DOCSLIB.ORG

Pacific Gas & Electric Company Bay Area Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pacific Gas & Electric Company Bay Area Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Pacific Gas & Electric Company Bay Area Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan Final Environmental Assessment September 2017 Pacific Gas & Electric Company Bay Area Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan Final Environmental Assessment September 2017 Prepared by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2800 Cottage Way, W-2650 Sacramento, CA 95825-1846 Contact: Mike Thomas, Division Chief Conservation Planning Branch (916) 414-6678 Prepared by: North State Resources, Inc. 5000 Bechelli Lane, Suite 203 Redding, CA 96002 Contact: Wirt Lanning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Final Environmental Assessment for the Pacific Gas & Electric Company Bay Area Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan. September. (NSR No. 26301). Redding, CA. With technical assistance from North State resources, Inc., Redding, CA. Public Comments and Agency Responses Public comments received on the Draft Environmental Assessment and the Service’s responses are provided as an attachment to the Service’s Findings and Recommendations/Finding of No Significant Impact which can be located on the Service’s website: https://www.fws.gov/sacramento/outreach/Newsroom/outreach_newsroom.htm PG&E Bay Area Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan Final Environmental Assessment Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ vii Chapter 1. Purpose and Need ....................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Background .............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Regulatory Context .................................................................................................. 1-4 1.2.1 Endangered Species Act .......................................................................... 1-4 1.2.2 National Environmental Policy Act......................................................... 1-5 1.3 Species Covered by the HCP ................................................................................... 1-6 1.4 Proposed Action Addressed in This EA .................................................................. 1-9 1.5 Proposed Plan Area Addressed in This EA ............................................................. 1-9 1.6 Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action ....................................................... 1-11 Chapter 2. Proposed Action and Alternatives ............................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Alternatives and HCP Development Process ........................................................... 2-1 2.2 Alternative 1: Proposed Action ............................................................................... 2-1 2.2.1 Covered Activities ................................................................................... 2-2 2.2.2 Conservation Strategy ............................................................................. 2-9 2.2.3 Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation ........................................... 2-22 2.3 Alternative 2: No Action ....................................................................................... 2-24 2.4 Alternatives Eliminated from Further Consideration ............................................ 2-25 2.4.1 Changed Practices ................................................................................. 2-26 2.4.2 Large Maintenance Projects .................................................................. 2-27 2.4.3 Participate in Existing HCPs in the Bay Area ....................................... 2-27 Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ..................................... 3-1 3.1 Agricultural Resources ......................................................................................... 3.1-1 3.1.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.1-1 3.1.2 Environmental Consequences .............................................................. 3.1-5 3.2 Air Quality and Climate Change .......................................................................... 3.2-1 3.2.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.2-1 3.2.2 Environmental Consequences ............................................................ 3.2-12 3.3 Biological Resources ............................................................................................ 3.3-1 3.3.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.3-1 3.3.2 Environmental Consequences ............................................................ 3.3-16 3.4 Cultural Resources ................................................................................................ 3.4-1 3.4.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.4-1 3.4.2 Environmental Consequences .............................................................. 3.4-7 3.5 Environmental Justice ........................................................................................... 3.5-1 3.5.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.5-1 3.5.2 Environmental Consequences .............................................................. 3.5-3 3.6 Geology/Soils and Paleontology ........................................................................... 3.6-1 3.6.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.6-1 3.6.2 Environmental Consequences ............................................................ 3.6-13 Final Environmental Assessment September 2017 PG&E Bay Area O&M HCP Environmental Assessment Page ii 3.7 Hydrology and Water Quality .............................................................................. 3.7-1 3.7.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.7-1 3.7.2 Environmental Consequences ............................................................ 3.7-10 3.8 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................. 3.8-1 3.8.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.8-1 3.8.2 Environmental Consequences .............................................................. 3.8-5 3.9 Public Health and Environmental Hazards .......................................................... 3.9-1 3.9.1 Affected Environment .......................................................................... 3.9-1 3.9.2 Environmental Consequences .............................................................. 3.9-8 3.10 Visual Resources ................................................................................................ 3.10-1 3.10.1 Affected Environment ........................................................................ 3.10-1 3.10.2 Environmental Consequences ............................................................ 3.10-6 3.11 References .......................................................................................................... 3.11-1 3.11.1 Agricultural Resources....................................................................... 