Land Cover Change in Graves County, Kentucky (1991 to 2023)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Earth and Environmental Sciences
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Ms. Jane Benson
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Abstract
Land cover change is a critical factor driving transformations in terrestrial ecosystems. Over the past 30 years, Graves County has experienced significant alterations in land cover due to various influences, including ecological environment development and rapid economic growth. Monitoring and analyzing these changes can facilitate assessments of ecological variations and land use patterns, while also providing essential data for evaluating ecological and environmental shifts across different priority areas within the SECAS region. This study utilized the NLCD standardized land cover classification in conjunction with reports obtained from the MRLC EVA (Enhanced Visualization and Analysis) tool, analyzing land cover change through ArcGIS Pro. The findings indicated a notable increase in artificial surfaces, primarily due to the conversion of pasture and hay areas, alongside a significant decline in wetlands. Specifically, developed areas exhibited a net increase of 27.72%, with a large portion of pasture and hay being transformed into developed land. In comparison, agricultural areas saw a modest net increase of 0.43%, while cultivated crops experienced a significant gain of 21.29%. Furthermore, the impervious surface area increased by 47.3%, whereas wetland area declined by 8.15%, with most of the losses occurring in woody wetlands. The highest losses in wetlands were linked to cropland conversion, with a smaller proportion lost to pasture and hay, evergreen forests, and open water.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Earth and Environmental Sciences Poster Session
Land Cover Change in Graves County, Kentucky (1991 to 2023)
Abstract
Land cover change is a critical factor driving transformations in terrestrial ecosystems. Over the past 30 years, Graves County has experienced significant alterations in land cover due to various influences, including ecological environment development and rapid economic growth. Monitoring and analyzing these changes can facilitate assessments of ecological variations and land use patterns, while also providing essential data for evaluating ecological and environmental shifts across different priority areas within the SECAS region. This study utilized the NLCD standardized land cover classification in conjunction with reports obtained from the MRLC EVA (Enhanced Visualization and Analysis) tool, analyzing land cover change through ArcGIS Pro. The findings indicated a notable increase in artificial surfaces, primarily due to the conversion of pasture and hay areas, alongside a significant decline in wetlands. Specifically, developed areas exhibited a net increase of 27.72%, with a large portion of pasture and hay being transformed into developed land. In comparison, agricultural areas saw a modest net increase of 0.43%, while cultivated crops experienced a significant gain of 21.29%. Furthermore, the impervious surface area increased by 47.3%, whereas wetland area declined by 8.15%, with most of the losses occurring in woody wetlands. The highest losses in wetlands were linked to cropland conversion, with a smaller proportion lost to pasture and hay, evergreen forests, and open water.