Landscape Changes in the Southern Coalfields of West Virginia: Multi-Level Intensity Analysis and Surface Mining Transitions in the Headwaters of the Coal River from 1976 to 2016

This study analyzes land-cover transitions in the headwaters of Big Coal River Central Appalachian Region US, from 1976 to 2016, where surface mining was found as major driver landscape change. The land-change analysis combined Multi-Level Intensity Analysis for two-time intervals (1976–1996, 1996–2016) with Difference Components, differentiate suspected misclassification errors actual changes. Two land cover classifications were obtained segmentation and machine learning algorithms historical high-resolution aerial images ancillary data. allowed inspection across five (LC) classes measure degree non-stationarity change patterns. Results mining-related their transitions, including effects reclamation processes on areas mined before enactment Surface Mining Control Reclamation Act (SMCRA, 1977). included changes settlement distribution, low vegetation, water bodies, forest class transitions. findings can be applied infer similar more extensive region Mountain Top Removal (MTR) operations are widespread. overall method used address problems inform managers detailed data support use alternatives conservation regions that experienced intense characterized by anthropogenic disturbances novel ecosystems.