Phragmites Australis Seed Germination Strategy
Phragmites australis, capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction, widely distributes along the tidal flat gradient in the Dongtan coastal salt marsh wetlands of Chongming. To examine whether P. australis display cross-generational adaptation, seeds from different tidal flat habitats were collected and stored under various temperature. Subsequently, the effects of soil properties in the original habitats, seed storage temperature and salinity conditions on seed germination strategies were explored. When the salinity up to 150/00, the germination rate of P. australis seeds was 1.3% - 7.7%. Low seed-storage temperatures (4 C) significantly enhanced germination rates and potentials, compared to those stored at room temperature (20 C). Soil salinity and water content were major factors influenced germination rates after storing seeds at 4 C. However, germination rates and potentials were positively correlated with the soil P content. Meanwhile, the seed germination indexes and speeds were more significantly affected by the room temperature. Both seed storage temperatures and the tidal flats had a positive direct impact on the germination parameters of seeds. However, soil N/P had a positive indirect effect on the seed germination parameters only at the lower seed-storage temperature. The results indicated that vernalization (low-temperature seed storage) differentially promoted the germination of P. australis seeds collected from the tidal flat gradient in a subtropical marine monsoon climate salt marsh area and demonstrated cross-generational adaptation. Consequently, using seeds collected from P. australis populations along the tidal flat gradient to restore the original population could be considered an effective and economical method.
Economic Futures
The life of our planet has reached a critical stage. Its survival depends on our ability to rethink our relationship with ecology, and create a new economy which does not rely on economic growth, and supports care and sustainability for our planet. This book examines histories of alternative economic theories to advocate for different ways of economic distribution that do not keep producing emissions. It calls into question our philosophy of time, our relationship with ecology, and the original creation of debt, interest, and ways of avoiding exponential economic growth. The author uses ideas from Maori philosophy, Mesopotamian finance and quantum mechanics to set out a new basis for economic theory which is no longer set up on greedy individualism, or a hierarchical trickle-down effect, or even overall economic growth. Instead, this new materialist philosophy emphasises the integration of humanity and the ecosystem, and sets out to create a philosophy of economics built on interconnection and care.
Religious Horror and the Ecogothic
Religious Horror and the Ecogothic explores the intersections of Anglophone Christianity and the Ecogothic, a subgenre that explores the ecocritical in Gothic literature, film, and media. Acknowledging the impact of Christian ideologies upon interpretations of human relationships with the environment, the Ecogothic in turn interrogates spiritual identity and humanity's darker impulses in relation to ecological systems. Through a survey of Ecogothic texts from the eighteenth century to the present day, this book illuminates the ways in which a Christianized understanding of hierarchy, dominion, fear, and sublimity shapes reactions to the environment and conceptions of humanity's place therein. It interrogates the discourses which inform environmental policy, as well as definitions of the "human" in a rapidly changing world.
Digressions in Deep Time
"Deep time" is a term which attempts to capture temporal scales far beyond human comprehension. These are stretches of time epitomised by geological and cosmic scale processes, vast enough to make the entirety of human existence appear as little more than a footnote. The past few years have seen a boom in texts dedicated to the study of deep time, extending across a broad range of disciplines which fall markedly outside of its geological roots. These studies are unified by two ideas in particular: that deep time thinking and ecocriticism should be considered in conjunction, and that literature and the arts play a vital role in fostering a deep time awareness. Digressions in Deep Time is the first collection of essays which considers the multifarious representations of deep time across literature and the arts, assembling the work of a wide range of prominent scholars whose research frequently engages with temporality and ecocriticism. Featured contributions include work by the Pulitzer-prize winning author John McPhee, who popularised the term deep time in the late seventies, as well as chapters by Richard Irvine (author of An Anthropology of Deep Time), Benjamin Morgan (author of The Outward Mind) and Andrew Tate (author of Apocalyptic Fiction).
