Coastal Wetlands of the World: Geology, Ecology, Distribution And Applications
Cambridge University Press, 7/31/2014
EAN 9781107628250, ISBN10: 1107628253
Paperback, 382 pages, 24.6 x 18.9 x 1.7 cm
Language: English
Salt marshes and mangrove forests, the intertidal wetlands of the world's coastlines, provide key ecological services to all areas of the globe. This cutting-edge, richly illustrated book introduces the essential elements of coastal wetlands and their applications. The book opens by introducing coastal oceanography, the physical features of wetlands, their ecology, and human impacts upon them, giving all students the necessary background for wetlands studies. It then presents detailed case studies from around the world with extensive illustrations, supplying a wider, global-scale picture of wetlands geomorphology and biodiversity. The final chapters discuss some unique applications of coastal wetlands, including geological monitoring, uses in biotechnology and agriculture, and various experimental mesocosms. This is ideal as supplementary reading to support students on a wide range of earth and life science courses, from environmental science, ecology and palaeoecology to geomorphology and geography. It will also be a valuable interdisciplinary reference for researchers.
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Physical aspects
geological, oceanic and climatic conditions
3. Zonations and plants
development, stressors and adaptations
4. Animals in coastal wetlands
zonation, adaptations and energy flow
5. Human intervention causing coastal problems
6. Coastal wetlands worldwide
climatic zonation and ecosystems
7. North American coastal wetland examples
8. South American coastal wetland examples
9. Africa
selected marsh and mangrove areas
10. Europe and Asia
a view of what remains
11. Australian and New Zealand wetlands
12. Applications in geological monitoring
paleoseismology and paleoclimate
13. Applications in conservation of biodiversity and agriculture
14. Applications using mesocosms for study of coastal wetlands
15. Conclusions and future directions
References
Index.
'This is a major new contribution to the study of salt marshes and mangrove forests. Uniquely comprehensive, the book provides extraordinary coverage of coastal wetlands from the Arctic to the tropics with superb case study examples from Africa, Europe, Asia, and both Americas. Importantly, this innovative volume covers not only the physical, ecological and human interventions controlling the development, loss and future of coastal wetlands but also provides the reader with modern approaches to geological monitoring, conservation of plant biodiversity, and experimental methods. The readability of the book, with supporting graphics and informative photographs, makes it accessible to readers at all levels.' Professor Curtis J. Richardson, Director, Duke University Wetland Center