Central Massachusetts

HERO-CM has three main areas of research: large-area forest change monitoring, vulnerability analysis, and prediction of land use and land cover change.

Forest Change Monitoring Vulnerability Analysis Land Change Prediction
Research questions:

  • What are the patterns and processes associated with timber harvest and forest growth in Massachusetts?


  • How can remote sensing help us accurately and consistently monitor these regional-scale changes?
    		•  Research questions:

  • How have public water systems in Massachusetts adapted to the effects of climatic hazards such as droughts and floods?


  • How well suited is this coping capacity for the sprawling population growth pattern currently unfolding in the region?
    		•  Research questions:

  • How can information about historic human behavior help anticipate and guide future human behavior concerning the way humans change the land cover?


  • How can we use geographic information science (GIS) computer technology appropriately to address these questions?
    		•

    For additional information contact Professor Colin Polsky at cpolsky@clarku.edu.

    New research grant awarded to HERO (January 2007)! This grant will catalyze research by HERO Professors Polsky and Rogan.

    Sponsors