The sound spectrum can be classified
into 3 parts, called Anthrophony, Biophony and Geophony. Anthrophony is
the series of mechanistic signals introduced by human activities into
the soundscape. Biophony is the "symphony" of biological sounds in the
soundscape resulting from the environment's vocal organisms. The portions
of the soundscape composed of the environment's physical characteristics
constitues Geophony. (look for detailed definitions in the glossary)
Hypothesis:
Other fundamental hypothesis is
that changes in land use and land cover will affect ecological integrity
of MRW ecosystems. Human activities in the watershed can alter habitat
and add contaminants that degrade ecosystems. Quantifying relationships
between specific human activities, the specific habitat and water quality
changes that they cause, and the ecosystem services affected by those
alterations, will enable more accurate prediction of ecological response
to alternative plans for restoration and protection.
Methods:
We are utilizing a systematic, tiered
sampling approach using scientist, adult volunteers, students and automated
monitoring stations. We will assess ecological condition with measures
of biological, geochemical, and anthropogenic attributes. New and standard
measurements, indicator and analysis will be integrated to make more precise
assessments in the MRW. more details...
Specific outcomes of our research
include: a comparative assessment of streams, lakes, and wetlands throughout
the MRW; a database for future monitoring, environmental planning and assessments
of restoration success; regionally defined, precise, quantitative relationships
between ecosystem attributes, specific pollutants and human activities for
use in management models; new monitoring technologies that could serve as
a basis for a national ecological observation network; and an increased
public awareness of both the intrinsic values of MRW aquatic ecosystems
and the science used to make management decisions.
