Ecosystem Geography 2nd Ed.

Description:
This book outlines a system that subdivides the Earth into a hierarchy of increasingly finer-scale ecosystems that can serve as a consistent framework for ecological analysis and management. The system consists of a three-part, nested hierarchy of ecosystem units and associated mapping criteria. This new edition has been updated throughout with new text, figures, diagrams, photographs, and tables.

Review:
From the reviews: 'An important book, richly illustrated with clear diagrams, maps, and photos. A major contribution to ecosystem ecology and an essential acquisition.' (Choice) 'the first [book] to synthesize the available knowledge for ecosystem classification and mapping and to provide a general guide to its use--Foresters will find Ecosystem Geography a carefully compiled benchmark reference with an exhaustive bibliography on the state-of-the-art of ecosystem classification and its bearing on resource management.' (Journal of Forestry) 'I would recommend this book to those with serious interest in physical geography--a good resource for those who teach physical geography.' (Journal of Geography) 'The new 'ecosystem management' demands an understanding of ecosystems and the relationships between them. In short, it requires a sound geographical knowledge of ecosystems. Ecosystem Geography lays a firm foundation for such knowledge.' (Progress in Physical Geography) 'The book is essential reading for ecologists and natural area managers interested in ecosystem management and understanding how their landscapes fit into the larger picture regionally, continentally, and globally.' (Natural Areas Journal) From the reviews of the second edition: 'In this second edition, Bailey ! clarifies original concepts, explains how boundaries of ecological units at the three scales can be mapped, contrasts genetic and empirical approaches to ecosystem classification, and discusses how climate change over time and human modifications influence ecosystem distribution and processes. ! The volume's excellent illustrations include maps, redrawn two-color diagrams, and photos. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduate through professional ecology and resource management collections.' (R. L. Smith, Choice, Vol. 47 (11), July, 2010)

Table of Contents:
Forward Preface Ch. 1 Introduction Ch. 2 Scale of Ecosystem Units Ch. 3 The Question of Boundary Criteria Ch. 4 Role of Climate in Ecosystem Differentiation Ch. 5 Macroscale: Macroclimatic Differentiation Ch. 6 Ecoclimatic Zones of the Earth Ch. 7 Ecoregions of the United States Ch. 8 Mesoscale: Landform Differentiation Ch. 9 Microscale: Edaphic-Topoclimatic Differentiation Ch. 10 Applications of Ecosystem Geography Ch. 11 Summary and Conclusions Appendix Ecoregions of the Oceans Glossary Further Reading Bibliography About the Author Index