DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/502Z-J858
Defense Date
1998
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
First Advisor
Margot W. Garcia
Abstract
Despite increased recognition of wetland functions and values, wetland loss and degradation continues in the United States. Digital wetlands and uplands coverages were analyzed to compare the cumulative impacts of humans and beaver (Castor canadensis) on wetland types in the Chickahominy River watershed (Virginia, USA) from 1953 to 1994. A vector-based approach was used for data manipulation, and a raster-based approach was chosen to analyze geographic change over time. Study findings indicated that anthropogenic activities were responsible for both wetland loss and gain in the watershed, and beavers substantially influenced shifting between wetland types. Wetland area increased 4% over 41 years.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
6-27-2018
Comments
Scanned, with permission from the author, from the original print version, which resides in University Archives.