Topology of Sustainability - Ecosystems
Ecosystems are a systemic way to differentiate distinctively different biological and physical characteristics based upon temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, air quality, existing vegetation, aquatic systems, and wildlife. Ecosystems are dynamic in behavior, forming coherent undivided units that go beyond political boundaries.
Ecosystem Topology can be generalized into four general categories, Polar, Dry, Temperate, and Tropical.
Polar
Polar ecosystems are located at high latitudes (60 to 90 degrees North and South). They are constrained by polar and arctic air masses. Polar ecosystems have a long winter season and short spring, summer and fall seasons. The seasonal fluctuation of energy and temperature is significantly larger than the daily fluctuation. There is light precipitation and low temperatures.
Temperate
Temperate ecosystems are located in the middle latitudes (30 to 60 degrees North and South). They are constrained by tropical and polar air masses. Temperate ecosystems have four distinct seasons. The seasonal fluctuation of energy and temperature is larger than the daily fluctuation. There is moderate rainfall and a broad range of temperatures over the year.
Dry
Dry ecosystems occupy the same latitudes as temperate ecosystems (30 to 60 degrees North and South). They are constrained by tropical and polar air masses. Dry ecosystems have four distinct seasons. The seasonal fluctuation of energy and temperature is larger than the daily fluctuation. Dry ecosystems cover the largest portion of the earth's surface. Dry ecosystems have similar characteristics to temperate ecosystems except that the evaporation exceeds precipitation.
Tropical
Tropical ecosystems are located in the low latitudes (0 to 30 degrees North and South). They are constrained by equatorial and tropical air masses. There is no distinct season. The daily fluctuation of energy and temperature is larger than the seasonal fluctuation. There is heavy rainfall and temperatures average above 64° (F) all year long.
These four general categories can be systemically divided into smaller and smaller units.