Originally published in 1974, Arctic and Alpine Environments examines, the relatively simple ecosystems of arctic and alpine lands that still occupy extensive areas little disturbed by modern technology. The book argues that there is a necessity for carefully controlled development of the resources of these regions and suggests that there is a risk of irreversible disturbance without full understanding of these regions. This book provides a detailed documentation of cold-stressed arctic and alpine terrestrial environments and systematically deals with the present and past physical environment – climate, hydrology and glaciology; biota – treeline, vegetation, vertebrate zoology, and historical biogeography; abiotic processes – geomorphological and pedological and the role of man – bioclimatology, archaeology and technological impact, including radioecology. The book will appeal to academics and students of environmental and biological science, as well as providing a significant source for conservationists’, government agencies and industrial organizations.

This volume in the Greenwood Guides to Biomes of the World: series covers the biomes at high altitudes and near the poles, including the arctic tundra biomes, the Mid-Latitude Alpine Tundra Biome (found in the mountain ranges of North America, Asia, and South America), and the tropical alpine tundra biome (for example, Hawaii).

As human populations expand and have increasing access to technol ogy, two general environmental concerns have arisen. First, human pop ulations are having increasing impact on the earth system, such that we are altering the biospheric carbon pools, basic processes of elemental cycling and the climate system of the earth. Because of time lags and feedbacks, these processes are not easily reversed. These alterations are occurring now more rapidly than at any time in the last several million years. Secondly, human activities are causing changes in the earth's biota that lead to species extinctions at a rate and magnitude rivaling those of past geologic extinction events. Although environmental change is potentially reversible at some time scales, the loss of species is irrevo cable. Changes in diversity at other scales are also cause for concern. Habitat fragmentation and declines in population sizes alter genetic di versity. Loss or introduction of new functional groups, such as nitro gen fixers or rodents onto islands can strongly alter ecosystem processes. Changes in landscape diversity through habitat modification and frag mentation alter the nature of processes within and among vegetation patches. Although both ecological changes altering the earth system and the loss of biotic diversity have been major sources of concern in recent years, these concerns have been largely independent, with little concern for the environmental causes the ecosystem consequences of changes in biodiversity. These two processes are clearly interrelated. Changes in ecological systems cause changes in diversity.

The European Arctic and Alpine regions are experiencing large environmental changes. These changes may have socio-economic effects if the changes affect the bioproduction, which form the basis for the marine and terrestrial food chains. This uniquely multidisciplinary book presents the various aspects of contemporary environmental changes in Arctic and Alpine Regions.

The fifth International Symposium on Palaeolimnology was held at Ambleside in the English Lake District from August 31 to September 6, 1989. During the 65 papers were presented at seven sessions and 52 posters symposium displayed. Three late afternoon/evening special lectures were given, one of which was a memorial to the late Ed. Deevey, to whom this volume is dedicated. Associated with the symposium were five excursions to various parts of the UK and Ireland, and a visit to the laboratories of the Freshwater Biological Association and Institute of Freshwater Ecology. Conference participants were also invited to a buffet party and visit to the Lake District National Park Centre at Brockhole as the guests of the Park Authority. The local organising committee for the symposium also formed the editorial panel for this volume. They included: Peter Appleby, Rick Battarbee, John Dearing, Roger Flower, Elizabeth Haworth, Frank Oldfield, Paddy O'Sullivan and John Smith. Support for the conference is gratefully acknowledged from the following organisations; The Royal Society Department of the Environment US Army European Research Office Barclays Bank Central Electricity Generating Board Lake District Special Planning Board South Lakeland District Council Charlotte Mason College Molspin Limited The conference is also indebted to the many individuals who provided such effective help in the preparation and smooth running of the programme. J. P. SMITH May 1991 Hydrobiologia 214: 1-7, 1991.

Contributors present the newest information on ecological, physiological, neurological, cellular and biochemical mechanisms by which vertebrates deal with seasonal cold.

Fundamentals of the Physical Environment has established itself as a well-respected core introductory book for students of physical geography and the environmental sciences. Taking a systems approach, it demonstrates how the various factors operating at Earth’s surface can and do interact, and how landscape can be used to decipher them. The nature of the earth, its atmosphere and its oceans, the main processes of geomorphology and key elements of ecosystems are also all explained. The final section on specific environments usefully sets in context the physical processes and human impacts. This fourth edition has been extensively revised to incorporate current thinking and knowledge and includes: a new section on the history and study of physical geography an updated and strengthened chapter on climate change (9) and a strengthened section on the work of the wind a revised chapter (15) on crysosphere systems - glaciers, ice and permafrost a new chapter (23) on the principles of environmental reconstruction a new joint chapter (24) on polar and alpine environments a key new joint chapter (28) on current environmental change and future environments new material on the Earth System and cycling of carbon and nutrients themed boxes highlighting processes, systems, applications, new developments and human impacts a support website at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415395168 with discussion and essay questions, chapter summaries and extended case studies. Clearly written, well-structured and with over 450 informative colour diagrams and 150 colour photographs, this text provides students with the necessary grounding in fundamental processes whilst linking these to their impact on human society and their application to the science of the environment.

The third edition of this comprehensive encyclopedic dictionary covers the whole field of physical geography and provides an essential reference for all students and lecturers in this field.