Land-Ocean Systems in the Siberian Arctic: Dynamics and History

Book Description

The Arctic and its surrounding marginal seas are considered some of the most sensitive elements of the global environment, which may respond rapidly to climate change. However, due to various reasons, our knowledge of the processes which drive the Arctic system today and in the past is still relatively sparse. Based on a multidisciplinary approach, German and Russian scientists describe in this book the natural paleorecords and modern data which were collected over the past 6 years. These marine and terrestrial datasets provide important new insights into the causes, impacts, and feedback mechanisms of this extreme Arctic environment.

Mountain Islands and Desert Seas (The Louise Merrick Natural Environment, No 15)

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Natural History of the Border

Mountain Islands and Desert Seas (The Louise Merrick Natural Environment, No 15)
Frederick, R. Gehlbach
Manufacturer: Texas A&M University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0890965668

Book Description

"A first-rate natural history of the entire U.S.-Mexican border area. . . . [The reader] may profit greatly from the author's readable style and his sense of what is environmentally appropriate."--Sierra

" . . . a book to be savored and pondered. . . . a great service to a very special land."--John Tveten, Houston Chronicle

" . . . deeply rewarding reading for those even mildly interested in the environment and the region from the south of the Rio Grande to California's Imperial Valley."--Arizona Highways

Mountains rise like islands from deserts and grasslands along the U.S.-Mexican border. The stunningly varied borderlands offer a laboratory for studying historical trends and ecological cycles, as well as a refuge in which to experience natural history firsthand. In this engaging personal narrative, biologist Fred Gehlbach describes the stability and changes of the past century in the Borderlands' climate, landforms, and natural communities and in its distinctive plants and vertebrates. Historical sketches, maps, and striking photographs richly amplify the text, and a preface updates developments in the region since the book's original publication in 1981.

Customer Reviews:

Natural History of the Border .......2007-01-14

Most nature writing talks entirely too much about spiritual matters for my taste. I prefer a technical, scientific approach citing "hard" observed data rather than "soft" emotional data. Gehlbach suits my tastes. He calculates the density of fish in a pond, lizards in the desert, and measures the impact on vegetation of people walking on trails. But it's not all dry science. There are interesting passages on the adapatable coyote, the less adaptable grizzly bear and wolf, the geographic expansion of the coatimundi and the armadillo, the extinction of ice age mammals, and many other subjects. It's a real feast.

The subject is the Mexican/US borderlands from the Gulf of Mexico to the Colorado River. This is a mostly desert area, but with a number of "sky islands" -- green mountains that rise above the deserts.

Two criticisms of the book. First, some of it is dated -- written as it was in the 1970s. For example, the author talks about the impact of DDT, a pesticide that has been banned for many years. Secondly, he presumes the reader has a pretty fair knowledge of species of plants and animals. When he embarks on a discussion of the trogon for example he doesnt tell you that it's a colorful, sub-tropical bird. He expects you to know that much about it.

This book ranks at the top of my favorite nature writing. It's informative, well written, and covers a lot of subjects relating to the fascinating barren lands along the border.

Smallchief

A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, Fish, and Other Sea Life

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Essential, practical guide
A pleasure in every way
A Stunning Work of Art!
A gem of a field guide!
Extraordinary illustrations, extraordinarily useful

A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, Fish, and Other Sea Life
Noble S. Proctor , and Patrick J. Lynch
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0300106580

Book Description

This beautifully illustrated guide covers an unprecedented range of species that may be sighted along the coastline or offshore by the whale watcher, bird watcher, fisher, boating enthusiast, or natural history buff. Designed in a handy pocket size, the book provides concise information for identifying the invertebrates, mammals, birds, turtles, fish, sharks and rays, and even floating seaweeds and common algae that live along the Atlantic coast and offshore from North Carolina to the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

With range maps and text on pages directly opposite the full-color illustrations, the book makes identification of more than two hundred species of offshore wildlife quick and easy. Special features include full-page spreads to compare similar species of seabirds, and inserts to help identify whales by their blowhole patterns, diving, and other behaviors.

