Nearly one third of the land area of the planet is classified as arid or desert, and an understanding of the dynamics of such arid ecosystems is essential to managing those systems in a way that sustains human populations. The second edition of Ecology of Desert Systems provides a clear, extensive guide to the complex interactions involved in these areas. This book provides detailed information on how the abiotic environment interacts with the biotic environment to determine the structure and function of desert ecosystems, revealing how these interactions drive processes such as plant growth and animal reproductive success, plus spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation and animals. Drawing on the extensive experience of its expert authors, this second edition of Ecology of Desert Systems is an important guide to arid ecosystems for students looking for an overview of the field, researchers keen to learn how their work fits in to the overall picture, and all those involved with environmental management of desert areas. Highlights the complexity of the systems involved in a clear, concise wayReviews the most current issues facing researchers in the field, including the spread of alien species due to globalized trade, the impact of industrial mining, and climate changeUpdated and extended to include information on alien species management, industrial mining impacts, and the current and future role of climate change in desert systems INDICE: 1. Conceptual Framework and Paradigms 2. Landforms, Geomorphology, and Vegetation 3. Characterization of Desert Climates 4. Wind and Water Processes 5. Patch-Mosaic Dynamics 6. Adaptations 7. Primary Production 8. Consumers, Consumption, and Secondary Production (including impact of mine site/ extraction processes and globalized trade) 9. Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling 10. Desertification 11. Monitoring and Assessment 12. Climate Change Impacts 13. Desert Ecosystems in the Future
- ISBN: 978-0-12-815055-9
- Editorial: Academic Press
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 450
- Fecha Publicación: 01/09/2019
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés