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Earth is a dynamic planet.
As we come to appreciate its history and the long-term trends that have shaped the
present, we realize that continuous change characterizes the planet, from the movement of
continents to changes in the chemical composition of the atmosphere. Perhaps nowhere is
change more obvious that on the planet's surface, where human land use shapes landscapes,
alters ecosystems, and influences the diversity of life they support. Yet an appreciation
of changing land cover and land use poses a host of questions that are difficult to
answer: What types of changes are occurring now, and how fast are they occurring? How do
these changes compare with those in the past, and what does it all mean for future
environmental quality and the habitability of the planet? This web site addresses some
of these questions for several regions of North America. More importantly, it strives to
convey the importance of a historical context for understanding ongoing changes in land
cover and land use. Each section has been written by researchers for the non-specialist
and reviewed independently by peer scientists. The contributors hope that the long-term
perspective presented here will provide a context for assessing environmental conditions,
interpreting current trends, and making more informed policy and management decisions for
the future.
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http://biology.usgs.gov/luhna/index.html
Last Updated: Tuesday, 15-Aug-2000 08:26:50 MDT
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