Those with an interest in ocean life know that surprises often appear dangling at the end of a fishing line, floating beside the boat, washed up on the shore, or flying overhead. This is the ultimate guide for those who are curious about such creatures and the marine environment in which they dwell.

Customer Reviews:

Essential, practical guide.......2006-02-19

Succint offshore guide that is perfect for outdoor seashore walks. Fits well in the pocket and has ideal illustrations packaged for convenient rapid reference. Text is pertinent and complements the colored illustrations in a concise relevant way. I can't wait for the next volume addressing the southern shores.

A pleasure in every way.......2006-01-28

This book is a delight to look at: the illustrations are stunning, the design is clean and elegant. It's a delight to hold: the binding, the quality of the paper, the form factor. And it's a delight to read: the text is clear and concise, while packed with detail. For me, the most compelling aspect of the book is the illustrations, which Lynch brings to life on the pages. I unhesitantly recommend this book to anyone who takes pleasure in the wildlife of the North Atlantic.

A Stunning Work of Art!.......2006-01-26

The quality of the information is surpassed only by the quality of the illustrations. Craftsmanship through and through. I look forward to seeing more titles from these two talented people. Bravo!

A gem of a field guide!.......2006-01-25

The most striking aspect of this book to me, after taking in the richly and lovingly painted portraits of shoreline wildlife, is the depth of the included species. This book does not merely include the usual suspects, but includes the smallest foundation creatures at the base of the shoreline food chain on up. From the informative maps, and intuitive layout, this book is an easily pocketable gem and a great reference. -David Bolinsky

Extraordinary illustrations, extraordinarily useful.......2006-01-22

This field guide has it all -- a comprehensive catalog of off-shore life, excellent organization, and absolutely extraordinary illustrations that prove that the best illustration is better than photography for depicting archetypes. The authors are renowned in their fields and their skill, experience and knowledge shows in every page. The best guide I've found.

Ecological Geography of the Sea, Second Edition

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Ecological Geography of the Sea, Second Edition
Alan R. Longhurst
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0124555217

Book Description

This book presents an in-depth discussion of the biological and ecological geography of the oceans. It synthesizes locally restricted studies of the ocean to generate a global geography of the vast marine world.

Based on patterns of algal ecology, the book divides the ocean into four primary compartments, which are then subdivided into secondary compartments.

*Includes color insert of the latest in satellite imagery showing the world's oceans, their similarities and differences

*Revised and updated to reflect the latest in oceanographic research

*Ideal for anyone interested in understanding ocean ecology -- accessible and informative

The Nature of Mediterranean Europe: An Ecological History

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no need for anything else
Like "The Making of the Cretan Landscape" but much expanded
A review of The Nature of Mediterranean Europe

The Nature of Mediterranean Europe: An Ecological History
A.T. Grove , and Oliver Rackham
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0300100558

Book Description

Mediterranean Europe is often interpreted as a "Lost Eden"-once verdant and fertile but progressively degraded by the mismanagement of successive human civilizations. The authors of this engaging book challenge such a view. They find that the aridity and barrenness of the region today is not abnormal in terms of its historic and prehistoric past, and they identify the real threats to Mediterranean landscapes in the immediate future.

Customer Reviews:

no need for anything else.......2006-01-25

This is definitely the best and only book about the Mediterranean, erosion, and desertification. A must for everybody working in these fields. I have worked deeply into the discussed issues and find the richest source for my disseration in this book. In fact, I wouldn't need much more, and would the book be widely accepted, my work could be superfluous.

But as many colleauges did not yet want to be convinced by Grove and Rackham, let's add some evidence to support their conclusions.

Everybody else who does not have to recall previous conclusions: this is the simply best work about the Mediterranean environment; brillant, outstanding, will become a standard in the future.

