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Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization

Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization. Urban Population Percent. Source: United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2001 Revision (medium scenario), 2002. Why ecology of urbanization?. Global population is rapidly urbanizing. Why ecology of urbanization?.

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Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization

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  1. Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  2. Urban Population Percent Source: United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2001 Revision (medium scenario), 2002. Why ecology of urbanization? • Global population is rapidly urbanizing Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  3. Why ecology of urbanization? • Growing interest in designing “liveable cities” Images from http://www.smartgrowthamerica.com/ Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  4. Why ecology of urbanization? Baltimore Ecosystem Study Central Arizona – Phoenix Study • New research initiatives to understand ecological processes in cities Map fromhttp://lternet.edu/sites/ Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  5. Key question: How does landuse change alter ecosystem processes? Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  6. Hydrology …… Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  7. Hydrology …… • Vegetation removal • Impervious surfaces • Artificial drainage structures Graphic provided by Center For Watershed Protection http://www.cwp.org/ Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  8. Hydrology …… • Reduction in evapotranspiration • Reduction in infiltration / soil moisture storage • Increase in surface runoff • Increased efficiency in drainage Graphic provided by Center For Watershed Protection http://www.cwp.org/ Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  9. Hydrology …… • Rapid response to runoff (high velocity streamflow) • Increase in flood peaks • Reduction in baseflow Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  10. Hydrology …… • Changes in frequency and magnitude of floods Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  11. Geomorphology….. …… Hydraulic geometry of river channels Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  12. Geomorphology….. …… Profile Changes in -- Cross-section Planform Figures from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  13. Riparian zones ….. …… • Filter nutrients and pollutants • Provide thermal cover (shading) • Enhance streambank stability Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  14. The urban atmosphere ….. …… • Aerodynamics • Albedo (surface reflectance) • Particulates and gases Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  15. The urban atmosphere ….. …… • Urban “heat island” effect Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  16. Biogeochemical cycles ….. …… … Carbon … • Stores – • Vegetation • Soil • Biota • Structures • Fluxes – • Fire • Fossil fuel combustion Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  17. Biogeochemical cycles ….. …… … Nitrogen … • Sources – • Fixation • Deposition • Decomposition • Transformations – • Mineralization • Nitrification • Immobilization (plant uptake) • Assimilation • Denitrification • Leaching to streams Figure from Don Ross, UVM Plant & Soil Science Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  18. Habitat ….. …… Figures from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  19. So how do we pull all this together? Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  20. Appreciate process complexity and process interactions Figure from Christopherson, Geosystems (5th edition), Prentice-Hall, 2003 … across multiple spatial scales Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  21. Consider models of ecosystem behavior Figure from http://www.ntsg.umt.edu/ecosystem_modeling/BiomeBGC/default.htm Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  22. Consider social processes Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  23. What it all boils down to …. A geographical perspective Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  24. So how do I know if this seminar is right for me? Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

  25. This seminar is designed for students … • with some background in physical geography, earth science or ecology • interested in a discussion-oriented format • with time to commit at least four hours per week to out-of-class preparation • willing to work in groups, learn from each other, participate actively Geog 242: Ecology of Urbanization Spring 2004

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