This Topic defines "cultural landscape" and outlines a classification system for Nova Scotia based on the principles of landscape ecology. The purpose is to demonstrate that all landscapes are a visual manifestation of integrated natural and cultural elements and processes and can be classified according to the ratio of these components. In this text, the term "landscape" implies a structurally distinct land mass varying in size that can be subdivided into ecosystems and habitats.

This Document Includes:

Defining the Cultural Landscape
A Legacy of Change
Application of Cultural Landscapes in the Natural History of Nova Scotia
Classifying Cultural Activity in the Landscape
Energy-based Classification of Ecosystems
Cultural Habitats
Characteristics of Cultural Habitats
Developed Habitats

Buildings and Furnishings
Disturbed Land
Cultivated Habitats
Marine Docks and Pounds
Water Conduits
Resevoirs and Canals
Ponds and Drainage Ditches
Fields under Cultivation
Orchard
Pasture
Between Cultivated and Developed
Park, Gardens and Greenhouses
Quarries
Mines and Tunnels

Download PDF File (120k, 7 pages, 2 figures, 2 plates)

Additional Keywords:
Port Royal, acidification, pollution, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, dykelands, monocultures, pest species, weeds

Associated Topics

T3 Landscape Development
T6.1 Ocean Currents
T10.2 Successional Trends in Vegetation
T11.3 Open-habitat Birds
T11.16 Land and Freshwater Invertebrates
T11.17 Marine Invertebrates
T12.1 Colonization by People
T12.7 The Coast and Resources
T12.8 Fresh Water and Resources
T12.9 Soil and Resources
T12.10 Plants and Resources
T12.11 Animals and Resources

Associated Habitats

H1.2 Benthic
H2.1 Rocky Shore
H2.5 Tidal Marsh
H3 Freshwater
H5.2 Oldfield
H5.3 Cliff and Bank
H5.4 Talus Slope
H5.5 Cave
H6 Forests