Understanding Human–Landscape Interactions in the “Anthropocene”

This article summarizes the primary outcomes of an interdisciplinary workshop in 2010, sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation, focused on developing key questions and integrative themes for advancing the science of human–landscape systems. The workshop was a response to a grand challenge identified recently by the U.S. National Research Council (2010a)—“How will Earth’s surface evolve in the “Anthropocene?”—suggesting that new theories and methodological approaches are needed to tackle increasingly complex human–landscape interactions in the new era. A new science of human–landscape systems recognizes the interdependence of hydro-geomorphological, ecological, and human processes and functions. Advances within a range of disciplines spanning the physical, biological, and social sciences are therefore needed to contribute toward interdisciplinary research that lies at the heart of the science. Four integrative research themes were identified—thresholds/tipping points, time scales and time lags, spatial scales and boundaries, and feedback loops—serving as potential focal points around which theory can be built for human–landscape systems. Implementing the integrative themes requires that the research communities: (1) establish common metrics to describe and quantify human, biological, and geomorphological systems; (2) develop new ways to integrate diverse data and methods; and (3) focus on synthesis, generalization, and meta-analyses, as individual case studies continue to accumulate. Challenges to meeting these needs center on effective communication and collaboration across diverse disciplines spanning the natural and social scientific divide. Creating venues and mechanisms for sustained focused interdisciplinary collaborations, such as synthesis centers, becomes extraordinarily important for advancing the science.     

Universities,government, and industry: An international perspective on developing environmentally conscious technologies

The educational and research roles of universities in environmentally conscious technologies are discussed from a historical perspective. The American university system, and in particular its interactions with government and industry, is compared with that of the United States' main trading partners including Japan, the NAFTA countries, and Western Europe. Examples of federally funded U.S. programs related to green design are also tabulated. The role of universities within the framework of society, politics, and economics is discussed in regard to emerging concepts such as sustainable development, life-cycle analysis, and design for environment, as well as the functioning of local recycling infrastructures. The means by which universities can contribute to environmentally conscious technology are summarized, as are the demands placed on the next generation of engineers.     

ASSESSING THE ACCURACY OF PALEOHYDROLOGIC INDICATORS,HARPERS FERRY,WEST VIRGINIA1

ABSTRACT: Gaging stations established in 1895 at Millville, West Virginia and in 1882 at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia record flows ranging from a maximum of 6,509 m³s^-1 to a minimum of 2 m³s^-1. Historical and botanical indicators were used to extend the systematic flood record of the Shenandoah River for a study reach approximately 7.5-km long. The long systematic record at the site provides a good opportunity to assess the accuracy of these sources of paleoflood information. Habitation of the area by settlers of European descent began in 1733, and historical flood records extend from 1748. Qualitative historical records from different sources were compared to yield the most complete flood history. The correlation between the various sources was extremely high. Botanical flood evidence preserved as adventitious sprouts, tree scars, and ring anomalies were documented in 37 trees. A flood chronology established from these data extended from 1896 to 1955. Botanical indicators provided an accurate, although incomplete, flood chronology. The ability to determine accurate flood stages from paleohydrologic indicators varied. Historical data yielded relatively accurate stages to within 1–2 m; only minimum values of flood stage could be obtained from botanical indicators. These results illustrate some of the strengths and weaknesses of paleohydrologic investigations in the eastern United States.     

Finding Water for Growth: New Sources,New Tools,New Challenges1

Abstract: Rapidly growing regions such as the western United States face difficult challenges in mobilizing new water supplies to meet new demands. Environmental concerns have curtailed the scope for large new surface storage projects, and widespread basin overdraft has limited ground water’s potential as a source of expansion. Drawing on the California experience, this article explores modern water planning approaches, which focus on a portfolio of options including nontraditional sources (recycling, desalination, underground storage) and more efficient use of existing supplies (conservation and water marketing). It reviews the advantages and drawbacks of the elements of the portfolio, provides examples of innovative planning approaches, and assesses the role for supportive government policies.     

Climate change effects on an endemic-rich edaphic flora: resurveying Robert H. Whittaker's Siskiyou sites (Oregon, USA)

Species with relatively narrow niches, such as plants restricted (endemic) to particular soils, may be especially vulnerable to extinction under a changing climate due to the enhanced difficulty they face in migrating to suitable new sites. To test for community-level effects of climate change, and to compare such effects in a highly endemic-rich flora on unproductive serpentine soils vs. the flora of normal (diorite) soils, in 2007 we resampled as closely as possible 108 sites originally studied by ecologist Robert H. Whittaker from 1949 to 1951 in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, USA. We found sharp declines in herb cover and richness on both serpentine and diorite soils. Declines were strongest in species of northern biogeographic affinity, species endemic to the region (in serpentine communities only), and species endemic to serpentine soils. Consistent with climatic warming, herb communities have shifted from 1949-1951 to 2007 to more closely resemble communities found on xeric (warm, dry) south-facing slopes. The changes found in the Siskiyou herb flora suggest that biotas rich in narrowly distributed endemics may be particularly susceptible to the effects of a warming climate.     

Escherichia coli,Species C Human Adenovirus,and Enterovirus in Water Samples Consumed in Rural Areas of Goiás,Brazil

Food and Environmental Virology - Rural environments lack basic sanitation services. Facilities for obtaining water and disposing sewage are often under the initiative of each resident, who may not...     

英国Safeway的可持续性战略:包括员工和消费者

Safeway是英国第4大超级市场连锁店,在全国有480家连锁店,年销售额约为90亿英镑,另外还有与英国石油公司(BP)合营的50家庭院便利店.