Ecohydrology of Water-Controlled Ecosystems: Soil Moisture and Plant Dynamics

Description

Ecohydrology of Water-Controlled Ecosystems addresses the connections between the hydrologic cycle and plant ecosystems, with special emphasis on arid and semi-arid climates. This important topic is treated by building suitable mathematical models of the physics involved and then applying them to study the ecosystem structure and its response to rainfall and climate forcing in different parts of the world, including savannas, grasslands and forests. It investigates the vegetation response to water stress (drought), the hydrologic control on cycles of soil nutrients, and the dynamics of plant competition for water. The book also offers insights into processes closely related to soil moisture dynamics, such as soil-atmosphere interaction and soil gas emissions. This book will appeal to advanced students and researchers from a large range of disciplines, including environmental science, hydrology, ecology, earth science, civil and environmental engineering, agriculture and atmospheric science.

'The growing field of ecohydrology is eloquently presented in this provocative and wonderful new book. A fundamental and coherent framework for the simulation of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum is clearly developed that is useful and retains the essential characteristics of the land surface dynamics. This simulation framework will play a critical role in the continuing effort to understand environmental change and the impact on ecosystems at all scales. Students and researchers interested in the earth system will find it an invaluable resource that is brimming with exciting ideas.' Professor Marc Parlange, Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University 'Brilliant and comprehensive! An indispensable and authoritative reference for anyone interested in hydrology or ecosystems.' Professor Simon A. Levin, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University '... makes important contributions to this rapidly evolving field ... a comprehensive treatment of water flow dynamics in soils combined with vegetation flux models applied to a suite of ecological problems ... the vast expertise and leadership of the two authors in this arena is strikingly apparent in this work ... This book represents an important body of work stemming from many years of productive effort by the authors ... The book is timely and important, coming at a very critical period in the development of the field of ecohydrology. Indeed, the book will be regarded as foundational for the field. Although the book has a strong hydrological perspective, classically trained plant ecologists will find many useful and stimulating ideas here.' Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union '... the authors display an authoritative understanding of their subject, with an elegant formulation and description of physical models that deserve to be read and studied for many years to come.' International Journal of Climatology 'The book will appeal to advanced students and researchers from a large range of disciplines, including environmental science, hydrology, ecology, earth science, civil and environmental engineering, agriculture, and atmospheric science.' Environmental Geology