Ecosystem Geography: From Ecoregions to Sites (Paperback)

~ Robert G. Bailey (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reviews of the first edition:

“An important book, richly illustrated with clear diagrams, maps, and photos. A major contribution to ecosystem ecology and an essential acquisition.” (Choice)

“the first [book] to synthesize the available knowledge for ecosystem classification and mapping and to provide a general guide to its use—Foresters will find Ecosystem Geography a carefully compiled benchmark reference with an exhaustive bibliography on the state-of-the-art of ecosystem classification and its bearing on resource management.” (Journal of Forestry)

“I would recommend this book to those with serious interest in physical geography—a good resource for those who teach physical geography.” (Journal of Geography)

“The new ‘ecosystem management’ demands an understanding of ecosystems and the relationships between them. In short, it requires a sound geographical knowledge of ecosystems. Ecosystem Geography lays a firm foundation for such knowledge.” (Progress in Physical Geography)

“The book is essential reading for ecologists and natural area managers interested in ecosystem management and understanding how their landscapes fit into the larger picture regionally, continentally, and globally.” (Natural Areas Journal)

Product Description

This book outlines a system that subdivides the Earth into a hierarchy of increasingly finer-scale ecosystems that can sever as a consistent framework for ecological analysis and management. The system consists of a three-part, nested hierarchy of ecosystem units and associated mapping criteria. Delineating units involves identifying the environmental factors controlling the spatial geography of ecosystems at various levels and drawing boundaries where they change significantly. Macroscale units (ecoregions) are climatically controlled and delineated as Köppen-Trewartha climate zones. Nested within these are landscape mosaics, the mesoscale units, controlled by landform and delineated by Hammond’s landform regions. At the microscale are individual sites controlled by topographically determined topoclimate and soil moisture regimes.

Features of the Second Edition: There are new sections on how ecoregion boundaries were determined, ecoregion redistribution under climate change, ecosystem processes (such as fire regimes), empirical versus genetic approaches, and human modification (such as invasive species). The book has been updated throughout with new text and figures and with new literature reviewed. More examples drawn from outside the North American environment, particularly at the meso and micro scale. Discussion of recent, alternative mapping systems and how they relate to the system presented in this book. Richly illustrated with many new diagrams, photographs, and tables. The new edition also includes two color maps showing the ecoregions of the oceans and continents, and a completely updated guide to further reading.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2nd ed. edition (November 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1441903917
• ISBN-13: 978-1441903914
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #323,456 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics, May 27, 2001

By	Gordon E. Warrington (Saint Ignatius, MT (USA)) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Ecosystem Geography (Hardcover)

Most people find pleasure in being part of the wildness of a natural environment. There is a diversity and complexity that fascinates and inspires awe. Yet, what makes up the uniqueness of a particular environment has been debated for a long time. Most often when looking at nature we try to see the parts as stable entities rather than the dynamics of whole system.

In this book, Dr. Bailey has taken a Geographers prospective of looking at the whole and then showing how the parts fit together. His solution of this world scale jigsaw puzzle has produced an unmatched insight into ecosystem structure and function. He explains how regional ecosystem boundaries are a function of climate properties that provide the energy to sustain life. At a different scale, other inputs from geology, soil, watershed, and physiography temper the mix of life forms that form an ecosystem.

Throughout this book the emphasis is on spatial relationships among the components that make up ecosystems. However these are not static systems because, at all scales, spatial units of ecosystems and their processes also interact to provide life sustaining natural services.

This is one science book that is easy to read because Dr. Bailey took a great deal of care to explain his reasoning using familiar terms. There is an excellent glossary to explain concepts contained in those words that are not so familiar. Numerous pictures and illustrations clearly present the many ecosystem concepts covered in this book. Finally, a map inside the back cover illustrates the Ecoregions of the Continents.