Like "The Making of the Cretan Landscape" but much expanded.......2002-08-22

This book has much in common with Rackham & Moody's "The Making of the Cretan Landscape." Indeed, the information from the earlier book seems to form the foundation of the later one. The inclusion of examples from other parts of the Mediterranean region (especially Spain and Italy) expands the new book considerably, so it is certainly true to its title. The new book is more generously illustrated than the earlier one, with more color photographs of various types of vegetation, geological phenomena, ancient trees, etc...

A review of The Nature of Mediterranean Europe.......2001-06-26

The authors of this work combine insights from their own research in Crete with their colleagues works in other regions of Mediterranean Europe to provide an exceptional overview of the natural history of the region. Throughout the book the authors emphasize the pitfalls in using historical documentation in developing an understanding evolution of a specific environment, and emphasize the need for first hand observation. The presentation of the information is, therefore, a combination of summary of observations and an interesting lecture on interpretation of data and observation.

US readers may find the authors use of British vernacular and colloquiallisms in summarizing key points to be confusing. There are also occasions where the authors choose to compare methods of teaching in the US and Europe, wherein it is clear that the authors knowledge of US curricula is dated (e.g. the practice of teaching climax vegation theory is no longer in common practice in the US.) That aside, the information and analysis provided by the authors is insightful, well organized and above all challenges conventional stereotypes of the region.

I took this book on a two week tour of Mediterranean Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey and quickly acquired a deeper understanding of; human history, the impact of anthropogenic disturbance, geomorphology, evolution of biota and climate.

I recommend this book to others studying or working in any of the natural resource fields, and especially to those who have not had a prior exposure to European ecology. Prior studies in ecology, botany, wildlife biology and the like will suffice to follow the refreshingly opinionated perspectives provided in this book. Unlike many other recent publications in ecology, this is not an anthology or synthesis of prior written works, but rather the analysis and opinions of two professionals with solid field experience. The authors leave the reader with ample grounds to agree, disagree or augment interpretation. Reading the book will make you want to join the authors on their next field trip.

Book Description

A comprehensive scientific, historical, and physcial representation of the Salton Sea region utilizing the latest GIS technology

Customer Reviews:

Salton Sea.......2007-04-02

A beautiful, informative and spectacular oversized book on the Salton Sea. A place that needs to be saved and understood. This book will start your journey.

Excellent.......2003-10-01

--Just wanted to second the comments of the other reviewers regarding the quality and presentation of this book. It's a scientific work undertaken by the Salton Sea Database Program of the Redlands Institute of the University of Redlands, but it's enclosed within a lovely and large glossy coffee table book. It also includes much information about the cultural history of the Salton Sea and its region in a remote part of the southern California desert. I especially enjoyed the beautiful wildlife illustrations and biological information, though most of the book covers the physical science of the Salton Sea. I gave a copy to someone at a Christmas party held many miles away at the Orange County coast, and people literally were waiting and nagging for their turn to look through this beautiful book about this mysterious and controversial inland subtropical sea.

A Special Publication.......2002-11-15

This book is wonderful! I highly recommend it.

The Salton Sea Atlas covers the complex issues facing this very special body of water in a clear, yet comprehensive, fashion (use of graphics and illustrations over exhaustive use of text). It's a beautiful book, and the most wide-ranging piece about the Salton Sea that I've been able to find. You will not be disappointed with it.

Buy this book

An important guide about an invaluable resource.......2002-10-17

The Salton Sea Atlas explores issues and information regarding California's largest lake and most valuable environmental resource -- the Salton Sea.

This book is a must for those interested in the Salton Sea, environmental change, water issues in the American Southwest, history, or geography. Its graphical synthesis of complex social, scientific, and geographic information is superb and can be appreciated by all audiences. This is a wonderful publication.

Book Description

Ribbon of Sand is a rich and beautifully written explanation of the unique natural history and romantic past of the Outer Banks, the fragile barrier islands that stretch for almost two hundred miles down the North Carolina coast. First published in 1992 and now updated, this new edition brings the Banks' story to the present—from the on-going excavtion of what is believed to be Blackbeard's ship, to the impending threat of oil drilling at Manteo Point, the authors reveal the controversies, natural wonders, and fascinating legends that make the Outer Banks one of the nation's most beloved treasures.

