Deserts And Arid Lands

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The Arid Lands

Author : Diana K. Davis
Publisher : MIT Press
ISBN 13 : 0262034522
Total Pages : 302 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (62 download)

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Book Synopsis The Arid Lands by : Diana K. Davis

Download or read book The Arid Lands written by Diana K. Davis and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2016-03-25 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An argument that the perception of arid lands as wastelands is politically motivated and that these landscapes are variable, biodiverse ecosystems, whose inhabitants must be empowered. Deserts are commonly imagined as barren, defiled, worthless places, wastelands in need of development. This understanding has fueled extensive anti-desertification efforts—a multimillion-dollar global campaign driven by perceptions of a looming crisis. In this book, Diana Davis argues that estimates of desertification have been significantly exaggerated and that deserts and drylands—which constitute about 41% of the earth's landmass—are actually resilient and biodiverse environments in which a great many indigenous people have long lived sustainably. Meanwhile, contemporary arid lands development programs and anti-desertification efforts have met with little success. As Davis explains, these environments are not governed by the equilibrium ecological dynamics that apply in most other regions. Davis shows that our notion of the arid lands as wastelands derives largely from politically motivated Anglo-European colonial assumptions that these regions had been laid waste by “traditional” uses of the land. Unfortunately, such assumptions still frequently inform policy. Drawing on political ecology and environmental history, Davis traces changes in our understanding of deserts, from the benign views of the classical era to Christian associations of the desert with sinful activities to later (neo)colonial assumptions of destruction. She further explains how our thinking about deserts is problematically related to our conceptions of forests and desiccation. Davis concludes that a new understanding of the arid lands as healthy, natural, but variable ecosystems that do not necessarily need improvement or development will facilitate a more sustainable future for the world's magnificent drylands.

A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration

Author : David A. Bainbridge
Publisher : Island Press
ISBN 13 : 1610910826
Total Pages : 411 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (19 download)

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Book Synopsis A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration by : David A. Bainbridge

Download or read book A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration written by David A. Bainbridge and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2012-09-26 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dryland degradation and desertification now affect almost a billion people around the world. Tragically, the biological resources and productivity of millions of acres of land are lost to desertification each year because people remain unaware of strategies and techniques that could improve yields, reduce risk, and begin healing the world's deserts. A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration is the first book to offer practical, field-tested solutions to this critical problem. Author David Bainbridge has spent more than 25 years actively involved in restoring lands across the American Southwest. A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration presents the results of his years of fieldwork, as well as research and experience from scientists and practitioners around the globe. The book discusses the ecology of desert plants, explores the causes of desertification and land abuse, and outlines the processes and procedures needed to evaluate, plan, implement, and monitor desert restoration projects. It sets forth economical and practical field-tested solutions for understanding site characteristics, selecting and growing plants, and ensuring that they survive with a minimal amount of water and care. Each chapter represents a guide to a critical topic for environmental restoration; extensive photographs, diagrams and drawings give detailed information for immediate application, and additional resources are included in appendixes. A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration is the first comprehensive book focused on restoring arid regions, and clearly demonstrates that arid lands can be successfully rehabilitated. In addition to restorationists, the book will be an invaluable resource for anyone working in arid lands, including farmers, ranchers, gardeners, landscapers, outdoor recreation professionals, and activists.

The Desert

Author : Michael Welland
Publisher : Reaktion Books
ISBN 13 : 1780233892
Total Pages : 400 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (82 download)

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Book Synopsis The Desert by : Michael Welland

