Moore (2006) - Wetlands (Biomes of the Earth)

Title : Wetlands (Biomes of the Earth)
Author : Peter D. Moore
Publisher : Chelsea House Publications (April 1, 2006)
Pages : 241 pages
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 0816053243
ISBN-13 : 9780816053247

Book Description :
Where do wetland habitats occur on the planet? What factors control their distribution? What threats impact these areas, and how much conservation effort is necessary? In a clear and concise format, Wetlands explores the answers to these questions and much more. Beginning with a general overview of the geography and geology of wetlands--including lakes, ponds, pothole mires, marshes, temperate and tropical swamps, and bogs--this volume helps readers visualize this natural habitat. Exploring ecosystems, biodiversity, subjects such as decomposition and fossils, and the history and prehistory of this biome, Wetlands provides an accessible introduction to the many aspects of wetland habitats throughout the world. Today wetlands are often used as water storage systems and as agents for the control of floods. This volume discusses the necessity for conservation of these areas, including techniques used to protect existing wetlands and ways of rehabilitating those already damaged by human activity.

Content :
CHAPTER 1 GEOGRAPHY OF WETLANDS  
   The water cycle
   Where on Earth are the wetlands?
   Wetland distribution in the landscape
   Different kinds of wetlands
   Changing wetlands
   Storms and tsunamis
   Conclusions
CHAPTER 2 GEOLOGY OF WETLANDS
   Geology and wetland landscapes
   Geology and water chemistry
   Acidity and pH
   Eutrophication
   Wetland sediments
   Stories in the sediments
   Pollen grains
   Dating the sediments
   Geology of the ancient wetlands
   Conclusions
CHAPTER 3 THE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
   What is an ecosystem?
   How do wetlands work?
   Food webs and energy flow
   Decomposition
   The entry and exit of nutrients
   Nutrient cycling in wetlands
   Conclusions
CHAPTER 4 WETLAND BIODIVERSITY
   Living in the wet
   Plants of the wetlands
   Microscopic life
   Invertebrates of the wetland
   Fish, amphibians, and reptiles
   Birds of the wetlands
   Mammals of the wetlands
   Conclusions
CHAPTER 5 WETLANDS IN HISTORY
   Prehistoric people of the wetlands
   Modern wetland people
   Wetlands and disease
   Exploration of the wetlands
   Wetlands in literature and art
   Conclusions
CHAPTER 6 USES OF WETLANDS
   Water conservation and flood control
   Wetlands as a food source
   Wetlands and water treatment
   Wetlands as carbon sinks
   Wetlands and recreation
   Peat exploitation
   Wetland drainage for agriculture and forestry
   Conclusions
CHAPTER 7 THE FUTURE OF WETLANDS
   Rates of wetland loss
   Wetland pollution
   Climate change and wetlands
   Wetland rehabilitation and conservation
   Conclusions

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Wetlands (Biomes of the Earth)
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