3.11-1 3.11.2 Air Quality and Climate Change ........................................................ 3.11-1 3.11.3 Biological Resources ......................................................................... 3.11-2 3.11.4 Cultural Resources ............................................................................. 3.11-2 3.11.5 Environmental Justice ........................................................................ 3.11-3 3.11.6 Geology/Soils and Paleontology ........................................................ 3.11-4 3.11.7 Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................ 3.11-6 3.11.8 Noise and Vibration ........................................................................... 3.11-6 3.11.9 Public Health and Environmental Hazards ........................................ 3.11-7 3.11.10 Visual Resources ................................................................................ 3.11-7 Chapter 4. Other Required Analysis ........................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 Unavoidable Adverse Effects .................................................................................. 4-1 4.2 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources ...................................... 4-1 4.3 Short-Term Uses Versus Long-Term Productivity ................................................. 4-1 4.4 Cumulative Effects .................................................................................................. 4-1 4.4.1 NEPA Requirements ............................................................................... 4-1 4.4.2 Approach to Analysis .............................................................................. 4-2 4.4.3 Cumulative Effects Analysis ................................................................................... 4-3 4.5 References Cited in this Section ............................................................................ 4-16 Chapter 5. List of Preparers ........................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Geologic Resource Evaluation Report
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Program Center Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Geologic Resource Evaluation Report Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/GRD/NRR—2007/008 THIS PAGE & ON THE COVER: Whiskeytown Lake, Whiskeytown NRA, CA NPS Photos Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Geologic Resource Evaluation Report Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/GRD/NRR—2007/008 Geologic Resources Division Natural Resource Program Center P.O. Box 25287 Denver, Colorado 80225 June 2007 U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. The Natural Resource Publication series addresses natural resource topics that are of interest and applicability to a broad readership in the National Park Service and to others in the management of natural resources, including the scientific community, the public, and the NPS conservation and environmental constituencies. Manuscripts are peer- reviewed to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and is designed and published in a professional manner. Natural Resource Reports are the designated medium for disseminating high priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management applicability. Examples of the diverse array of reports published in this series include vital signs monitoring plans; "how to" resource management papers; proceedings of resource management workshops or conferences; annual reports of resource programs or divisions of the Natural Resource Program Center; resource action plans; fact sheets; and regularly- published newsletters. Views and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the National Park Service.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Site AX001X04X401 Cryic Udic Forest
    Natural Resources Conservation Service Ecological site AX001X04X401 Cryic Udic Forest Last updated: 1/06/2021 Accessed: 09/26/2021 General information Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site. MLRA notes Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 001X–Northern Pacific Coast Range, Foothills, and Valleys This long and narrow resource area stretches along the Pacific Border Province of the Pacific Mountain System in Oregon and Washington. The area is bounded by the Olympic Mountains on the north and the Klamath Mountains on the south. Most of the area consists of hills and low mountains with gentle to steep slopes. The parent materials are composed primarily of young Tertiary sedimentary rocks with some minor volcanic rocks. Glacial till and outwash deposits are found in the northern half of the area within Washington. In the far southern portion of the area, near the Klamath Mountains, the sedimentary rocks are older and some have been metamorphosed. The average annual precipitation ranges from 60 to 200 inches, increasing with elevation. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Andisols, Inceptisols, and Ultisols. Soil depth ranges from shallow to very deep. While most soils in the area are well drained and occur on foothills, mountain slopes and ridges, floodplain and depressional soils can range from well drained to very poorly drained. Soil textures are typically medial, loamy, or clayey. The dominant soils in the area have a mesic or frigid soil temperature regime and a udic soil moisture regime; however, soils with an aquic soil moisture regime or cryic soil temperature regime do occur.
    [Show full text]
  • A National Survey of Crystalline Rocks and Recommendations of Regions to Be Explored for High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository Sites
    Bill-OCRD— 1 OCRD-1 Distribution Category UC-70 DE82 010252 A National Survey of Crystalline Rocks and Recommendations of Regions to Be Explored for High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository Sites Technical Report Aoril 1983 DISCLAIMER This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United Slates Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsi­ bility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Refer­ ence herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recom­ mendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. Office of Crystalline Repository Development Battelle Memorial Institute 505 King Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 The content of this report was effective as of April 1983. This report was prepared by Battelle Project Management Division, Office of Crystalline Repository Development under Contract No. DE-AC02- 83CH10140 with the U.S. Department of Energy. NOTICE Portions or this report a m illegibiE/’ It has been reproduced from the best Available copy to permit the broadest possible availability. A major purpose of the Techni­ cal Information Center is to provide the broadest dissemination possi­ ble of information contained in DOE’s Research and Development Reports to business, industry, the academic community, and federal, state and local governments.
