Overview

This text treats rocky, sandy and muddy shores worldwide. It describes the major factors which determine the biological make-up of rocky shores, sandy beaches and mudflats. Patterns of distribution of intertidal organisms are described worldwide and the dynamic processes that underlie these patterns are discussed in detail, especially predation, competition and disturbance. This is carried out in the framework of the four main environmental gradients: shore height, wave exposure, particle size and salinity, thereby enabling all types of shore to be treated in a comparative way. The authors assess the ecological consequences of human activity on the shore, particularly the effects of exploitation for food, organic enrichment and oil pollution, and the consequences of sea-level rise due to global warming. Techniques for investigation of the shoreline are described in detail.

Full Product Details

Author:   D. Raffaelli ,  S.J. Hawkins
Publisher:   Chapman and Hall
Imprint:   Chapman and Hall
Edition:   Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1999
Dimensions:   Width: 15.50cm , Height: 1.90cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   1.150kg
ISBN:  

9780412299605

ISBN 10:   0412299607
Pages:   356
Publication Date:   30 September 1996
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

1 The shore environment: major gradients.- 1.1 Four major environmental gradients.- 1.2 Interactions between gradients.- 1.3 Modifying factors.- 1.4 Comparisons with other ecosystems.- Overview.- 2 Patterns of distribution.- 2.1 Universal zonation schemes for rocky shores.- 2.2 Rocky shore zonation in different parts of the world.- 2.3 Distribution patterns on other shore types.- 2.4 The meiofauna.- 2.5 Macrophytes on sheltered shores.- 2.6 Zonation along the estuarine gradient.- Overview.- 3 Causes of zonation.- 3.1 Vertical zonation on rocky shores.- 3.2 Determinants of zonation on other kinds of shores.- 3.3 Causes of zonation along other shore gradients.- Overview.- 4 Community dynamics.- 4.1 Rocky shores.- 4.2 Sediment shores.- 4.3 Community succession.- Overview.- 5 Coping with the physical and biological environment.- 5.1 Finding a place to live.- 5.2 Coping with the vertical and horizontal gradients on rocky shores.- 5.3 Coping with life on sandy shores.- 5.4 Coping by modifying behaviour.- 5.5 Dealing with other organisms.- 5.6 Associations, mutualisms and symbioses.- Overview.- 6 The shore as a system.- 6.1 The oceanographic context.- 6.2 The flow of material and energy in shore systems.- 6.3 Links between the shore and other systems.- 6.4 Energy flow and functional interactions on shores.- Overview.- 7 Human impact on the shore.- 7.1 Collecting marine plants and animals for food, bait and curios.- 7.2 Chronic pollution.- 7.3 Acute effects on shores.- 7.4 Introduction of new species.- 7.5 Coastal zone change.- Overview.- 8 Studying shores.- 8.1 Describing the shore.- 8.2 General methods for use on both rocky and sandy shores.- 8.3 Methods applicable to rocky shores.- 8.4 Methods applicable to sediment shores.- 8.5 Long-term studies.- 8.6 Field experiments.- Overview.- References.- Species index.

Reviews

...an admirable approach and style... - Biologist; ...the book is a tremendously good read. - Estuaries.

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