Arid dune ecosystems: the nizzana sands in the Negev desert

Sand dune dynamics plays a key role in many arid deserts. This volume provides a synthesis of a specific sand dune ecosystem, the Nizzana site in the NegevDesert. Describing its climate and geophysical/geochemical properties of soils, geological history, flora and fauna, and past/present land-use patterns, itelucidates ecological and geomorphological processes and their interrelations, based on long-term monitoring, in situ experiments and satellite imagery. Particular attention is drawn to the impact of the topsoil biological crust in controlling water availability at local/regional scales. The interdisciplinary approach adopted in this case study offers a good example of a highly complex and dynamic system, which could easily be applied to other sandy ecosystems. Acase study in the Negev desert valid also for other sandy ecosystems INDICE: The volume consists of 31 chapters. It starts with a General Introduction, which is followed by four Parts: Part A: The NW Negev.- Part B: Ecosystem Patterns.- Part C: Ecosystem Processes.- Part D: Research Perspectives/Synthesis and General Conclusions.

• ISBN: 978-3-540-75497-8
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 450
• Fecha Publicación: 01/02/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés