By
Edward Johnson, University of Calgary, Canada
Kiyoko Miyanishi, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Description
The media coverage of natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, floods, ice storms, etc.) indicates the prevalence of natural disasters in
most, if not all, ecosystems. In order for scientists to study, understand, and ultimately predict how these disturbances affect ecosystems,
it is necessary for them to know more about the physical processes involved in these disturbances and to learn how to couple these processes
to the ecological systems. Essential for all ecologists, forest researchers, and conservation biologists, this book includes chapters
on the disturbance processes, how the disturbance causes necrosis or death to individuals, and their effects on population or community
processes. In this book, physical scientists who study disturbances provide an introduction to the physical disturbance processes, while
ecologists relate this information to the way the vegetation responds to the disturbances. This reference is also key for all researchers
hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental management.
Audience:
Professionals, researchers and students interested in vegetation dynamics and plant community ecology. Likely those in biology, botany, and ecology departments.
