Model Outputs

The possible outcomes under a scenario represented by ALCES® are described by a series of indicators from each of three major perspectives: economic, environmental, and social. Each indicator is calculated from an equation that includes one or more terms and coefficients. For some indicators, the calculation is relatively straightforward. For example, the area of old forest simply involves the combined areas of each forest age class tracked by the model that are defined as being "old" (e.g., >100 years since disturbance). For other indicators, the calculations are much more complex. For example, the equation used to calculate an index of old forest bird abundance  involves several terms and coefficients related to forest age class, forest type, and anthropogenic footprint.