The Wetlands Handbook, 2 Volume Set

by Editor: Edward Maltby (University of Liverpool, UK ); Editor: Tom Barker (University of Liverpool)

• ISBN13: 9781444315820
• ISBN10: 144431582X
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-07-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Forty-two chapters by international experts from a wide range of disciplines make The Wetlands Handbook the essential tool for those seeking comprehensive understanding of the subject. A departure from more traditional treatises, this text examines freshwater wetland ecosystem science from the fundamentals to issues of management and policy.Introductory chapters address the scope and significance of wetlands globally for communities, culture and biodiversity. Subsequent sections deal with processes underpinning wetland functioning, how wetlands work, their uses and values for humans and nature, their sensitivity to external impacts, and how they may be restored. The text is illustrated by numerous examples, emphasising functional and holistic approaches to wetland management, including case studies on the wise use and rehabilitation of wetlands in farmed, urban, industrial and other damaged environments, highlighting the long-term benefits of multiple use. The Wetlands Handbook will provide an invaluable reference for researchers, managers, policy-makers and students of wetland sciences.

Table of Contents

Preface

Contributors

Wetlands In The Global Environment

The Changing Wetland Paradigm

Global Distribution, Diversity and Human Alterations of Wetland Resources

Biodiversity in Wetlands

Peat as an Archive of Atmospheric, Climatic and Environmental Conditions

Wetlands In The Natural Environment: How Do Wetlands Work?

Introduction The Dynamics of Wetlands

Hydrological Dynamics I: Surface Waters, Flood and Sediment Dynamics

Hydrological Dynamics II: Groundwater and Hydrological Connectivity

Hydrological Dynamics III: Hydro-ecology

Biogeochemical Dynamics I: Nitrogen Cycling in Wetlands

Biogeochemical Dynamics II: Cycling and Storage of Phosphorus in Wetlands

Biogeochemical Dynamics III: The Critical Role of Carbon in Wetlands

Wetland Biogeochemical Cycles and their Interactions

Ecological Dynamics I: Vegetation as Bioindicator and Dynamic Community

Ecological Dynamics II: The Infl uences of Vertebrate Herbivory on Ecological Dynamics in Wetland Ecosystems

Ecological Dynamics III: Decomposition in Wetlands

Wetlands In The Human Environment: How Can We Utilise The Work Of Wetlands?

Introduction Using Wetland Functioning

Wetlands and Water Resources

Wetland and Floodplain Soils: Their Characteristics, Management and Future

The Role of Buffer Zones for Agricultural Runoff

Wetlands for Contaminant and Wastewater Treatment

Wetland Assessment: How Can We Measure That Wetlands Are Working?

Introduction Methodologies for Wetland Assessment

The United States HGM (Hydrogeomorphic) Approach

Development of a European Methodology for the Functional Assessment of Wetlands

Wetlands Assessment in Practice: Development and Application in the United States Regulatory Context

Wetland Evaluation in Developing Countries

Methodologies for Economic Evaluation of Wetlands and Wetland Functioning

Wetland Dysfunctioning: What Happens When Wetlands Do Not Work?

Introduction How Do Wetlands Fail?

Hydrological Impacts in and around Wetlands

Biotic Pressures and Their Effects on Wetland Functioning

Human Impacts: Farming, Fire, Forestry and Fuel

Wetland Restoration: Making Wetlands Work Again

Introduction Re-establishment of Wetland Functioning

Restoration of Wetland Environments: Lessons and Successes

Replumbing Wetlands Managing Water for the Restoration of Bogs and Fens

Restoring Wetlands for Wildlife Habitat

Wetland Conditions and Requirements for Maintaining Economically Valuable Species: Waterfowl, Furbearers, Fish and Plants

Sustainable Utilisation Of Wetlands: Balancing Ecosystem Functioning And Human Needs

Introduction Sustainable Wetlands in a Global Context

Melaleuca Wetlands and Sustainable Development in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Multiple Use of Wetlands in Eastern Africa

Deterioration and Rehabilitation of the Lower Danube Wetlands System

The Pantanal of Mato Grosso: Linking Ecological Research, Actual Use and Management for Sustainable Development

Wetlands for conservation and recreation use in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads

Everglades and Agriculture in South Florida

Conclusions: Wetlands for the Future

Glossary

Index

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