The Vegetation of the USA as of 1986.
Things have changed since then.
This image is a mosaic of the United States prepared by using 16 images from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensors on the meteorological satellites NOAA-8 and NOAA-9. The images were acquired between May 24, 1984 and May 14, 1986.
On false-color infrared mosaics, vegetation appears in various tones of red instead of green. The "redness" indicates vegetation density, type and whether growing on dry land or in a swamp (a mixture of reddish vegetation and dark blue surface water produces dark tones). Grasslands appear light red, deciduous trees and croplands appear red, and coniferous forests appear dark red or maroon. Desert areas appear white and urban areas (pavement and buildings) appear bluish green. Lakes, rivers and oceans appear in various shades of blue, dark blue for deep water and light blue for shallow or turbid water. Exposed bedrock generally appears as a dark bluish-green or other dark tone.
On false-color infrared mosaics, vegetation appears in various tones of red instead of green. The "redness" indicates vegetation density, type and whether growing on dry land or in a swamp (a mixture of reddish vegetation and dark blue surface water produces dark tones). Grasslands appear light red, deciduous trees and croplands appear red, and coniferous forests appear dark red or maroon. Desert areas appear white and urban areas (pavement and buildings) appear bluish green. Lakes, rivers and oceans appear in various shades of blue, dark blue for deep water and light blue for shallow or turbid water. Exposed bedrock generally appears as a dark bluish-green or other dark tone.
May 9, 2005
“Earth’s climate is all about relationships, and this study shows that ground cover plays a significant part in determining changes in climate extremes,” said Diffenbaugh, who is an assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences in Purdue’s College of Science. “We are accustomed to hearing that greenhouse gases affect climate, but they are not the only factor we should consider. Our climate models also must incorporate the effect of vegetation if they are to capture the full scope of reality.”
Basically, any candidate that states she/he will reduce the effects the USA has on Climate Change needs to include in their policies a discussion about ratifying the Kyoto Protocol so the business of ensuring future generations environmental safety has a basis of understanding.
Kyoto demands the carbon dioxide limits be reduced to 1990 levels. That is a good benchmark to make permanent in the enforcement of carbon dioxide emission reduction. It also forces the EPA to set standards to meet that goal.
Kyoto demands the carbon dioxide limits be reduced to 1990 levels. That is a good benchmark to make permanent in the enforcement of carbon dioxide emission reduction. It also forces the EPA to set standards to meet that goal.
