over multiple spatial and temporal scales. Alterations
to disturbance regimes and spatial patterning associated
with the terrestrial landscape have important, long-term
consequences for aquatic ecosystems.
The objectives of this article are threefold. First, we
examine status and trends in significant categories of
change that ultimately affect freshwater ecosystems.
Second, we discuss the ecological consequences of
changes expected to occur in the next two to three
decades. Finally, we identify several of the major scientific
challenges and opportunities for effectively addressing
the expected changes. This latter objective, by
necessity, links climate, land, and fresh water