R3 PM Application of Spatially Explicit Techniques in Ecological Risk Assessment
Thursday, 17 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in Ballroom 3

(KIK-1117-837309) Spatially Explicit Risk Assessment: Population Models and Scenarios.

Kiker, G¹, Pandey, V¹, Linkov, I², ¹ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA² Cambridge Environmental, Cambridge, MA, USA

ABSTRACT- The Questions and Decisions (QnD) modeling framework has been developed as a spatially explicit risk assessment tool which combines both mechanistic modeling and scenario-based, value-laden planning. The RiskTrace software was originally developed as a spatially explicit exposure assessment model that provides a time series estimation of soil and food contamination that receptors may encounter in their daily movements. Combining these two modeling approaches has allowed both individual-based models and metapopulation models to be tested and compared within an adaptive, scenario-based modeling framework. QnD-simulated ecosystems are represented by combinations of component, process and data objects that are constructed through the use of XML-based, input files. This design allows different ecosystem/habitat/organism/chemical combinations to be efficiently formed, simulated and documented. Individual organisms, designed and tested within the RiskTrace model, were implemented within the QnD landscape for a demonstration terrestrial ecosystem. Both metapopulations and single individuals were simulated to explore the important effects of object design on simulation results.

Key words: metapopulation, object-oriented, model, scenario