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Analysis of topography and vegetation distribution using a digital elevation model: case study of a snowy mountain basin in northeastern Japan

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Abstract

This study examines the relations between the local variations in vegetation and topography using logistic regression (LR) and GIS in a snowy basin in the Ohu Mountains of northeastern Japan. The spatial distribution of seven vegetation classes interpreted from aerial photographs—(a) large-sparse crown beech forest, (b) middle-dense crown beech forest, (c) dwarf beech scrub, (d) dwarf bamboo thicket, (e) Japanese white pine forest, (f) snow-avalanche scrub or meadow, and (g) riparian forest—was analyzed with terrain parameters derived from a 10 m digital elevation model (10 m DEM) and parameters of landslide distribution and surface geology. While large-sparse crown beech forests dominate the slopes, smaller crown beech forests or scrubs are often found on the west-facing (i.e., windward side) upper parts of slopes and crests. On the contrary, snow-avalanche scrubs or meadows are found on the leeward side of steep slopes and concave plan curvatures. Dwarf bamboo thickets are often found on east-facing (i.e., leeward side) gently sloping crests, where the snow remains until summer. Japanese white pine forests respond positively to sharp ridges, whereas riparian forests show a positive response to the gently sloping lower parts of slopes and bottomlands at low elevation. The heterogeneous vegetation distribution in the basin indicates differences in site conditions (e.g., soil–water conditions), and the existence of various disturbance regimes induced by the strong winter monsoon with heavy snowfall, snow movements (e.g., avalanches), and temporal differences in snowmelt on different topographies. The estimated vegetation maps could be used for forest management and restoration.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Prof. Masamu Aniya, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Dr. Charles Ndegwa Mundia, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, and Dr. Courage Kamusoko, Asia Air Survey Co. Ltd., for their comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript. Our thanks also go to Dr. Kazuhiko Hoshizaki, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Dr. Katsuhiro Osumi and Mr. Kazunori Takahashi, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, and Dr. Takuo Nakgaike, Yamanashi Forest Research Institute, for their assistance during fieldwork.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest Management, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8687, Japan

    Toshiya Matsuura

  2. Tadami Beech and River Museum, 2590 Machishita, Tadami, Tadami-machi, Fukushima, 968-0421, Japan

    Wajiro Suzuki

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  1. Toshiya Matsuura
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  2. Wajiro Suzuki
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Correspondence to Toshiya Matsuura.

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Matsuura, T., Suzuki, W. Analysis of topography and vegetation distribution using a digital elevation model: case study of a snowy mountain basin in northeastern Japan. Landscape Ecol Eng 9, 143–155 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-012-0187-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-012-0187-2

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