May 13th, 2008, Dr. Max Rietkerk
May 13th, 2008
Dr. Max Rietkerk
Utrecht University
Dept. of Environmental Sciences
Spatial self-organization, feedbacks and transitions in ecosystems
Abstract
Ecosystems self-organize into spatial patterns, demonstrating a characteristic of complex systems in which structures at larger scales emerge spontaneously from processes operating at smaller scales. Understanding and modelling these processes enable us to interpret such clear signals of spatial self-organization in terms of ecosystem’s resilience and its likelyhood of tipping toward alternate assemblages guided by new rules and different processes.
Short CV
- 1993. MSc Cum laude at Wageningen University. Environmental Sciences.
- 1998. PhD Cum laude at Wageningen University. Catastrophic vegetation dynamics and soil degradation in semi-arid grazing systems.
- 1998-2000. Postdoc at Wageningen University. Spatial ecology of arid ecosystems.
- 2000-present. Assistant professor at Utrecht University. Ecosystem analysis and modelling.
- 2004-present. VIDI researcher. Self-organized spatial patterns and catastrophic shifts in real and model ecosystems.
Literature
Rietkerk, M. and Van de Koppel, J. 2008. Regular pattern formation in real ecosystems. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 23(3): 169-175.
Kefi, S., M. Rietkerk, C.L. Alados, Y. Pueyo, V.P. Papanastasis, Ahmed ElAich and P.C. de Ruiter. 2007. Spatial vegetation patterns and imminent desertification in Mediterranean arid ecosystems. Nature 449: 213-218.
Rietkerk, M., S.C. Dekker, P.C. de Ruiter, and J. van de Koppel. 2004. Self-organized patchiness and catastrophic shifts in ecosystems. Science 305: 1926-1929.
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