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Ecological Classification and Mapping of Aquatic Systems

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A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments

Abstract

Ecological classifications group similar items to provide a framework for organizing our knowledge about ecosystems (Driscoll et al., 1984; Jensen et al., 1991). Examples of such classification schemes include soil taxonomy (USDA-SCS, 1975), potential vegetation types (Driscoll et al., 1984), channel units (Hawkins et al., 1993), stream types (Rosgen, 1994), valley bottom types (USDA, 1978), and watershed types (Jensen et al., 1997). These classifications can be given a spatial component by describing their composition within ecological mapping units (Cleland et al., 1997).

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Jensen, M.E., Goodman, I.A., Frissell, C.A., Brewer, C.K., Bourgeron, P.S. (2001). Ecological Classification and Mapping of Aquatic Systems. In: Jensen, M.E., Bourgeron, P.S. (eds) A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_25

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