Impacts on Ecosystems
Changes to habitat, water chemistry, and other environmental variables from human development have direct implications for upland and aquatic ecosystems. Although some seemingly minute stressors result in minor impacts when acting individually, cumulative impacts and interactions may result in dramatic ecological effects. ARIES researchers investigated both issues of concern as well as the more subtle, complex stressors were suspected of affecting the ecological balance around energy production industries. For this area, the impacts, if any, of mining activity and other notable anthropogenic activities on the Appalachian ecosystem were evaluated. If any effect was either identified prior to research or elucidated from the research, possible means for preventing or mitigating negative effects were also examined. A copy of the executive summary detailing key findings in this research area can be found at the following link:
More Information: Impacts on Ecosystems Journal and Conference Papers