Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Wetlands occupy some six per cent of the Earth's land surface. They vary from fens and freshwater marshes to tropical mangroves and tundra swamps. They perform vital hydrological, chemical and biological roles and contain unique and diverse forms of wildlife and habitat. They are disappearing at an alarming rate and are threatened by both the direct and indirect effects of human activity. The purpose of this book of especially commissioned articles is threefold: (a) to explore the occurrence and composition of wetlands and their physical and biological dynamics; (b) to consider the impact upon them of agriculture, industry, urbanisation and recreation; and (c) to examine what steps can be taken to manage and to preserve their future survival.
Synopsis
The purpose of this comprehensive appraisal of the world's wetlands is threefold: firstly to explain the evolution, occurrence and composition of wetlands and their physical and biological dynamics; second, to consider the impact upon them of agriculture, industry, urbanization and recreation; and third to examine what steps are being and should be taken to manage and to preserve them.
Booknews
Researchers from the natural and social sciences, geography, and history present a comprehensive appraisal of the 6% of the Earth's surface composed of fens, freshwater marshes, tropical mangroves, tundra swamps, and other soggy places. The 11 papers explore the evolution, occurrence, and composition of wetlands; their physical and biological dynamics; the impact of agriculture, industry, urbanization, and recreation; and what steps are being taken and should be taken to manage and preserve them. Well illustrated. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This is a handsome book on an important subject." Environment and Planning
"A great mine of information, assembled by a distinguished group of authors ... provides a solid background to the wetland debate m... the main strength of the book certainly is its breadth ... this is a remarkably wide-ranging compendium of knowledge." Nature
"The book is enriched with stunning black and white photographs which have been intelligently selected and carefully presented. In the unlikely event of the text not convincing, the photographs and illustrations alone should have the desired impact. Wetlands is a book to have on your bookshelf if you are a working conservationist." Richard Lindsay, The Times Higher Education Supplement
"The reader is certain to learn new facts about wetlands structure and function and to gain new insights into the importance of old facts as they relate to the future of these threatened landscapes." BioScience