Date of Award:
5-2002
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Environment and Society
Department name when degree awarded
Geography
Committee Chair(s)
R. Douglas Ramsey
Committee
R. Douglas Ramsey
Committee
Neil West
Committee
Paul Box
Abstract
An unsupervised classification was applied to continuous biophysical variables in an attempt to delineate ecoregional boundaries in the desert southwest. Output was then compared with ecoregions delineated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Forest Service at the national level. An attempt was made to use the same biophysical variables for input into the unsupervised classification as was emphasized by the various agencies with their ecoregional classifications at the desert level. Major constraints included data availability at such a large study area, data resolution, and data that were continuous. This eliminated categorical data such as vegetation type, geology type, or soil texture. The aim of the study was to develop a more objective and repeatable approach to identifying self-similar geographic regions.
Checksum
352719129e11b868b4af748e7ca89b64
Recommended Citation
McClurg, Paxton R., "Application of Biophysical Data to an Unsupervised Classification to Map Ecoregional Boundaries in the Desert Southwest" (2002). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 6598.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6598
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