Riparian Landscapes (Cambridge Studies in Ecology)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: New Ed, 4/18/1996
EAN 9780521566834, ISBN10: 0521566835
Paperback, 306 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm
Language: English
Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation is seen as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. Riparian structures are controlled by the spatial dynamics of channels, flooding and soil moisture. These dynamics are part of integrated cascades of water, sediment, nutrients and carbon, to which animal and plant species respond in ways that illuminate community structure and competition. The role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance is discussed. Intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources is highlighted. The potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models is also explored.
1. Principles considered
2. Riparian topics
3. Landscape structure
4. Internal structure
5. Cascades of material and energy
6. Species dynamics
7. Organising the landscape
References
Index.