Core definitions

table 1.1

This table appears in chapter 1 of the Need and Options for Subnational Scale Land-Use and Land-Cover Scenarios for the United States report.

This table is composed of this array :

c91e6cbe (5x2)

Prediction/Forecast	An estimate of actual evaluation of the future based on initial conditions. Because of uncertainties, predictions/forecasts are usually probabilistic in nature.
Projection	Simulated response of a system to potential assumptions of future conditions
Land cover	Directly observable biological and physical characteristics of the land surface (e.g., forests, croplands, built-up areas)
Land use	Economic, social, and cultural purposes to which land is employed to support the various needs of human societies (e.g., food, shelter, and inputs to industrial processes)
Scenario	Plausible descriptions of how the future might unfold in several key areas: socioeconomic, technological and environmental conditions, emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols, and climate. Scenarios do not convey the likelihood or probability that the events described will occur.