Ecosystem Function in Heterogeneous Landscapes

Edited by Lovett, G.M.; Jones, C.G.; Turner, M.G.; Weathers, K.C.
Springer 2005

Hardcover XVIII, 489 p. 94 illus., ISBN 0387240896 £87.00

The study of ecosystems, fundamental to ecology, has been complemented by the growing field of landscape ecology. This book discusses how interactions among ecosystems affect the functioning of individual ecosystems and the larger landscape. This groundbreaking synthesis unites ecosystem ecology's knowledge of system function with landscape ecology's knowledge of spatial structure.

Practical concerns about scaling up from individual ecosystems to larger landscapes require an understanding of how networks of interacting ecosystems function together. The book elucidates the challenges faced by ecosystem scientists working in spatially heterogeneous systems, relevant conceptual approaches used in other disciplines and in different ecosystem types, and the importance of spatial heterogeneity in conservation resource management. The distinguished authors discuss how how much heterogeneity needs to be taken into account for specific types of scientific and management issues. Their chapters cover the spectrum from proposing novel conceptual approaches to detailing the practical implications of heterogeneous landscapes for fire management, water management and conservation planning.

Written for: Researchers and graduate students in ecology

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Contributors
Participants in the 2003 Cary Conference

Section I Challenges and Conceptual Approaches

Editors' Introduction to Section I.
Causes and Consequences of Spatial Heterogeneity in Ecosystem Function.
The Template: Patterns and Processes of Spatial Variation.
Thoughts on the Generation and Importance of Spatial Heterogeneity in Ecosystems and Landscapes.
Reciprocal Cause and Effect Between Environmental Heterogeneity and Transport Processes.

Section II Perspectives from Different Disciplines: Editors' Introduction to Section II.

Population Ecology in Spatially Heterogeneous Environments
Heterogeneity in Hydrologic Processes: A Terrestrial Hydrologic Modeling Perspective.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Infectious Disease Epidemics.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Its Relation to Processes in the Upper Ocean.

Section III Illustrations of Heterogeneity and Ecosystem Function

Editors' Introduction to Section III. Heterogeneity in Arid and Semiarid Lands.
Formation of Soil-Vegetation Patterns.
Spatial Patterning of Soil Carbon Storage Across Boreal Landscapes.
Heterogeneity in Urban Ecosystems: Patterns and Process
Origins, Patterns, and Importance of Heterogeneity in Riparian Systems.
Flowpaths as Integrators of Heterogeneity in Streams and Landscapes.
Causes and Consequences of Spatial Heterogeneity in Lakes.

Section IV Application of Frameworks and Concepts:

Editors' Introduction to Section IV.
The Importance of Multi-Scale Spatial Heterogeneity in Wildland Fire Management and Research
The Role of Spatial Heterogeneity in the Management of Freshwater Resources.
The Roles of Spatial Heterogeneity and Ecological Processes in Conservation Planning.

Section V Synthesis:

Editors' Introduction to Section V.
Challenges in Understanding the Functions of Ecological Heterogeneity.
Spatial Pattern and Ecosystem Function: Reflections on Current Knowledge and Future Directions.
Spatial Heterogeneity: Past, Present, and Future.
Heterogeneity and Ecosystem Function: Enhancing Ecological Understanding and Applications
Conceptual Frameworks: Plan for a Half-Built House

Index.

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Springer : agriculture & forestry : disease control : ecology : landscapes : transport : water science

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