Abstract The theory of alternate stable states provides an explanation for rapid ecosystem degradation, yielding important implications for ecosystem conservation and restoration. However, utilizing this theory to initiate transitions from degraded to desired ecosystem states remains a significant challenge. Applications of the alternative stable states framework may currently be impeded by a mismatch between local‐scale driving processes and landscape‐scale emergent system transitions. We show how nucleation theory provides an elegant bridge between local‐scale positive feedback mechanisms and landscape‐scale transitions between alternate stable ecosystem states. Geometrical principles can be used to derive a critical patch radius: a spatially explicit, local description of an unstable equilibrium point. This insight can be used to derive an optimal patch size that minimizes the cost of restoration, and to provide a framework to measure the resilience of desired ecosystem states to the synergistic effects of disturbance and environmental change.

中文翻译：

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交替状态之间转换的成核框架：生态系统恢复的短路障碍

摘要 交替稳定状态理论为生态系统快速退化提供了解释，对生态系统的保护和恢复具有重要意义。然而，利用这一理论来启动从退化到所需生态系统状态的转变仍然是一个重大挑战。替代稳定状态框架的应用目前可能受到局部尺度驱动过程和景观尺度紧急系统转换之间的不匹配的阻碍。我们展示了成核理论如何在局部尺度的正反馈机制和交替的稳定生态系统状态之间的景观尺度转变之间架起一座优雅的桥梁。几何原理可用于推导出临界斑块半径：不稳定平衡点的空间明确的局部描述。