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Living in an increasingly connected world: a framework for continental‐scale environmental science
Author(s) -
Peters Debra PC,
Groffman Peter M,
Nadelhoffer Knute J,
Grimm Nancy B,
Collins Scott L,
Michener William K,
Huston Michael A
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/070098
Subject(s) - cyberinfrastructure , scale (ratio) , temporal scales , spatial ecology , key (lock) , data science , environmental change , computer science , global change , spatial analysis , ecology , environmental resource management , geography , environmental science , climate change , cartography , remote sensing , biology
The global environment is changing rapidly, as the result of factors that act at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It is now clear that local processes can affect broad‐scale ecological dynamics, and that broad‐scale drivers can overwhelm local patterns and processes. Understanding these cross‐scale interactions requires a conceptual framework based on connectivity in material and information flow across scales. In this introductory paper to Frontiers' Special Issue on Continental‐scale ecology in an increasingly connected world, we (1) discuss a multi‐scale framework, including the key drivers and consequences of connectivity acting across spatial and temporal scales, (2) provide a series of testable hypotheses, predictions, and an approach, and (3) propose the development of a “network of networks”, which would take advantage of existing research facilities and cyberinfrastructure. This unique framework and associated technology will enable us to better forecast global environmental change at multiple spatial scales, from local sites to regions and continents.