The world's boreal forests, which lie to the south of the Arctic, are considered to be the Earth's most significant terrestrial ecosystems. A panel of ecologists here provide a synthesis of the important patterns and processes which occur in boreal forests and review the principal mechanisms which control the forest's patterns.

Systems analysis in forestry has continued to advance in sophistication and diversity of application over the last few decades. The papers in this volume were presented at the eighth symposium in the foremost conference series worldwide in this subject area. Techniques presented include optimization and simulation modelling, decision support systems, alternative planning techniques, and spatial analysis. Over 30 papers and extended abstracts are grouped into the topical areas of (1) fire and fuels; (2) networks and transportation; (3) forest and landscape planning; (4) ecological modeling, biodiversity, and wildlife; and (5) forest resource applications. This collection will be of interest to forest planners and researchers who work in quantitative methods in forestry.

Since this new science is of an unprecedented interdisciplinary nature, the book does not merely take stock of its numerous ingredients, but also delivers their multifaceted integration. The resulting master paradigm - the co-evolution of nature and anthroposphere within a geo-cybernetic continuum of processes - is based on a structured manifold of partial paradigms with their specific ranges. Most importantly, this serves the scientific foundation of a meaningful, safe and efficient environment and development management for solving the most burning questions concerning humankind and its natural environment. The more concrete elucidation of the natural and human dimensions, as well as various attempts and instruments of integration are represented in the different parts of the book, while the didactic quality is heightened by many allegoric illustrations.

This book introduces an interdisciplinary framework to understand the interaction between terrestrial ecosystems and climate change. It reviews basic meteorological, hydrological and ecological concepts to examine the physical, chemical and biological processes by which terrestrial ecosystems affect and are affected by climate. The textbook is written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying ecology, environmental science, atmospheric science and geography. The central argument is that terrestrial ecosystems become important determinants of climate through their cycling of energy, water, chemical elements and trace gases. This coupling between climate and vegetation is explored at spatial scales from plant cells to global vegetation geography and at timescales of near instantaneous to millennia. The text also considers how human alterations to land become important for climate change. This restructured edition, with updated science and references, chapter summaries and review questions, and over 400 illustrations, including many in colour, serves as an essential student guide.

Boreal forests form Earth's largest terrestrial biome. They are rich in ecosystem and landscape diversity, though characterized by relatively few plant species, as compared to other forested regions. The long term viability and sustainability of boreal forests is influenced by many factors. They are subject to interruptions at intervals by large-scale natural disturbances, and increasingly by human activities. Boreal ecosystem development is typically a slow process; hence rapid changes in the global environment may invoke complex responses. Many industrial nations border, or lie within, boreal regions, deriving much of their economic wealth and culture from the forests. The response of boreal forests to changes in the global environment - whether caused by direct human activity or by indirect changes such as the anticipated changes in climate - are therefore of considerable international interest, both for their policy implications and their scientific challenges. This book which contains almost 50 peer-reviewed papers from a world-wide group of experts assembled under the auspices of IBFRA, the International Boreal Forest Research Association, covers topics which will stimulate further research and the development of constructive policies for improved management and conservation of global boreal forest resources.

"A colorful, inspiring variety [of topics], fully preserving contrasts among experts . . . If you wish to learn about the origins and the diversity of arguments in this controversy, read this book." --Journal of Environmental Quality

Environmental Indices: Systems Analysis Approach examines the theoretical development of environmental indices and their practical application. Indicators can be powerful tools in guiding data and information collection processes, and careful development will lead to more focused and cost-effective global monitoring and observing systems at international level. The authorship is drawn from a group of internationally distinguished scientists and researches who are actively working towards a comprehensive set of tools and protocols such as simulation models, fuzzy clustering analysis and GIS methodologies that will lead to the development of meaningful environmental indices. This book will be a vital reference work for students, teachers and researches, together with policy makers, planners and all professional involved in development programs.