Climate-Just Behavior
This book highlights the obstacles to and potential for a just transformation as a way out of the current climate crisis.This volume examines the barriers, opportunities and incentives around the pursuit of climate-just behavior, based on a comprehensive interdisciplinary and integrative analysis. It investigates how the gap between expressing concern about the climate crisis and giving it a high priority within the context of everyday behavior can be overcome. At the same time, it looks at the challenging politico-economic framework conditions such as the strong economic growth and profit orientation of capitalism. Although justice is a fundamental human motive, which should induce climate-just behavior, system justification is common and makes people rather justify their unjust behavior. In this book, a general and systemic framework on human behavior is provided, including internal factors, such as knowledge and psychological needs, external factors, such as socio-cultural and politico-economic factors, feedback loops and interactions. The authors draw on multiple theories to examine how denial and moral disengagement affect individual responsibility, despite real-world evidence of the climate crisis. The book highlights the role of emotions in encouraging a pro-environmental response and discusses solutions on both the individual and the collective level, such as transparency laws. Moreover, making climate-friendly options more accessible, affordable and convenient facilitates behavior change more effectively. Overall, this book presents knowledge-based, realistic approaches to surmounting these obstacles in order to achieve a more climate-just world.Climate-Just Behavior will be of great interest to students and scholars of climate change, climate justice, environmental geography and environmental psychology.
Paddleways of Mississippi
Mississippi rivers and creeks have shaped every aspect of the state's geology, ecology, economy, settlement, and politics. Mississippi's paddleways--its rivers, rills, creeks, and streams--are its arteries, its lifeblood, and the connective tissues that tie its stories and histories together and flood them with a sense of place and impel them along the current of time. The rivers provide structure for the telling of stories. In Paddleways of Mississippi: Rivers and People of the Magnolia State, readers will discover flowing details of virtually every waterway in the state--the features, wildlife, vegetation, geology, hydrology, and specific challenges to be expected--alongside many wonderful historical and social accounts specific to each system. Interviews and oral histories enliven these waterways with evocative scenery, engaging anecdotes, interesting historical tales, and personal accounts of the people and communities that arose along the waterways of Mississippi. Part natural history, part narrative nonfiction, Paddleways of Mississippi will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, naturalists, campers, and historians, and is suitable for novices as well as experts. Told together, the pieces included are a social and ecological history that exposes and deepens the connection coursing between the people and the rivers.
Trees are Bridges to the Sky
Industrial culture casts humans as parasites: devouring our living home. Yet endless metaphors exist. Other cultures and species widening spirals of abundance show us we are also fruit: gifts from the Earth to our future. Whether the edge of our lives, civilization, and species is a cliff to catastrophe or a bridge to our higher selves will depend on the seeds we sow in the soil of this moment. The quality of our seeds does not arise from wealth or technology, but through the unending labor of personal and cultural transformation.
Applied Geophysics in Hydrocarbon Exploration, Energy Storage and CCUS
This reprint "Application of Geophysical Data Interpretation in Geological and Mineral Potential Mapping" published by MDPI, is a compilation of scientific papers on new interpretation results and technical developments in geophysical methods such as seismic and multiphysics approaches applied to hydrocarbon exploration, CCUS, and energy storage (including geothermal). More specifically, the papers in this compilation addressed three main problems: exploration case studies from a regional to a local scale; reservoir characterization and monitoring; and carbon capture and energy storage.
Advances in Renewable Energy Research and Applications
This Reprint covers a wide range of essential areas, including green hydrogen solutions, renewable energy resources, sustainable solutions, energy generation, efficiency, and management. Each chapter examines the latest advancements, strategies, and innovations, offering insights into sustainable practices and their integration with simulation models. These topics play vital roles in tackling environmental challenges, reducing carbon footprints, and achieving a greener future. By bringing together expertise from various disciplines, this Reprint aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange to address the global need for sustainable solutions.
Nanostructured Materials and Advanced Processes for Application in Water Purification
Water contamination via heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, and pathogens is a severe threat worldwide, disturbing or threatening both human health and ecosystems even in very small concentrations. Thus, improving water quality is a crucial topic, with both social and economic benefits. In recent years, the use of nanostructured materials to improve water purification systems has been increasingly considered. Nanostructured materials are promising candidates since their nano-scaled nature has important features.
