Ecology of freshwater and estuarine wetlands /

This book delves into the interaction of plants, animals, and microbes with the physical and chemical wetland environment. Chapter authors represent a broad spectrum of wetland experience. Factors such as climate, geomorphology, and hydrology are the primary controls associated with wetland interactions, and the book's contents are organized around these interactions. The first four chapters address geomorphology, soils, and hydrology of wetlands. Chapters 5-8 focus on wetland functions. The final chapters (9-12) discuss applied ecology, conservation, and threats to wetlands. This well-organized work reads well and is illustrated with numerous tables and figures. Chapter authors cite Web addresses as necessary so that readers may access in-depth discussions of concepts. The authors introduce each chapter by outlining concepts and providing definitions of selected terms. The comprehensive literature-cited listing and index cover the entire book. Soil scientists, wetland and terrestrial biologists and ecologists, and those involved with conservation, restoration, and wetland mitigation will find this work useful. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners. S. G. Shetron emeritus, Michigan Technological University