User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
I used regression analysis to quantify the correlation between birch distribution over varying aspects across a hillslope. On the graph I included a logarithmic trendline and the coefficient of determination (R squared) value. A R^2 value of 0.4198 does not indicate a strong correlation between aspect and birch distribution.
I didn’t have any trouble organizing my data and felt like this was a straightforward exercise. When I first started this project I expected to see a stronger correlation between aspect and birch distribution but now I think there are other factors that are more influential than aspect alone. I still think that soil moisture is a very dominant factor and is correlated with aspect, however; drainages, depressional terrain, or other areas where water accumulates will likely create suitable habitat for birch trees regardless of aspect.
That being said, this is a small sample size over a small area. More samples over a greater area may yield a stronger correlation between aspect and the distribution of birch.