Seeds on Ice: Svalbard and the Global Seed Vault
The remarkable story of the Global Seed Vault--and the valiant effort to save the past and the future of agriculture: Now updated with a new chapter by the author and photos from recent improvements in the facilities.Author Cary Fowler, father of the Global Seed Vault, was named a 2024 World Food Prize Laureate.Closer to the North Pole than to the Arctic Circle, on an island in a remote Norwegian archipelago, lies a vast global seed bank buried within a frozen mountain. At the end of a 130-meter long tunnel chiseled out of solid stone is a room filled with humanity's precious treasure, the largest and most diverse seed collection ever assembled: more than a half billion seeds containing the world's most prized crops, a safeguard against catastrophic starvation.The Global Seed Vault, a visionary model of international collaboration, is the brainchild of Cary Fowler, renowned scientist, conservationist, and biodiversity advocate. In SEEDS ON ICE, Fowler tells for the first time the comprehensive inside story of how the "doomsday seed vault" came to be, while the breathtaking photographs offer a stunning guided tour not only of the private vault, but of the windswept beauty and majesty of Svalbard and the enchanting community of people in Longyearbyen.With growing evidence that unchecked climate change will seriously undermine food production and threaten the diversity of crops around the world, SEEDS ON ICE offers a personal and passionate reminder that we shouldn't take our reliance on the world of plants for granted--and that, in a very real sense, the future of the human race rides on this frozen and indispensable biodiversity.
Entire of itself? Towards an environmental history of Islands
Place-centric island historiesThe study of islands is booming. Small wonder: islands have played a key role in the history of continents, have been crucial locales of state-making, have served dictatorships as sites of prison systems and have acted as frontiers and stepping stones of empires. However, the role that island environments have played in creating and shaping these histories has so far received little attention. To understand why an island became a penal colony, an atomic test site or a tourist destination we need to take a close look at its environmental peculiarities: its physical shape, its geology, its climate, its flora and fauna, and its position vis-?-vis other places. And to more deeply comprehend an island's place in history we must consider the changing ways in which it was perceived, used, valued or dismissed, protected or mistreated over time.Through fourteen stories of islands and archipelagos from around the globe Entire of Itself? Towards an Environmental History of Islands showcases islands as dynamic entities that both shape history and are shaped by it. Covering time periods from antiquity to the present day, Entire of Itself? attempts a group portrait of this exceptional category of places in the context of environmental history. Exploring the intertwined temporal, material and identity layers of island environments, and their transformations in response to human endeavours of conservation, exploitation and experimentation, the contributions in this volume challenge the traditional center-periphery perspective, and instead take an island-centred approach, delving into both the islands' own stories and their role in larger historical developments.
Rockhounding
Dive into the world of rocks, gemstones, and fossils!Do you love rocks, gems, and fossils? Have you ever thought about where they come from and how they form?Do you want to learn more about rock hunting and collecting but are unsure where to start?If you answered yes to any of these questions, get ready because Rockhounding is exactly what you need. Whether a novice or a seasoned rockhound, this book contains all the knowledge and tools you need to get started.In this book, you will: Discover the different types of rocks, minerals, gems, agates, and fossils, and learn how to identify them.Find the best places to search for them and how to recognize signs of mineral deposits.Learn about the tools and equipment you need to begin your rockhounding adventure and how to use them safely and effectively.Discover techniques for cleaning, preserving, and displaying your specimens to showcase their natural beauty.Explore rockhounding's rich history, science, and artistic aspects, and learn about famous rocks and minerals.If you closely follow all the tips and suggestions in this book, you will definitely set yourself up for success in your rock-hunting endeavors.
