The Central Amazon Floodplain: Ecology of a Pulsing System [Hardcover]

Floodplains are ecosystems which are driven by periodic inundation and oscillation between terrestrial and aquatic phases. An understanding of such pulsing systems is only possible by studying both phases and linking the results into an integrated overview.
This book presents the results of a 15-year study of the structure and function of one of the largest tropical floodplains, the Amazon River floodplain. It covers qualitative aspects, e.g., adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial organisms to the flood pulse as well as quantitative aspects, e.g., studies of biomass, primary production, decomposition, and nutrient cycles. The authors interpret their findings and the most important data from other studies under an integrating scientific concept, the Flood Pulse Concept.Floodplains are ecosystems which are driven by periodic inundation and oscillation between terrestrial and aquatic phases. An understanding of such pulsing systems is only possible by studying both phases and linking the results into an integrated overview.
This book presents the results of a 15-year study of the structure and function of one of the largest tropical floodplains, the Amazon River floodplain. It covers qualitative aspects, e.g., adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial organisms to the flood pulse as well as quantitative aspects, e.g., studies of biomass, primary production, decomposition, and nutrient cycles. The authors interpret their findings and the most important data from other studies under an integrating scientific concept, the Flood Pulse Concept.I: Introductory Remarks.- 1 General Aspects of Floodplain Ecology with Special Reference to Amazonian Floodplains.- II: The Physical and Chemical Environment.- 2 The Large Central Amazonian River Floodplains Near Manaus: Geological, Climatological, Hydrological, and Geomorphological Aspects.- 3 Chemistry of V?rzea and Igap? Soils and Nutrient Inventory of Their Floodplain Forests.- 4 Physicochemical Conditions in Floodló