|
|
 |
DeFries, R. and K.N. Eshleman. 2004. Land-use change and hydrologic processes: a major focus for the future. Hydrological Processes 18:2183-2186. In a Nutshell: Problem - Anthropogenic land-use change has multiple consequences for the global environment, including effects on hydrology. Potential hydrological consequences include: changes in water demands as a result of irrigation and urbanization, changes in water quality from agricultural runoff and suburban development, and changes in water supply from altered hydrological processes of infiltration, groundwater recharge, and runoff. What - Methods for identifying and quantifying the hydrological consequences of land-use change are presented to help improve our understanding of these complex interactions. Findings - A variety of new techniques are suggested to improve identification and quantification of hydrological consequences of land-use change. Examples of these advances include the use of satellite data to observe land-cover changes; the use of remote sensing data to improve data collection of key variables such as precipitation, soil moisture, vegetation cover, vegetation change, and flooding; and improved collaboration among scientists from different disciplines to lend a variety of perspectives to the issues. Potential Applications - Because interactions between land-use change and hydrologic processes will be a major issue in the future, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to balance the trade-offs between positive outcomes of these changes and potentially negative unintended consequences. |
|
