R. H. Økland

Volume 32 (2008): Issue 1 (November 2008) Gradients analyses of forests ground vegetation and its relationships to environmental variables in five subtropical forest areas, S and SW China,
Editors: K. Høiland and R. H. Økland

Volume 31 (2008): Issue 1 (February 2008) Arctic and alpine mycology VII, Editors: K. Høiland and R. H. Økland

Volume 29 (2001): Issue 1 (January 2001)

Volume 28 (2000): Issue 1 (January 2000)

Volume 27 (1999): Issue 1 (January 1999)

Volume 26 (1999): Issue 1 (January 1999)

Volume 25 (1998): Issue 1 (December 1998)

Volume 24 (1997): Issue 1 (December 1997)

Volume 23 (1996): Issue 1 (June 1996)

Volume 22 (1996): Issue 1 (May 1996)

Volume 21 (1994): Issue 1 (May 1994)

Volume 20 (1993): Issue 1 (November 1993)

Volume 19 (1993): Issue 1 (November 1993)

Volume 18 (1993): Issue 1 (September 1993)

Volume 17 (1993): Issue 1 (May 1993)

Volume 16 (1993): Issue 1 (March 1993)

Volume 15 (1993): Issue 1 (March 1993)

Volume 14 (1992): Issue 1 (May 1992)

Volume 13 (1992): Issue 1 (February 1992)

Volume 12 (1991): Issue 1 (June 1991)

Volume 11 (1990): Issue 1 (December 1990)

Volume 10 (1990): Issue 1 (June 1990)

Volume 9 (1989): Issue 1 (October 1989)

Volume 8 (1989): Issue 1 (October 1989)

Volume 7 (1988): Issue 1 (March 1988)

Volume 6 (1987): Issue 1 (June 1987)

Volume 6 (1995): Issue s6 (January 1995) Supplement 6

Volume 5 (2004): Issue s5 (January 2004) Supplement 5

Volume 5 (1987): Issue 1 (May 1987)

Volume 4 (1986): Issue 1 (December 1986)

Volume 4 (1992): Issue s4 (January 1992) Supplement 4

Volume 3 (1986): Issue 1 (February 1986)

Volume 3 (1991): Issue s3 (January 1991) Supplement 3

Volume 2 (1990): Issue s2 (January 1990) Supplement 2

Volume 2 (1985): Issue 1 (November 1985)

Volume 1 (1985): Issue 1 (January 1985)

Volume 1 (1990): Issue s1 (January 1990) Supplement 1

Sommerfeltia

 Contains monographs in plant taxonomy, phytogeography, plant ecology, plant morphology, evolutionary botany. Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 

Sommerfeltia

Volume 40 (2022): Issue 1 (December 2022)

Gradient analysis of landscape variation in Norway

Search

All Volumes and Issues in this Journal