Download or read book The Desert written by Michael Welland and published by Reaktion Books. This book was released on 2014-09-15 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From endless sand dunes and prickly cacti to shimmering mirages and green oases, deserts evoke contradictory images in us. They are lands of desolation, but also of romance, of blistering Mojave heat and biting Gobi cold. Covering a quarter of the earth’s land mass and providing a home to half a billion people, they are both a physical reality and landscapes of the mind. The idea of the desert has long captured Western imagination, put on display in films and literature, but these portrayals often fail to capture the true scope and diversity of the people living there. Bridging the scientific and cultural gaps between perception and reality, The Desert celebrates our fascination with these arid lands and their inhabitants, as well as their importance both throughout history and in the world today. Covering an immense geographical range, Michael Welland wanders from the Sahara to the Atacama, depicting the often bizarre adaptations of plants and animals to these hostile environments. He also looks at these seemingly infertile landscapes in the context of their place in history—as the birthplaces not only of critical evolutionary adaptations, civilizations, and social progress, but also of ideologies. Telling the stories of the diverse peoples who call the desert home, he describes how people have survived there, their contributions to agricultural development, and their emphasis on water and its scarcity. He also delves into the allure of deserts and how they have been used in literature and film and their influence on fashion, art, and architecture. As Welland reveals, deserts may be difficult to define, but they play an active role in the evolution of our global climate and society at large, and their future is of the utmost importance. Entertaining, informative, and surprising, The Desert is an intriguing new look at these seemingly harsh and inhospitable landscapes.

Sustainable Land Use in Deserts

Author : Siegmar-W. Breckle
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 364259560X
Total Pages : 473 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (425 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustainable Land Use in Deserts by : Siegmar-W. Breckle

Download or read book Sustainable Land Use in Deserts written by Siegmar-W. Breckle and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 473 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Changing desert areas for land use implies a lot of ecological problems. These and related ones are dealt with in this book covering various interdisciplinary and international aspects. Large areas in arid and semi-arid regions are already polluted in various ways. One of the biggest problems is the anthropogenic salinization by inadequate means of agriculture and irrigation. Additionally, most arid areas in the world are dramatically overgrazed. Methods and practices of a sustainable land use in deserts are urgently needed in many arid regions. This book gives a broad survey on some of the affected regions of the world as well as some case studies from elsewhere (Aral Sea, Negev desert, Namib desert etc.). Thus, basic and applied sciences are brought together. Water management in deserts, grazing systems or reclamation of desertified areas are among the topics of this book, as well as social and economic aspects.

Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Author : Gerald E. Wickens
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3662037009
Total Pages : 348 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (62 download)

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Book Synopsis Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands by : Gerald E. Wickens

Download or read book Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands written by Gerald E. Wickens and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-04-17 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book deals with arid and semi-arid environments and their classification, and the physiological restraints and adaptations of plants to the environment. Further, it discusses economic botany and the needs and methods of conserving economic plants. A broad view is taken regarding the definition of economic plants, taking into account their value to the environment as well as to man and to livestock. The individual deserts and associated semi-arid regions are described in separate chapters, providing background information on the regional environments in terms of climate and major plant formations. The economic plants within these formations, their usages, geographical distribution together with their morphological and physiological adaptations are treated in detail.

Ecology of Desert Systems

Author : Walter G. Whitford
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0081026552
Total Pages : 476 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (81 download)

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Book Synopsis Ecology of Desert Systems by : Walter G. Whitford

Download or read book Ecology of Desert Systems written by Walter G. Whitford and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2019-08-20 with total page 476 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nearly one-third of the land area on our planet is classified as arid or desert. Therefore, an understanding of the dynamics of such arid ecosystems is essential to managing those systems in a way that sustains human populations. This second edition of Ecology of Desert Systems provides a clear, extensive guide to the complex interactions involved in these areas. This book details the relationships between abiotic and biotic environments of desert ecosystems, demonstrating to readers how these interactions drive ecological processes. These include plant growth and animal reproductive success, the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation and animals, and the influence of invasive species and anthropogenic climate change specific to arid systems. Drawing on the extensive experience of its expert authors, Ecology of Desert Systems is an essential guide to arid ecosystems for students looking for an overview of the field, researchers keen to learn how their work fits in to the overall picture, and those involved with environmental management of desert areas. - Highlights the complexity of global desert systems in a clear, concise way - Reviews the most current issues facing researchers in the field, including the spread of invasive species due to globalized trade, the impact of industrial mining, and climate change - Updated and extended to include information on invasive species management, industrial mining impacts, and the current and future role of climate change in desert systems

Arid Zone Geomorphology

Author : David S. G. Thomas
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 0470975695
Total Pages : 658 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (79 download)

