Abstract |
- This thesis explores the genesis of the ecoregion concept,
examines the conceptual development of ecoregion classification
systems, investigates applications of ecoregion classification
systems for a broad range of purposes, and discusses the prospects
for the further evolution of this concept. An ecoregion is an area
that exhibits patterns of homogeneity in specified criteria such as
soils, vegetation, climate, geology, physiography, land use, and
hydrology. Ecoregions provide a unifying spatial framework for
environmental research, assessment, management, and monitoring
and are appropriate tools at continental, national, and state
plarming levels.
Recent years have seen marked interest in the development,
use, and application of ecoregion classifications. A literature review
provides a thorough look at the geographer's concept of regions and
regionalization, and identifies ecoregion classifications in use today,
including Bailey's, the EPA's, and others' frameworks in the context
of their specialized perspectives, purposes, and differences. The
contemporary uses, applications, and trends of ecoregion
classifications are also discussed.
Conclusions are made regarding the proliferation of
ecoregions to meet diverse information needs, trends in expanded
use, and concerns about the information value of ecoregion classification frameworks. This analysis has shown that ecoregions
have been used effectively for a wide array of applications, including
broad-based holistic resource analysis, development of biological
criteria for water quality standards, evaluation of protected area
representativeness, wetland mitigation, and calibration of remote
sensing data. Over 40% of all ecoregion uses between 1976 and
1998 were for water quality management; however, recent trends
indicate ecoregions are being used for more holistic assessment of
terrestrial, aquatic, abiotic, and biotic resources with increasing
interagency collaboration. Ecoregion theory has developed rapidly
within the past thirty years, and this thesis identifies the current
utility of ecoregion classifications in the international arena.
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Digitization Specifications |
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