Document: MOR-3-7-6

The Baltimore long term ecosystem study: A patch dynamics approach to the study of urban ecosystems.

GROVE, J.M.* ¹, S.T.A.PICKETT ² and W.R.BURCH, JR. ³

Northeastern Station, USDA Forest Service ¹
Institute of Ecosystem Studies ²
School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale University ³

Abstract:
This study examines the nature and types, pattern and processes of urban ecosystems. Urban ecosystems are anthropogenic dominated; relatively densely settled; and concentrated compositions of human populations, biophysical elements, and infrastructural components. This study will identify, describe, measure, analyze and develop predictive capability regarding the critical interactions between biophysical, infrastructural and sociocultural elements affecting urban ecosystems. Four types of analytical approaches will guide this research: 1) The human ecosystem framework (descriptive analysis); 2) Units of organization, scale and hierarchy (structural analysis); 3) Temporal and spatial dimensions of homogeneity and heterogeneity at different scales (pattern analysis); and 4) Demographic and symbolic change over time (process analysis). These approaches are interdisciplinary in that comparable units of analysis, measures, and concepts guide the core studies of all the scientific domains represented in the BES. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a more robust and unified biosocial ecology set of theories, methods, and understandings.

Keywords: urban ecology, patch dynamics, Baltimore, GIS, human ecosystem frameworks, scale, spatial analysis

This abstract is being presented at: 1:20 PM in session:
Symposium # 11: Urban Ecology: The Eastern and Western Perspectives.