Wetlands: A Threatened Landscape

by Michael Williams (Editor)

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780631191995
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/08/1993
Series:	Institute of British Geographers Special Publication
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	7.62(w) x 9.31(h) x 0.93(d)

About the Author

Michael Williams is Reader in Geography at the University of Oxford. He has written and published extensively in the fields of environmental science and landscape history.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

1. Understanding Wetlands: Michael Williams (Oriel College, Oxford University).

2. Wetland Hydronamics, Morphology and Sedimentation: Antony Orme (University of California, Los Angeles).

3. Soils and Ecology: Temperate Wetlands: Peter D. Moore (King's College, London).

4. Soils and Ecology: Tropical Wetlands: Thomas V. Armentano (Holcombe Research Institute, Indianapolis).

5. Archaeology and Wetlands: A Wealth of Evidence: Bryony Coles (University of Cambridge).

6. Agricultural Impacts in Temperate Wetlands: Michael Williams (University of Oxford).

7. Agricultural Impact in Tropical Wetlands: John R. Richards (Duke University).

8. Post-industrialization, Urbanization and Wetland Loss: David A. Pinder and Michael Witherick (University of Southampton).

9. Recreation and Wetlands: Impacts, Conflict and Policy Issues: David C. Mercer (Monash University).

10. Wetland Losses and Gains: James G. Gosselink and Edward Maltby (Louisianna State University and University of Exeter).

11. Protection and Retrospection: Michael Williams.

The Contributors.

Bibliography.

Related Titles: List of IBG Special Publications.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher

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)

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