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Book Synopsis Arid Zone Geomorphology by : David S. G. Thomas

Download or read book Arid Zone Geomorphology written by David S. G. Thomas and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-02-08 with total page 658 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The new edition of Arid Zone Geomorphology aims to encapsulate the advances that have been made in recent years in the investigation and explanation of landforms and geomorphological processes in drylands. Building on the success of the previous two editions, the Third Edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect the latest developments in the field. Whilst this latest edition will remain a comprehensive reference to the subject, the book has been restructured to include regional case studies throughout to enhance student understanding and is clearly defined into five distinct sections; Firstly, the book introduces the reader to Large Scale Controls and Variability in Drylands and then moves on to consider Surface Processes and Characteristics; The Work of Water, The Work of the Wind. The book concludes with a section on Living with Dryland Geomorphology that includes a chapter on geomorphological hazards and the human impact on these environments. Once again, recognised world experts in the field have been invited to contribute chapters in order to present a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of current knowledge about the processes shaping the landscape of deserts and arid regions. In order to broaden the appeal of the Third Edition, the book has been reduced in extent by 100 pages and the Regional chapters have been omitted in favour of the inclusion of key regional case studies throughout the book. The Editor is also considering the inclusion of a supplementary website that could include further images, problems and case studies.

Reclamation of Arid Lands

Author : Mohammad Jafari
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 331954828X
Total Pages : 275 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (195 download)

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Book Synopsis Reclamation of Arid Lands by : Mohammad Jafari

Download or read book Reclamation of Arid Lands written by Mohammad Jafari and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-10-31 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an overview of arid and semi-arid lands conditions, their general characteristics, methods of management, conservation, exploitation and reclamation. It also focuses on how to utilize the potential of arid lands with the minimum manipulation and alteration. Arid and semi-arid areas represent a major part of natural ecosystems not only in Iran, but around the world, and mismanagement and inappropriate exploitation of these areas may lead to further gradual degradation. As such, an understanding of the characteristics of these areas is vital if they are to be conserved and reclaimed.

Arabian Deserts

Author : H. Stewart Edgell
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1402039700
Total Pages : 644 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (2 download)

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Book Synopsis Arabian Deserts by : H. Stewart Edgell

Download or read book Arabian Deserts written by H. Stewart Edgell and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-07-21 with total page 644 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first comprehensive survey of all the deserts of Arabia, based largely on the author’s 50 years of experience there. The text deals with every kind of desert in the region, from vast sand seas to clay pans and stony plains to volcanic flows. Along with dune types unique to the region the author outlines climatic changes, current ecology and human influence on desertification.

Geomorphology of Desert Environments

Author : A. D. Abrahams
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9401582548
Total Pages : 1021 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (15 download)

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Book Synopsis Geomorphology of Desert Environments by : A. D. Abrahams

Download or read book Geomorphology of Desert Environments written by A. D. Abrahams and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-04-17 with total page 1021 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last twenty years there has been a major expansion of knowledge in the field of landforms and landforming processes of deserts. This advanced-level book provides a benchmark for the current state of science, and is written by an international team of authors who are acknowledged experts in their fields.

Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology

Author : Andrew S. Goudie
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1107067162
Total Pages : 467 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (7 download)

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Book Synopsis Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology by : Andrew S. Goudie

Download or read book Arid and Semi-Arid Geomorphology written by Andrew S. Goudie and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2013-05-27 with total page 467 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on four decades of research by Professor Andrew Goudie, this volume provides a state-of-the-art synthesis of our understanding of desert geomorphology. It presents a truly international perspective, with examples from all over the world. Extensively referenced and illustrated, it covers such topics as the importance of past climatic changes, the variability of different desert environments, rock breakdown, wind erosion and dust storm generation, sand dunes, fluvial and slope forms and processes, the role of the applied geomorphologist in desert development and conservation, and the Earth as an analogue for other planetary bodies. This book is destined to become the classic volume on arid and semi-arid geomorphology for advanced students and researchers in physical geography, geomorphology, Earth science, sedimentology, environmental science and archaeology.

