–Establishes
rate of development for a given period
–Can be used
to predict future development
¥Land use patterns reflect changes in:
–Erosion
–Sediment
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–Nutrient
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A survey of land use
patterns is beneficial to understanding the historical trends and helpful in
predicting for future land use in the China Lake watershed.The greater China Lake area has
undergone significant land use changes in the past three centuries,
particularly in the twentieth century (see China Lake Characteristics:
Historical Perspective: Regional Land Use Trends).Many of these changes are reflected in the China Lake
watershed for the 38 year period between 1965 and 2003.Land use changes between 1965 and
2003 clarify the historical context for the current land use and water
quality within the China Lake watershed. Additionally, land use changes
between 1965 and 2003 may facilitate predictions of future land use
patterns.