Ecosystem classification, Chapter 2

Abstract

The ecosystem classification in this report is based on the ecoregions developed through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) for North America (CEC 1997). Only ecosystems that occur in the United States are included. CEC ecoregions are described, with slight modifications, below (CEC 1997) and shown in Figures 2.1 and 2.2. We chose this ecosystem classification system because it is easily accessible, hierarchical, and based on biological, rather than purely climatic characteristics. An ecoregion is a geographically defined area that contains distinct physical features and biological communities. The descriptions include the whole ecoregion as it occurs in North America. Descriptions in the individual chapters refl ect the ecoregion as represented in the United States.

Parent Publication

• Assessment of Nitrogen deposition effects and empirical critical loads of Nitrogen for ecoregions of the United States

Citation

Robin-Abbott, M.J.; Pardo, L.H. 2011. Ecosystem classification, Chapter 2. In: Pardo, L.H.; Robin-Abbott, M.J.; Driscoll, C.T., eds. Assessment of Nitrogen deposition effects and empirical critical loads of Nitrogen for ecoregions of the United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-80. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 9-14.