Customer Reviews:

5 Star Subject, 3 Star Writing.......2003-11-04

Anyone who has visited the Outer Banks -- and many who have only seen them from the famous 1970-era Apollo space shot -- knows that the islands are unique, fragile, and someday going to be overrun, either by trashy tourism or, eventually, nature. Alexander and Lazell hope, but are hardly convinced, that nature will get the chance to run its long course. Beyond the fascinating subject, the authors' chapter by chapter analysis of the forces that compete on the Banks -- sand, wind, land, forest -- is a clarifying approach to writing about the science of the Banks. In separate chapters, Alexander and Lazell then effectively show how the forces combined to impact Blackbeard's last battle and the Wright Brothers efforts to fly. The final chapter, Convergences, is like reading a decade-early preview of the impact on the islands of Hurricane Isabel. I would call Alexander and Lazell prescient, but I suspect they themselves would be the first to admit they were simply documenting the inevitable future. Only problem with this excellent book is that the writing feels as if it was done either in turn or by compromise, and is often far less compelling than its subject matter. Still, Ribbon of Sand offers some science, some entertainment, and a whole lot of appreciation for this wonderful speck of the world.

Engrossing.......2002-04-06

I purchased this book to learn more about the Outer Banks, which I have long wished to visit and where we will spend a week this summer. It is an amazingly interesting and informative book. Geology, geography, biology, weather, ecology, politics, and more are all discussed as is the importance of each in relation to the others. I found the book engrossing and would recommend it even if you are not going to this unique area of the world. Now when the kids ask me why there is a forest in the dunes I will be able to tell them and I will be much better able to appreciate the beauty of the place.

Man and Nature on a Tiny Strip of Land.......2001-07-24

I picked this book up during a recent week's stay on Topsail Island (one of the southernmost of the Outer Banks). Having never read a book on natural history or the ecology, I was prepared for the paper-pulp equivalent of Sominex.

Never have I been more wrong in my preconceptions about a book. Ribbon of Sand captures PERFECTLY the true mystique of North Carolina's Outer Banks -- how a half-mile wide band of barrier islands survive both because of nature . . . and in spite of it. Each segment of the book ties together both human and natural history. How the wind the shapes the wonderfully high dunes near Kill Devil provided the Wright Brothers with the means to test their gliders and to develop the first airplane. How shifting tides and currents that continue to shape the Outer Banks both abetted . . . and spelled doom for Blackbeard the Pirate.

Book Description

The Mediterranean is an outstanding 'hot- spot' of biological diversity. It is exceptional not only for this, but also because of its long history of interactions between its human inhabitants and the other fauna and flora of the region. The cradle of many civilizations, the Mediterranean region has been host to humans for thousands of years. This book is the first to synthesise our current understanding of the ecology, biology, and geology of Mediterranean animals, birds, and plants, and their habitats. The authors focus on the unique historical determinants and spatial patterns of Mediterranean biodiversity. In particular, the dramatic impacts of long-term human activities on the region's landscapes, flora, and fauna, are considered. This fascinating story will be of interest to researchers and students in ecology, biology, conservation, and geography, as well as to naturalists, and ecotourists visiting this popular holiday region.

Customer Reviews:

Impressive -- for intrepid lay readers and specialists.......2001-03-16

If you are one of those lay readers who is endlessly curious and not put off by rather intense discussions of "the adaptive value of sclerophylly in mediterranean ecosystems", this book may really be for you. Although I suspect most ecotourists, one target audience, will lack the stamina for it, the book really does a fine job of conveying the excitement of the region in relatively jargon-free prose. The formatting also does much to lure the more casual reader with its adept use of illustrations, boxes, and subheads to break up the text. I was delighted to discover just how much the authors eschewed simple description in favor of spotlighting what is truly intriguing about the Mediterranean ecosystem.

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