The Yangtze River estuary is a system where geological, biological, and socioeconomic processes actively interplay. The Yangtze River carries about 5 billion tons of sediment to the estuary from upstream each year, providing rich substrates for biological activities and alluvial processes. An exotic plant species, Spartina alterniflora was intentionally introduced to the region in 1979,and has aggressively invaded the Yangtze River estuary and coastal China. Thebiological invasion alters plant and animal biodiversity and ecosystem processes. In addition, the Yangtze River estuary is close to Shanghai, one of the most economically active cities in China and the world. Fast economic development and social transformation exert great pressure to exploit resources in the estuary. In the last few decades, scientists from several leading universitiesin China have conducted research on many of geological, biological, and socioeconomic processes. An increasing number of papers have been published in international journals. This volume comprehensively synthesizes the lessons learned from various groups. This text not only provides a new example of ecosystem studies on estuary systems, but will also serve as a milestone to promote the management of this important region that will produce global impacts. Moreover, the book can be used as a reference book for ecological research in estuarine ecosystems of major rivers, such as the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. A comprehensive synthesis of ecological research on the Yangtze River and Estuary system A reference for the management of other major estuarine ecosystems Includes sections on biodiversity, ecological processes, and human impacts INDICE: Part I: Overview on the Yangtze River Estuary.- Abiotic Processes in the Yangtze River Estuary.- Historical Changes in the Yangtze River Estuary.- Part II. Biodiversity: Plant and Vegetation.- Plankton.- Benthos in the Yangtze Estuary with Emphasis on Benthic Fauna in Salt Marshes.- Fish and Fisheries.- Waterbirds and their Habitats in the Yangtze River Estuary.- Part III. Ecological Processes: Leaf and Canopy Processes of Three Dominant YRE Plant Species.- Plant Productivity and Ecosystem Carbon Cycles in Yangtze River Estuary Wetlands.- Soil Biogeochemical Processes in the Yangtze River Estuarine Wetlands.- Atmosphere-Biosphere Exchange of Carbon, Water, and Energy.- Modeling Integration of Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in the Yangtze River Estuarine Wetlands.- Part IV. Human Dimensions: Watershed Perspectives of Yangtze River Estuary.- Anthropogenic Impacts on Estuarine Ecosystems in Yangtze River Estuary .- Wetlands in the Yangtze River Estuary Under Environmental Changes.- Natural Reserves and Wetland Conservation.- Part V. Summary: Future Research Challenges and Directions in Estuarine Ecosystems.- Index.
- ISBN: 978-0-387-76769-7
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 496
- Fecha Publicación: 01/07/2010
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés