Ecology of Desert Rivers [Hardcover]

Summarises current understanding of desert river ecology and its dependence on unpredictable river flows.A comprehensive account of the variable ecology of desert rivers and how they determine the behaviour and composition of the organisms that depend on them for survival. Also covers how human interventions such as the creation of dams affect desert rivers and their surrounding ecoystems.A comprehensive account of the variable ecology of desert rivers and how they determine the behaviour and composition of the organisms that depend on them for survival. Also covers how human interventions such as the creation of dams affect desert rivers and their surrounding ecoystems.Almost half the world is comprised of desert or dryland regions. Life in these harsh environments depends upon spectacular rivers that are constantly changing between states of flood and drought, but compared to the other rivers of the world, our knowledge of their ecology is limited. Ecology of Desert Rivers provides a comprehensive account of the variable ecology of these areas and how they determine the behaviour and composition of the organisms that survive in this 'boom and bust' environment. It also covers how human interventions such as the creation of dams affect desert rivers and the animals and plants that depend on them for survival. This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of all aspects of desert river ecology and will appeal to researchers and students in ecology, hydrology and geomorphology as well as conservation managers and policy-makers.Part I. Natural Disturbance in Desert River Systems: 1. Desert or dryland rivers of the world - an introduction R. T. Kingsford and J. Thompson; 2. Flow variability in large unregulated dryland rivers W. J. Young and R. T. Kingsford; 3. Variability, complexity and diversity - the geomorphology of river ecosystems in dryland regions M. C. Thoms, P. H. Beyer and K. H. Rogers; 4. Aquatic productivity and food webs of desert river ecosystems S. E. Bunlóe