Curriculum Vitae
Brief summary of my research
I study the processes that determine the spatial shape and structure of estuarine ecosystems. I focus on the development of general ecological theory that is applicable in a wide range of systems, but I mainly test these principles in marine systems, on intertidal mussel beds at mudflats.
Using mathematical models, field experiments and laboratory work, my work has revealed the crucial importance of the spatial scale at which ecological feedback processes operate in determining the large-scale properties of ecosystems. Scale-dependent feedback may induce ecological self-organization, creating striking spatial patterns as observed in mussel beds and intertidal mudflats. My research showed that self-organization may have important implications for ecosystem functioning. Spatial self-organization can improves primary production, increase the resilience of the system to human disturbances, and increase resistance to stresses such as drought and increased hydrodynamic stress.
Combining experiments with mathematical modelling is an important characteristics of my research. By only sitting behind a computer, scientists may loose contact with the real word. Without making mathematical models, hypothesis may lack a logical ground. Combinations of both have the highest power in ecological research!
Projects
I am currently (co-)supervising the following PhD students:
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Monique de Jager
Testing for spatial self-organisation in mussel beds (2008-2012)
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Liu Quan-Xing
Implications of aggregation in bivalves for intertidal ecosystems (2009-2013)
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Helene de Paoli
Key processes in the restoration of mussel beds in the Wadden Sea (2010-2014)
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I am currently co-supervising the following PhD students:
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Qi Hui
Unraveling interacting feedback loops that control non-linear salt-marsh dynamics: combining experiments and modeling (2008-2012); Together with Tjeerd Bouma.
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Jim van Belzen
Modeling salt marsh dynamics as a critical system; Together with Tjeerd Bouma.
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Technical assistent
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Aniek van den Berg
Restauration of mussel beds in the Waddensea, making use of laserscanners, underwater camera's and kyte aerial photography to study the development of mussel beds. Technical assistent to the musselwad project.
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Former lab members
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Ellen Weerman
Spatial patterns in phototrophic biofilms. The role of physical and biological interactions (2005-2009).
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Bregje van Wesenbeeck
Thresholds and shifts: consequences of habitat modification in salt-marsh pioneer zones (2002-2006)
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Nicholas Azza
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The dynamics of shoreline wetlands and sediments of northern Lake Victoria (Unesco-IHE: 2000-2005)
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Selected Publications
De Jager, M., Weissing, F.J., Herman, P.M.J., Nolet, B., & Van de Koppel, J. 2011 Lévy walks evolve through feedback between movement strategies and environmental complexity. Science, in press.
Weerman, E.J., Herman, P.M., and Van de Koppel, J. Top-down control inhibits spatial self-organization of a patterned landscape. Ecology, 92(2):487–495.
Weerman E.J., van de Koppel J., Eppinga M.B., Montserrat F., Liu Q.X., Herman P.M. 2010. Spatial self-organization on intertidal mudflats through biophysical stress divergence. Am Nat 176(1):E15-32.
Van der Heide, T., Bouma, T.J., Van Nes, E.H., Van de Koppel, J., Scheffer, M., Roelofs, J.G., Van Katwijk, M.M., and Smolders, A.J. 2010. Spatial self-organized patterning in seagrasses along a depth gradient of an intertidal ecosystem. Ecology 91(2):362-369.
Wang, R.H., Liu, Q.X., Sun, G.Q., Jin, Z., and Van de Koppel, J. 2010. Nonlinear dynamic and pattern bifurcations in a model for spatial patterns in young mussel beds. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 6(37):705-18.
Van de Koppel, J., Gascoigne, J.C., Theraulaz, G., Rietkerk, M., Mooij W.M., & Herman, P.M.J. 2008 Experimental evidence for spatial self-organization and its emergent effects in mussel beds. Science 322:739-742.
Rietkerk, M. and Van de Koppel, J. 2008 Regular pattern formation in real ecosystems. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 23:169-175.
Van Wesenbeeck, B.k., Van de Koppel, J., Herman, P.M.J., and Bouma, T.J. Does scale-dependent feedback explain spatial complexity in salt marsh ecosystems? Oikos, 117:152-159.
Neutel, A.M., Heesterbeek, J.A.P., Van de Koppel, J., Hoenderboom, G., Vos, An., Kaldeway, C., Berendse, F.& De Ruiter, P.C. 2007 Reconciling complexity with stability in naturally assembling food webs. Nature 449:599-602.
Van de Koppel, J., and Crain, C.M. 2006 Scale-dependent inhibition drives regular tussock spacing in a freshwater marsh. American Naturalist 168:E136-E147.
Van de Koppel, J., Altieri, A.H., Silliman, B.R., Bruno, J.F., and Bertness, M.D. 2006 Scale-dependent interactions and community structure on cobble beaches. Ecology Letters :45-50.
Brian R. Silliman, Johan van de Koppel, Mark D. Bertness, Lee Stanton, Irving A. Mendelssohn. 2005 Drought, Snails, and Large-Scale Die-off of Southern U.S. Salt Marshes. Science 310:1803-1806.
Van de Koppel, J., Rietkerk, M., Dankers, M. & Herman, P.M.J. 2005 Scale-dependent feedback and regular spatial patterns in young mussel beds. The American Naturalist 165:E66-E77.
Van de Koppel, J., Van der Wal, D, Bakker, J.P., and Herman, P.J.M. 2005 Self-organization and vegetation collapse in salt-marsh ecosystems. The American Naturalist 165:E1-E12.
Rietkerk, M., Dekker, S.C. De Ruiter, P.C., and Van de Koppel, J. 2004 Self-Organized Patchiness and Catastrophic Shifts in Ecosystems. Science 305:1926-1929.
Van de Koppel, J. and Peter H.J. Herman, Pauline Thoolen, and Heip, C.H.R. 2001. Do multiple stable states occur in natural ecosystems? Evidence from tidal flats. Ecology 82:3449-3461.
For a full list of my publications see my ResearcherID:
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