Riparian Landscapes

This book synthesises diverse research on the ecology of riversides and floodplains.

George P. Malanson (Author)

9780521384315, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 May 1993

308 pages, 44 b/w illus. 5 tables
23.6 x 15.9 x 2.3 cm, 0.644 kg

'What Malanson contributes ... in this valuable work is a detailed analysis of the ecological and hydrological structure and dynamics of riparian ecotones … well worth the price ... and is required reading for all those interested in riparian landscapes.' Journal of Biogeography

Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation is seen as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. Riparian structures are controlled by the spatial dynamics of channels, flooding and soil moisture. These dynamics are part of integrated cascades of water, sediment, nutrients and carbon, to which animal and plant species respond in ways that illuminate community structure and competition. The role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance is discussed. Intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources is highlighted. The potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models is also explored.

1. Principles considered
2. Riparian topics
3. Landscape structure
4. Internal structure
5. Cascades of material and energy
6. Species dynamics
7. Organising the landscape
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Freshwater biology [PSPF], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]