In this project we model dynamical behavior of tree canopies attacked by an outbreak of insects. We use computational tree data structures to create a generic stochastic tree and employ cellular automata or percolation ideas similar to fire and infectious disease propagation models to describe the dynamics of the outbreak. Once such an artificial tree structure is created, a volume containing leaves is determined and broken into a large number of computational cells.
Results/Conclusions
The dynamics of the foliage including herbivory, aging, and other temporal and spatial factors is first evaluated within the computational cells and mapped back onto the tree crowns. The results show outbreak growth pattern similar to extensive field studies of M. Lowman.