    [Show full text]
  • UC Davis UC Davis Previously Published Works
    UC Davis UC Davis Previously Published Works Title The role of topographic variability in river channel classification Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9pg1x6j9 Journal Progress in Physical Geography, 41(5) ISSN 0309-1333 Authors Lane, BA Pasternack, GB Dahlke, HE et al. Publication Date 2017-10-01 DOI 10.1177/0309133317718133 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California Article Progress in Physical Geography 1–31 ª The Author(s) 2017 The role of topographic Reprints and permission: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav variability in river channel DOI: 10.1177/0309133317718133 classification journals.sagepub.com/home/ppg Belize A. Lane Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA Gregory B. Pasternack Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA Helen E. Dahlke Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA Samuel Sandoval-Solis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA Abstract To date, subreach-scale variations in flow width and bed elevation have rarely been included in channel classifi- cations. Variability in topographic features of rivers, however, in conjunction with sediment supply and discharge produces a mosaic of channel forms that provides unique habitats for sensitive aquatic species. In this study we investigated the utility of topographic variability attributes (TVAs) in distinguishing channel types and dominant channel formation and maintenance processes in montane and lowland streams of the Sacramento River basin, California, USA.
    [Show full text]
  • USGS Geologic Investigations Series I-2720, Pamphlet
    A Tapestry of Time and Terrain Pamphlet to accompany Geologic Investigations Series I–2720 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey This page left intentionally blank A Tapestry of Time and Terrain By José F. Vigil, Richard J. Pike, and David G. Howell Pamphlet to accompany Geologic Investigations Series I–2720 U.S. Department of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Charles G. Groat, Director Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publica- tion is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. United States Government Printing Office: 2000 Reprinted with minor corrections: 2008 For additional copies please contact: USGS Information Services Box 25286 Denver, CO 80225 For more information about the USGS and its products: Telephone: 1–888–ASK–USGS World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/ Text edited by Jane Ciener Layout and design by Stephen L. Scott Manuscript approved for publication, February 24, 2000 2 Introduction are given in Thelin and Pike (1991). Systematic descriptions of the terrain features shown on this tapestry, as well as the Through computer processing and enhancement, we have geology on which they developed, are available in Thornbury brought together two existing images of the lower 48 states of (1965), Hunt (1974), and other references on geomorphology, the United States (U.S.) into a single digital tapestry. Woven the science of surface processes and their resulting landscapes into the fabric of this new map are data from previous U.S. (Graf, 1987; Bloom, 1997; Easterbrook, 1998). Geological Survey (USGS) maps that depict the topography and geology of the United States in separate formats.
    [Show full text]
  • Transverse Ranges - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    San Gabriel Mountains - Field Trip http://www.csun.edu/science/geoscience/fieldtrips/san-gabriel-mts/index.html Sourcebook Home Biology Chemistry Physics Geoscience Reference Search CSUN San Gabriel Mountains - Field Trip Science Teaching Series Geography & Topography The Sourcebook for Teaching Science Hands-On Physics Activities Tour - The route of the field trip Hands-On Chemistry Activities GPS Activity HIstory of the San Gabriels Photos of field trip Internet Resources Geology of the San Gabriel Mountains I. Developing Scientific Literacy 1 - Building a Scientific Vocabulary Plate Tectonics, Faults, Earthquakes 2 - Developing Science Reading Skills 3 - Developing Science Writing Skills Rocks, Minerals, Geological Features 4 - Science, Technology & Society Big Tujunga Canyon Faults of Southern California II. Developing Scientific Reasoning Gneiss | Schist | Granite | Quartz 5 - Employing Scientific Methods 6 - Developing Scientific Reasoning Ecology of the San Gabriel Mountains 7 - Thinking Critically & Misconceptions Plant communities III. Developing Scientific Animal communities Understanding Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains 8 - Organizing Science Information Human impact 9 - Graphic Oganizers for Science 10 - Learning Science with Analogies 11 - Improving Memory in Science Meteorology, Climate & Weather 12 - Structure and Function in Science 13 - Games for Learning Science Inversion Layer Los Angeles air pollution. Åir Now - EPA reports. IV. Developing Scientific Problem Climate Solving Southern Calfirornia Climate 14 - Science Word Problems United States Air Quality blog 15 - Geometric Principles in Science 16 - Visualizing Problems in Science 1 of 2 7/14/08 12:56 PM San Gabriel Mountains - Field Trip http://www.csun.edu/science/geoscience/fieldtrips/san-gabriel-mts/index.html 17 - Dimensional Analysis Astronomy 18 - Stoichiometry 100 inch Mount Wilson telescope V.