Hydrology and Water Resources in Agriculture and Ecology
The agricultural sector uses the largest share of freshwater of any industry, and contributes greatly to global food security. However, the water available for agriculture and natural ecosystems has been decreasing in most parts of the world due to the increasing water demands of domestic and industrial activities. A systemic study on hydrology and water resources in terms of agriculture and ecology will provide a basis for food security and ecosystem security. This preprint explores the recent advancements in the areas of hydrology and water resources in agriculture and ecology. It covers a wide range of topics, including crop water requirements, drought assessment, ecohydrology and environmental hydrology, river hydrology, forest hydrology, groundwater, soil water, channel leakage, cropland hydrology, drainage, hydrodynamics, hydropedology, nutrient loss, soil physics, water balance, and water footprints. With its multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive coverage, this reprint serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and engineers working in the fields of agricultural hydrology, ecohydrology, and water resources.
One Summer Morning in My Garden
After acquiring a little plot of land surrounded by dry-stone walls, the author reminisces the experiences and sensations of the past nine months spent to transform the barren green space into an English garden paradise. Her memories and immediate observations bubble up in her mind over the three hours she spends sitting in her garden one summer morning while waiting for her new friends, the former owners of the plot, to turn up for their very first visit. The garden layout is meant to be a surprise for them because they last saw their land the year earlier, before they sold it to the author. The encounter of the former owners with the new proprietor, the writer, leads the latter to finally discover the reasons behind the sale. The motives are a real eye opener and truly astounding and they point to one and only one entity, the Spirit of the Place, otherwise known as Genius Loci, who plotted lovingly behind the scenes to lure its guests all together in order to ensure its potential to flourish and to be cherished.
RESILIENT JAPAN Navigating Disasters and Building Tomorrow
Over the course of the stormy tapestry that is the human experience, the threads of resilience weave a story of unyielding spirit, unyielding adaptation, and the astonishing potential of individuals and communities to persevere, rebuild, and emerge stronger in the face of tragedy. Understanding and cultivating resilience becomes an absolute necessity in light of the fact that our world is currently struggling to cope with the ever-increasing difficulties posed by natural disasters, technological disruptions, and social upheavals
Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels
Internal combustion (IC) engines are the power devices most used in the fields of transport, engineering machinery, stationary power generation, etc. They have been evolving continuously over the past few decades and still have great potential to further improve to reach the ultimate goal of zero emissions. This Special Issue on the subject of "Advanced Research on Internal Combustion Engines and Engine Fuels" is dedicated to sharing recent progress and findings from the engine research community, covering the entirety of the wide scope of engine- and fuel-related research, i.e., diesel spray characteristics, combustion technologies for low- and zero-carbon fuels, advanced combustion modes, the additive effects of fuel, engine operation under extreme conditions, advanced materials and manufacturing.
Natural Hazards and Disaster Risks Reduction
This reprint contains a collection of articles showing how the environmental processes governing the Earth's system can induce the formation of sudden and severe natural phenomena as their most violent expression. Their impact is unevenly distributed over the Earth's surface because of the presence of complex overlapping global or local endogenous and exogenous factors. Climate change and anthropogenic forcing can directly or indirectly exacerbate most of the occurrences at different spatial and temporal scales in the tropospheric area. When such phenomena interact directly with inhabited areas and society, different risk scenarios can develop even for human life itself. The degree of safety in a community is determined by the differential exposure to these events and the level of preparation based on awareness and perception. The social development and uncontrolled (or poorly regulated) spatial growth of human activities via the consumption of soil and natural resources have further contributed to creating vulnerability, increasing the challenges of conscious societies in coping with severe natural processes and their effects. As a whole, all the papers collected here highlight how the protection of territory, in its social and environmental complexity, is ultimately a key element for the pursuit of sustainable development.
Innovative Research Approaches & Practices towards Sustainable Land Management, Preservation & Restoration
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) is vital for soil health, biodiversity, and resilience. Climate change and human activity both accelerate land degradation, prompting urgent action according to the IPCC Climate Change Report (2023). The Mission Board for Soil Health and Food and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) reveal that 60-70% of EU soils are unhealthy. Global climate change and land degradation may displace 700 million people by the year 2050, highlighting the need for safeguarding land for Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs); this need for safeguarding is further emphasized by the support for SLM of both global and European initiatives. The concept of "One Health" relates soil health to ecosystems and human health, while the seventeen SDGs of the 2030 Agenda integrate different land aspects. Land is central to research and innovation in the EU, as is the green-digital transition. The EU Soil Strategy for 2030, the upcoming Soil Health Law, and the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) underpin strategies like the Farm to Fork Strategy, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Climate Adaptation Strategy, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Forest Strategy, the Organic Action Plan, the New Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Circular Economy Action Plan, all of which are integral to the European Green Deal. This Special Issue aims to provide a unique reference point that explores innovative methodologies, case studies, and reviews, examining diverse sustainable land management concepts.
