![Protocols [Image: Blue-Eyed Grass]](images/protocols_h.jpg)
MUC System Protocols
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The MUC Protocol teaches students to classify land cover using the Modified UNESCO Classification (MUC) System. The MUC system follows international standards and has four levels of classification arranged hierarchically. Each level classifies a more detailed account of the first level. The MUC system’s level 1 class consists of the following ten classifications: closed forest, woodland, shrubland, dwarf-shrubland, herbaceous vegetation, barren land, wetland, open water, cultivated land and urban.
Example
If students identify their Land Cover Sample Site as having the characteristics of a herbaceous vegetation level 1 classification, they would then want to use the MUC Classification Chart, located on the globe site, to discover the classification for levels 2, 3 and 4. Students will determine the type of classification by comparing the characteristics of the land cover to the classifications as defined in the MUC system. If the dominant cover type of the herbaceous vegetation is more than %50 grass, the level 2 cover type would be classified as Graminoid. If trees cover 15-20% of the study site, students would select class 421. If the trees appear broad-leaved and deciduous, students would select class 4213 as the final classification. Notice how each level of classification adds another digit to the classification number.
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An MUC Land Cover Classification System Table
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Students should wear the appropriate safety equipment listed and follow carefully all safety instructions specified by your test kit, including any accompanying Material Safety Data Sheets.
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1) Students use a densionmeter to meter to measure the ground and canopy cover.
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2) Students can find an MUC Classification for every type of land cover.
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3) A view of the canopy cover
as seen from the densiometer.
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Click here to view QuickTime movie of the MUC protocol!
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