    [Show full text]
  • Geological Survey Research 1962
    Geological Survey Research 1962 Synopsis of Geologic, Hydrologic, and Topographic Results GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 450-A Geological Survey Research 1962 THOMAS B. NOLAN, Director GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 450 Asynopsis of results ofgeologic, hydro logic, and topo­ graphic investigations for fiscalyear 1962, accom­ panied by short papers in the fields of geology, hydrology, topography, and allied sciences. Pub­ lished separately as Chapters A, B, C, D, and E UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1962 FOREWORD The reception accorded the 1960 and 1961 Annual Reviews of Geological Survey research has encouraged us to prepare this volume, "Geological Survey Research, 1962," in a con­ tinuing effort to publish more quickly the significant results of our current investigations. We continue to consider these reports as experimental and have again this year modified the content, format, and frequency of release of chapters in an attempt to serve better the interests of the users of the reports. The comments and suggestions of these users are here solicited and will be considered carefully as future volumes are planned. The current Annual Review consists of five chapters (Chapters A through E) of Pro­ fessional Paper 450. As in the preceding two Annual Reviews, Chapter A is a synopsis of recent findings in the many and varied lines of study pursued by Survey personnel. Chap­ ters, B, C, D, and E of this volume are collections of short articles in geology, hydrology, topography, and allied fields. These articles are numbered as follows: Prof. Paper 450-B Articles 1-59 Prof. Paper 450-C Articles 60-119 Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • Air Quality in the Pacific Northweast Region
    FINAL REPORT STATUS OF AIR QUALITY AND EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS ON ECOSYSTEMS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Submitted by J.M. Eilers1 C.L. Rose2 and T.J. Sullivan1 to the Air Quality Division National Park Service Denver, CO October, 1994 1 E&S Environmental Chemistry, Inc. 2 Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service Final Report - Status of Air Quality and Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants October, 1994 on Ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest Region of the National Park Service Page ii ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................................... vi ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................................. xi I. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................................... 1 A. BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................................... 1 B. OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 C. SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • TM 3-34.61(TM 5-545/8 July 1971) GEOLOGY February 2013
    TM 3-34.61(TM 5-545/8 July 1971) GEOLOGY February 2013 Publication of TM 3-34.61, 12 February 2013 supersedes TM 5-545, Geology, 8 July 1971. This special conversion to the TM publishing medium/nomenclature has been accomplished to comply with TRADOC doctrine restructuring requirements. The title and content of TM 3-34.61 is identical to that of the superseded TM 5-545. This special conversion does not integrate any changes in Army doctrine since 8 July 1971 and does not alter the publication’s original references; therefore, some sources cited in this TM may no longer be current. For the status of official Department of the Army (DA) publications, consult DA Pam 25- 30, Consolidated Index of Army Publications and Blank Forms, at http://armypubs.army.mil/2530.html. DA Pam 25-30 is updated as new and revised publications, as well as changes to publications are published. For the content/availability of specific subject matter, contact the appropriate proponent. DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY This publication is available at Army Knowledge Online https://armypubs.us.army.mil/doctrine/index.html. TM 3-34.61 Technical Manual Headquarters No. 3-34.61 Department of the Army Washington, D.C., 12 February 2013 GEOLOGY Contents Page Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1-1 Purpose and Scope ...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Southern Oregon's Coastal Islands in Prehistoric Subsistence
    AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Howard Allen Gard for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in the co-departments of Anthropology. Fisheries and Wildlife, and Geography presented on April 13. 1990. Title: The Role of Southern Oregon's Coastal Islands in Prehistoric Subsistence. Redacted for Privacy Abstract approved: David R. Brauner The portion of the Oregon coast extending from Cape Blanco south into California has long been recognized as a distinct physiographic region, with probable ramifications for prehistoric subsistence and settlement patterns. Several researchers have proposed models outlining a greater reliance upon marine/littoral resources among groups within this region, while more northerly groups exhibited a higher reliance upon estuarine resources. Current knowledge about regional prehistoric subsistence practices, based upon the archaeological record and ethnographic sources, was correlated with the distribution and relative abundance of exploited and potentially exploitable marine species. These data suggest that the abundant coastal rocks and islands found along this section of the Oregon coast serve to concentrate diverse and abundant animal resources within a confined area, allowing for ease of exploitation. Therefore, the rocks and islands were of potential economic importance to aboriginal groups. To support this hypothesis archaeological subsurface testing was undertaken on the only previously recorded offshore island site, and an archaeological sample survey was conducted on additional rocks and islands along this section of coastline to determine their utilization by native peoples. Two additional prehistoric sites were recorded. The results of these investigations are herein presented, and directions for future research are discussed. The Role of Southern Oregon's Coastal Islands in Prehistoric Subsistence by Howard A.