A Natural History of the Mojave Desert

Author : Lawrence R. Walker
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
ISBN 13 : 0816532621
Total Pages : 343 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (165 download)

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Book Synopsis A Natural History of the Mojave Desert by : Lawrence R. Walker

Download or read book A Natural History of the Mojave Desert written by Lawrence R. Walker and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2018-03-27 with total page 343 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Invites readers to explore the smallest and most unique southwestern desert, the beautiful Mojave--Provided by publisher.

Deserts and Desert Environments

Author : Julie J Laity
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1444300741
Total Pages : 360 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (443 download)

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Book Synopsis Deserts and Desert Environments by : Julie J Laity

Download or read book Deserts and Desert Environments written by Julie J Laity and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-01-28 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Taking a global perspective, this book provides a concise overviewof drylands, including their physical, biological, temporal, andhuman components. Examines the physical systems occurring in desert environments,including climate, hydrology, past and present lakes, weathering,hillslopes, geomorphic surfaces, water as a geomorphic agent, andaeolian processes Offers an accessible introduction to the physical, biological,temporal, and human components of drylands Investigates the nature, environmental requirements, andessential geomorphic roles of plants and animals in this stressfulbiological environment Highlights the impact of human population growth on climate,desertification, water resources, and dust storm activity Includes an examination of surface/atmosphere interactions andthe impact of ENSO events.

Climate Change in Deserts

Author : Martin Williams
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1107016916
Total Pages : 653 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (7 download)

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Book Synopsis Climate Change in Deserts by : Martin Williams

Download or read book Climate Change in Deserts written by Martin Williams and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2014-08-11 with total page 653 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A synthesis of the environmental and climatic history of every major desert and desert margin, for researchers and advanced students.

Traditional Arid Lands Agriculture

Author : Scott E. Ingram
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
ISBN 13 : 0816531293
Total Pages : 391 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (165 download)

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Book Synopsis Traditional Arid Lands Agriculture by : Scott E. Ingram

Download or read book Traditional Arid Lands Agriculture written by Scott E. Ingram and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2015-04-02 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traditional Arid Lands Agriculture is the first of its kind. Each chapter considers four questions: what we don’t know about specific aspects of traditional agriculture, why we need to know more, how we can know more, and what research questions can be pursued to know more. What is known is presented to provide context for what is unknown. Traditional agriculture, nonindustrial plant cultivation for human use, is practiced worldwide by millions of smallholder farmers in arid lands. Advancing an understanding of traditional agriculture can improve its practice and contribute to understanding the past. Traditional agriculture has been practiced in the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico for at least four thousand years and intensely studied for at least one hundred years. What is not known or well-understood about traditional arid lands agriculture in this region has broad application for research, policy, and agricultural practices in arid lands worldwide. The authors represent the disciplines of archaeology, anthropology, agronomy, art, botany, geomorphology, paleoclimatology, and pedology. This multidisciplinary book will engage students, practitioners, scholars, and any interested in understanding and advancing traditional agriculture.

Desert Meteorology

Author : Thomas T. Warner
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 113944963X
Total Pages : 623 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (394 download)

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Book Synopsis Desert Meteorology by : Thomas T. Warner

Download or read book Desert Meteorology written by Thomas T. Warner and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2009-01-18 with total page 623 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Aridity prevails over more than one third of the land area of the Earth and over a significant fraction of the oceans as well. Yet to date there has been no comprehensive reference volume or textbook dealing with the weather processes that define the character of desert areas. Desert Meteorology fills this gap by treating all aspects of desert weather.

Aridland Springs in North America

Author : Lawrence E. Stevens
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
ISBN 13 : 9780816526451
Total Pages : 432 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (264 download)

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Book Synopsis Aridland Springs in North America by : Lawrence E. Stevens

Download or read book Aridland Springs in North America written by Lawrence E. Stevens and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2008 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A collection of articles on the ecology of North American desert springs, by authors from the fields of biology, botany, ichthyology, conservation, geology and law; and covering both the special traits of springs and the ways in which they might be managed in order to survive.