Ecology of Desert Systems
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Copyright Pageiv
- Contentsvii
- Forewordxi
- Prefacexv
- Chapter 1. Conceptual Framework and Paradigms1
- 1.1 Pattern and Process2
- 1.2 Definition of Ecosystem6
- 1.3 Landscape Units9
- 1.4 Questions10
- 1.5 Defining Deserts11
- 1.6 The Pulse-Reserve Paradigm and the Autecological Hypothesis12
- 1.7 Temporally Uncoupled Resources14
- 1.8 The Soil Resource14
- 1.9 Ecosystem Processes16
- 1.10 Problems of Scaling18
- References18
- Chapter 2. Landforms, Geomorphology, and Vegetation21
- 2.1 Desert Mountains and Hillslopes22
- 2.2 Piedmonts, Alluvial Fans, and Bajadas24
- 2.3 Ephemeral Streams30
- 2.4 Basins and Flatlands33
- 2.5 Desert Pavements and Stony Surfaces36
- 2.6 Rivers and Floodplains37
- 2.7 Sand Dunes and Sand Features37
- 2.8 Landform Stability40
- References40
- Chapter 3. Characterization of Desert Climates43
- 3.1 Seasonality48
- 3.2 Spatial Effects52
- 3.3 Predictability53
- 3.4 Intensity, Duration, Frequency, and Return Time55
- 3.5 Microclimate58
- References61
- Chapter 4. Wind and Water Processes65
- 4.1 Wind Erosion65
- 4.2 Redistribution of Rainfall71
- 4.3 Splash Erosion-kinetic Energy of Raindrops77
- 4.4 Infiltration and Run-off78
- 4.5 Exchanges Among Landscape Units84
- 4.6 Exchanges Within Landscape Units86
- 4.7 Episodic Events88
- 4.8 Ephemeral Ponds and Lakes90
- References93
- Chapter 5. Patch-Mosaic Dynamics97
- 5.1 Seeds: Germination-Establishment Sites97
- 5.2 Single Species Patches102
- 5.3 Intraspecific Morphological Variation103
- 5.4 Mosaics and Multi-species Patches104
- 5.5 Competition versus Facilitation106
- 5.6 Animal-produced Patches110
- 5.7 Temporal Dynamics and Feedbacks117
- References119
- Chapter 6. Adaptations123
- 6.1 Avoidance of Extremes123
- 6.2 Physiological and Morphological Adaptations133
- References151
- Chapter 7. Primary Production157
- 7.1 Measurement of Net Primary Production157
- 7.2 Comparisons of Production Estimates with Mesic Ecosystems160
- 7.3 Rain Use Efficiency161
- 7.4 Below-ground Productivity162
- 7.5 Models of AGNPP163
- 7.6 Landscape Relationships166
- 7.7 Productivity in Extreme Deserts170
- 7.8 Productivity Linked to Rainfall171
- 7.9 Productivity of Species and Functional Groups172
- References178
- Chapter 8. Consumers, Consumption, and Secondary Production181
- 8.1 Secondary Production181
- 8.2 Foliage Chewers and Browsers: Vertebrate and Invertebrate185
- 8.3 Canopy Insect Communities192
- 8.4 Surface Active Arthropods198
- 8.5 Large Herbivores: Grazers202
- 8.6 Granivory206
- 8.7 Impacts of Rodents and Ants on Ecosystem Structure and Processes213
- 8.8 Vertebrate Predators215
- 8.9 Below-ground Food Webs220
- 8.10 Ephemeral Ponds and Lakes222
- References226
- Chapter 9. Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling235
- 9.1 Nutrient Limitations235
- 9.2 Decomposition237
- 9.3 Landscape Patterns of Nutrient Distribution252
- 9.4 Resorption257
- 9.5 Nitrogen Cycle258
- 9.6 Other Potentially Limiting Nutrients266
- 9.7 Role of Mycorrhizae266
- References269
- Chapter 10. Desertification275
- 10.1 History of Desertification277
- 10.2 Ecosystem and Landscape Consequences of Desertification282
- 10.3 Resistance and Resilience of Desertified Landscapes289
- 10.4 Desertification and Climate Change290
- 10.5 Social and Economic Consequences of Desertification291
- 10.6 Effects of Desertification on Biodiversity293
- 10.7 Rehabilitation of Desertified Landscapes295
- References301
- Chapter 11. Monitoring and Assessment305
- 1 1.1 Definitions306
- 11.2 Existing Assessment and Monitoring Systems306
- 1 1.3 Data for Assessment and Monitoring309
- 1 1.4 Ecosystem Functions310
- 1 1.5 Indicators310
- References316
- Chapter 12. Desert Ecosystems in the Future319
- References325
- Index327
Conventional wisdom considers deserts stark, harsh regions that support few living things. Most people also believe that water alone makes the desert bloom. Ecology of Desert Systems challenges these conventional views.
This volume explores a broad range of topics of interest to ecosystem, population, community, and physiological ecologists. Climate, weather patterns, geomorphology, and wind and water processes are examined as variables that affect the distribution of biota through fundamental ecosystem processes. Descriptions of morphological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations of desert biota illuminate, through the lens of patch dynamics, principles for understanding observed patterns of primary production, nutrient cycling, and the effects of consumers. Desertification, and the techniques for monitoring and quantifying it, is examined within the framework of desert ecosystem patterns and processes.
* Focuses on the interactions of climate, soil, and biota along a spectrum of spatial and temporal scales
* Details the role of animals in desert ecosystems and landscape processes
* Examines watershed scale processes, the ecology of ephemeral lakes, and the ecological changes identified with desertification
* Outlines the fundamental concepts relevant to sustainable development of arid lands
This volume explores a broad range of topics of interest to ecosystem, population, community, and physiological ecologists. Climate, weather patterns, geomorphology, and wind and water processes are examined as variables that affect the distribution of biota through fundamental ecosystem processes. Descriptions of morphological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations of desert biota illuminate, through the lens of patch dynamics, principles for understanding observed patterns of primary production, nutrient cycling, and the effects of consumers. Desertification, and the techniques for monitoring and quantifying it, is examined within the framework of desert ecosystem patterns and processes.
* Focuses on the interactions of climate, soil, and biota along a spectrum of spatial and temporal scales
* Details the role of animals in desert ecosystems and landscape processes
* Examines watershed scale processes, the ecology of ephemeral lakes, and the ecological changes identified with desertification
* Outlines the fundamental concepts relevant to sustainable development of arid lands