PREFACE 



This report presents a hierarchical regional classification scheme for 

 coastal ecosystems of the United States and its territories based on physical 

 characteristics of those areas. It is designed to answer the question, "How 

 can the coastline of the United States be partitioned to best separate eco- 

 systems?" The purpose for defining these ecosystems is to make predictions 

 about how specific types of perturbations in specific geographical areas will 

 affect the ecosystems hydrologically, structurally, functionally, and bio- 

 logically. 



Funding for this study was provided through the Interagency Energy/ 

 Environment Research and Development Program, which is planned and co- 

 ordinated by the Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry within the En- 

 vironmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development. In- 

 augurated in FY 1975, this program brings together the coordinated efforts 

 of 77 Federal agencies and departments. The goal of the program is to ensure 

 that both environmental data and technology are available to support the 

 rapid development of domestic energy resources in a manner which is most 

 compatible with the protection of the environment. 



Comments are solicited. Any suggestions or questions regarding this 

 publication should be directed to: 



Information Transfer Specialist 

 National Coastal Ecosystems Team 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 National Space Technology Laboratories 

 NSTL Station, Mississippi 39529 



This report should be cited as follows: 



Terrell, T. T. 1979. Physical regionalization of coastal ecosystems of 

 the United States and its territories. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological 

 Services Program. FWS/OBS-78/80. 30 pp. 



in 



