Analysis of vertical differentiation of vegetation in Taishan World Heritage site based on cloud model

Mount Taishan's man-made forests exhibit distinct vertical differentiation, with deciduous broad-leaved, temperate coniferous, and mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests showing unique elevation patterns. The study reveals that the core zone of mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests has a narrower height variation range (53.74 m) compared to deciduous broad-leaved (99.63 m) and temperate coniferous forests (121.70 m). Additionally, the fuzziness and randomness in the distribution height of lower extension zones are greater than those in upper extension zones for both deciduous broad-leaved and temperate coniferous forests. The findings also suggest a trend where deciduous broad-leaved tree species may encroach upon coniferous forest habitats. This research employs cloud model analysis, combining digital elevation models (DEM) with vegetation data to quantify uncertainty in vertical distribution, offering a novel method for detailed ecological studies.

Wang, Z., Han, F., Li, C., Shen, W., Yang, Z., Li, K., & Yao, Q. (2024). Analysis of vertical differentiation of vegetation in Taishan World Heritage site based on cloud model. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61853-2