Ecologizing Education
Ecologizing Education explores how we can reenvision education to meet the demands of an unjust and rapidly changing world. Going beyond "green" schooling programs that aim only to shape behavior, Sean Blenkinsop and Estella Kuchta advance a pedagogical approach that seeks to instills eco-conscious and socially just change at the cultural level. Ecologizing education, as this approach is called, involves identifying and working to overcome anti-ecological features of contemporary education. This approach, called ecologizing education, aims to develop a classroom culture in sync with the more-than-human world where diversity and interdependency are intrinsic.Blenkinsop and Kuchta illustrate this educational paradigm shift through the real-world stories of two public elementary schools located in British Columbia. They show that this approach to learning starts with recognizing the environmental and social injustices that pervade our industrialized societies. By documenting how ecologizing education helps children create new relationships with the natural world and move toward mutual healing, Blenkinsop and Kuchta offer a roadmap for what may be the most potent chance we have at meaningful change in the face of myriad climate crises. Timely, practical, and ultimately inspirational, Ecologizing Education is vital reading for any parent, caregiver, environmentalist, or educator looking for wholistic education that places nature and the environment front and center.
Regional Sustainable Development of Yangtze River Delta, China
This reprint focuses on the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Delta region. The reprint encompasses the exploration of the evolutionary state of the human-land relationship through the study of human-nature coordination and promotes the coupling and coordination of human-land systems, carbon peaking, and carbon neutrality in the Yangtze River Delta in the context of climate change, urban-rural coordination, and rural revitalization as well as territorial space optimization and natural resource management.
Environmental Protection by Aerobic Granular Sludge Process
Wastewater treatment stands out as a pivotal solution for safeguarding public health and the environment. Aerobic granular sludge, as an alternative to conventional activated sludge, offers superior benefits in treatment efficacy, facility space efficiency, and energy utilization. Despite being a relatively novel approach to wastewater treatment, aerobic granular sludge technology has undergone extensive research over the past two decades. However, its real-world application has not reached the anticipated levels of adoption. Moreover, the impact of various operational strategies and processes on the properties of the granules and the treatment performance for different types of wastewater, especially regarding nutrient removal, remains somewhat ambiguous.This Special Issue discusses the performance of aerobic granular sludge for nutrient removal and pharmaceutical wastewater treatment in continuous or batch operating modes, as well as at laboratory, pilot, and even large scales. A key area of focus is the long-term stability of the aerobic granules. Additionally, this Issue explores the treatment and management of waste aerobic granular sludge using anaerobic digestion. Serving as a concise overview of the current research on aerobic granules, this Special Issue provides an insightful snapshot into the latest advancements in using aerobic granules for environmental protection.
Landscape Governance in the Age of Social Media
At the end of the 20th century, documents such as the World Heritage Guidelines or the European Landscape Convention proposed new and challenging ways of conceptualizing landscape assessment and governance. At the same time, social media has become a rich source of data that has had an impact on how we view spaces. Currently, many researchers are advocating the value of social media data to better understand ecosystem service provision, use, and intensity. This Special Issue explores the relationship between contemporary forms of landscape valuation and governance and present-day social media. The collected papers provide a wide range of answers to questions relevant to today's world: Is social media useful for governments to identify and adapt to changes in land use, mobility patterns, or landscape meaning? Does it lead to a more democratic understanding of landscape and its conservation? Does it help local communities express their feelings about government policies? Are any of these factors in line with the concepts of international organizations, such as IUCN, UNESCO, or the Council of Europe?
