MEDEA: software development for prediction of Mediterranean forest degraded areas

In order to build dynamic models for the prediction and management of degra ded Mediterranean forest areas it has been necessary to build and implant M EDEA, which is a computer program. This program includes the following step s (sub-programs): (a) BIOSHRUB program, which calculates the shrublands tot al, green and woody biomass and which establishes the time differences to c alculate the growth; (b) LUCENTUM program, which builds the flux equations from the experimental data. It is based on advanced procedures of statistic al multiple regression; (c) VEGETATION program, that solves the state equat ions with the integration methods of Euler or Runge-Kutta. Each one of thes e sub-programs can act as independent or as linked programs. The aim of thi s paper is to present and analyse this software. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.