    [Show full text]
  • Restoration of Puget Sound Rivers
    Restoration of Puget Sound Rivers .° °. Editedby David R. Montgomery SusanBolton Derek B. Booth Leslie Wall, Center for Water and Wat~rshed Studies in assodationwith J University of WashingtonPress Seattle & Londdn i r We would like to thank the College of Forest Resources, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chap- ter for partial funding of this book. • .. Copyright © 2003 by the University of Washington Press Printed in the United States of America All fights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any m~as, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Cataloging-in-Publication Data Restoration of Puget Sound rivers / edited by David R. Montgomery... [et al.]. " p. cm. This volume is the result of a spring 2000 meeting of the Society for Ecological Restoration's Northwest Chapter. ISBN 0-295-98295-0 (alk. paper) (Published in association with the Center for Water and Watershed Studies, Seattle, Washington) . I. Stream restorationmWashington (State)--Puget Sound Region-- Congresses. 2. Pacific salmonmHabitat--Washington (State)--Puget Sound Region---Congresses. I. Montgomery, David R., 1961- QH76.5.W2 R47 2003 333.95'28153 '09795---dc21 2002034767 The paper used in this publication is acid-free and meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences-- /Permanence of Paper for Printed L~rary Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984. 7 "2 3. Fluvial Processes in Puget Sound Rivers and the Pacific Northwest John M.
    [Show full text]
  • Robert B. Howard*
    CALIFORNIA GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY Volume XXIV, 1984 THE PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGION IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY: HISTORICAL APPRAISAL AND RE-EVALUATION Robert B. Howard* Introduction An examination of introductory physical geography texts reveals topical coverage exhibiting coherence and a clear sense of spatial pattern, particularly when it comes to climate, soils, vegetation, and hydrology. These interrelated topics establish the notion, necessary for beginning students, that the natural environment consists of a complex web of interdependencies. Unfortunately, when the atmosphere, hydrosphere, or biosphere are exchanged for the geosphere, these interrelations seem �o disintegrate in confusion with a loss of spatial coherence. What has happened to the sense of the geosphere's cohesion and its interrelatedness with the rest of physical geography? More importantly, wi.tere is geomorphology's spatial aspect which is so necessary in an introductory course? This paper attempts to draw attention to this inadequate spatial coverage in geomorphology, particularly at the macro-scale, and suggest physiographic regionalism as a par­ tial solution. However, any re-introduction of the physio­ graphic region needs to take as its basis the recent advances in the solid earth sciences, especially those in global tectonics. *Dr. Howard is Professor of Geomorphology and Physical Geography at California State University, Northridge. 61 Some of the aforementioned confusion in dealing with the geosphere in general and geomorphology in particular is probably due to the two different scales at which geomor­ phology needs to be examined for even rudimentary understanding. At the macro-scale we are dealing with entire landscapes, those elements of topography that are structurally controlled and which depend primarily upon endogenic proc­ esses.* At the micro-scale, we deal principally with the de­ tailed sculpting or etching of landscapes by exogenic processes whose magnitudes and frequencies are interrelated with climate and hydrology.
    [Show full text]