A framework model for current land condition in Iceland

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Geoscience

Background:

• Iceland's ecosystems face degradation due to 1100 years of human disturbance, including grazing and wood harvesting.
• Land conditions range from barren deserts to altered vegetation and degraded soils.
• Understanding ecosystem resilience is crucial for land management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a novel resilience-based model (RBC-model) for assessing current land conditions in Iceland.
• To identify key factors influencing ecosystem resilience and stability against human disturbances.
• To inform land use management strategies for Iceland's unique environment.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a resilience-based model (RBC-model).
• Random sampling of 500 areas (250 x 250 m) across Iceland.
• Utilizing existing databases and satellite imagery for factor and land condition data.

Main Results:

• Elevation and drainage were the most significant factors explaining land condition variability (R2 = 0.65).
• Proximity to volcanic activity and scree slopes also showed significant relationships.
• Model accuracy improved to R2 = 0.68 when Iceland was divided into four regions, with poorer conditions noted at lower elevations in northern peninsulas.

Conclusions:

• The novel RBC model effectively explains variations in Iceland's land condition.
• Key factors influencing resilience include elevation, drainage, slope characteristics, and proximity to volcanic activity.
• Management strategies, particularly for grazing, should integrate these factors and regional differences.