Synopses & Reviews
Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The author describes the specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. He also discusses the role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance and highlights the intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources. Finally, Malanson explores the potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models.
Review
"...a useful and convincing presentation of riparian landscapes....methodically brings together seemingly disparate physical processes into a comprehensible overview of riparian landscape patterns. Riparian Landscapes is the best available synthetic view of riparian environments and provides an important conceptual leap beyond most other treatments of biological-physical interactions in floodplain habitats. It is an important reference for anyone interested in stream-side or bottomland ecosystems." David Shankman, Annals of the Association of American Geographers
Review
"...it was an imaginative experience to read this book....Ample information and inspiration may be drawn from this book." Jeanette van der Sman, Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Review
"What Malanson contributes to this debate in this valuable work is a detailed analysis of the ecological and hydrological structure and dynamics of riparian ecotones both as functional units and as an integral part of the wider catchment landscape....The text is well worth the price...and is required reading for all those interested in riparian landscapes." P.J. Johnes, Journal of Biogeography
Review
"...the quality of the review together with the number of citations make this book a useful possession." Gilles Pinay, Ecoscience
Synopsis
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. This book will be of interest to graduate and professional research workers in environmental science, ecology and physical geography.
Synopsis
This book examines the ecological systems that exist along rivers, focusing on plant communities of river banks and floodplains. Such riparian environments have great ecological value, but are threatened by many forms of development. This book uses the approach of landscape ecology to organise and assess the vast literature on riparian ecosystems. It reviews many research areas and summarises how a landscape perspective can synthesise much divergent work in a way that is accessible to environmental interests at many levels.
Synopsis
This text describes the specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. It also discusses the role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution.
Table of Contents
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.