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Massachusetts and Landsat

March 24, 2022

Massachusetts is the seventh smallest U.S. State in land area, but its size is surpassed by its contributions to U.S. history and the economy, its academic and medical expertise, and its natural features. The Atlantic Ocean to the east gives the “Bay State” more than 1,500 miles of coastline that were important in past fishing and maritime trade industries and in the tourism industry of today for destinations such as Boston, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. Forests cover roughly 60 percent of the State, which owns 315,000 acres of forests in parklands, reserves, and woodlands.

Massachusetts celebrates many strengths, but its strengths can be vulnerable to environmental change. A robust population of 7 million translates to a density of more than 800 people per square mile; in Boston, the density rises to more than 18,000 people per square mile. Urban temperature hotspots can increase health risks to residents.

Although the whims of wind and water have long reshaped coastlines, climate change-induced sea-level rise and severe storms can amplify coastal effects. In forests, changes in temperature or precipitation can provide more favorable conditions for invasive species.

State and local governments have been taking steps to address climate change. Here are several ways Landsat has benefited the residents of Massachusetts.

Publication Year 2022
Title Massachusetts and Landsat
DOI 10.3133/fs20223018
Authors
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Fact Sheet
Series Number 2022-3018
Index ID fs20223018
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
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