Spatial distribution of major forest types in Croatia as a function of macroclimate.

Abstract

The model of spatial distribution of major forest types in Croatia was developed as a function of macroclimatic variables (mean monthly temperature, monthly precipitation, monthly mean global solar irradiation and monthly potential evapotranspiration) and variables derived from digital elevation model (terrain aspect and slope). Neural networks were used as modelling tool. The model was developed within a frame of raster geographic information system with spatial resolution of 300 x 300 m, and it was based on forest vegetation map (in scale of 1:500000) and interpolated macroclimatic models. The agreement between modelled and mapped forest types was very good, which suggests strong correlation between macroclimate and main forest types in Croatia and high model reliability. The model was applied for the entire Croatian territory, aiming at construction of potential spatial distribution of major forest types. The model could be useful for reaforestation planning and for prediction of vegetation succession under assumed climatic changes.