The Ecology of Recently-deglaciated Terrain: A Geoecological Approach to Glacier Forelands

by John A. Matthews

Overview

This book provides the first comprehensive review of the available information on the ecology of recently-deglaciated terrain and critically evaluates the methodology currently employed in such studies. The theme developed is that the ecology of these regions can only be fully understood by giving due consideration to the role and interaction of both physical and biological processes in the development of the landscape. By adopting this geoecological approach, the spatial variation and dynamics of vegetation and soils is considered in relation to other aspects of the landscape such as topographic variation, climate, and geomorphic processes. A geoecological model is thus outlined that provides both a framework for interpreting the varied ecological nature of glacier forelands found throughout the world, and also an agenda for future research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521056694
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/10/2008
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Ecology
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.91(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. The nature of the timescale; 3. The physical landscape; 4. Soil development; 5. Plant succession: patterns and environmental factors; 6. Plant succession: processes and models; 7. The ecological significance of recently-deglaciated terrain.

Editorial Reviews

"...a tour de force, exquisitely produced, profusely illustrated, and beautifully bound, with an extensive bibliography—the result is a remarkable scholarly achievement." Choice

"...a definitive survey of scientific work on the geoecology of glacier forelands....I strongly recommend this book...A thorough understanding and conceptual integration of the independent and dependent variables which operate in developing natural systems requires very great skill. In my opinion Matthews has produced one of the best exposes ever done in this subject area." Colin J. Burrows, Arctic and Alpine Research

From the Publisher