The Role of Mineral Elements in the Crop Growth and Production
With the ever-increasing global population, the challenge of sustainably meeting the escalating demand for food is more critical than ever. This pressing issue necessitates the optimization of plant mineral nutrition, which is pivotal for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving resource efficiency, and fostering environmental stewardship. In this Reprint, we bring together key insights from a Special Issue of Agronomy, underscoring the crucial role that mineral elements play in crop growth and production. The collection emphasizes innovative management strategies aimed at harmonizing the supply of mineral elements with crop requirements. The cornerstone of sustainable agriculture rests on three pillars: enhancing nutrient acquisition, tailoring nutrient application to specific needs, and adopting an integrated plant-soil perspective. Such strategies are indispensable for capitalizing on mineral nutrition to advance sustainable agricultural practices, thereby ensuring food security and promoting environmental sustainability. The individual papers in this Reprint offer reports on the latest research advancements or comprehensive reviews of existing knowledge. Drawing from a diverse range of disciplines, these articles together aim to deepen our understanding of the importance of mineral elements in crop growth and production.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Use and Perception of Urban Green Space
The worldwide spread of COVID-19 in 2020 posed severe challenges in the realm of public health and also resulted in social limitations, such as on access to parks and other public open spaces. The restrictions on movement and lockdowns that were imposed by many governments had profound implications, altering not only the frequency and purpose of urban green space visitation, but also the social and psychological effects which such green spaces had on citizens. This Special Issue gathered recent studies on how the need, perception and usage of green spaces have been impacted by the pandemic and the restriction measures, in order to provide insights and guidance for administrators and policy makers to manage future crisis situations. A total of 15 papers examine the effects of COVID-19 in different countries and even continents, offering various research methodologies and reflections on the role of urban green spaces in daily life. One of the recurring themes is that there is a general need to guarantee equitable access to these valuable resources, especially in times of societal disruption. The opportunities for relaxation, social interaction and spiritual regeneration are indeed important benefits that such natural amenities can offer, but they are very much dependent on the design and particular qualities of the space, which may decisively influence the level of satisfaction and engagement by users. It is our hope that by encouraging a communal discussion on the planning and management of urban green spaces, we can increase the resilience of both our cities and the natural environment on which they depend.
Theory and Applications of MIMO Radar
This Special Issue serves as a compendium of the most recent advancements in the field of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radars, including a wide array of high-potential research domains. These areas span across both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Its key focal points include MIMO radar waveform design, MIMO signal detection, parameter estimation and imaging, as well as MIMO clutter and jamming suppression techniques. The primary objective of this Special Issue is to stimulate the generation of innovative ideas while fostering enhanced communication and collaboration opportunities among students and researchers actively involved in the field of MIMO radar research.
Environmental Systems and Societies for the IB Diploma
Developed in cooperation with the International Baccalaureate(R) Ensure full coverage of the updated syllabus with a coursebook that implements inquiry-based and conceptually-focused teaching and learning, written by highly experienced global authors. - Explore the three key concepts in the new course: perspectives, systems and sustainability which allow students to deepen their understanding and make interdisciplinary connections throughout, with HL content clearly signposted. - Prepare students for assessment with a range of options: exam-style questions, top tip boxes and hints to help avoid common mistakes. - Integrate TOK into lessons and create opportunities for cross-curriculum study with case studies, real world examples and up-to-date data. - Provide plenty of practise with activities, review questions and chapter summaries allowing students to recap themes and test knowledge. - Enable students to feel confident in course terminology with ESL support, definitions, key terms and a glossary.
British Rivers
Originally published in 1981, this book describes and interprets the physical nature of British rivers and is authored by leading authors from universities, the Institute of Hydrology and a water Authority.
Grain Size and Bioclogging Effect on the Permeability of Sandy Porous Media
Master's Thesis from the year 2014 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Geology, Mineralogy, Soil Science, University of Manchester, course: Chemical Engineering with Design, language: English, abstract: The effect of bacteria activity on flow properties in porous media have been documented in the past. Although some of such effects were viewed as negative in some applications, such as water treatment systems and aquifer recharge these effects have been found useful in the water flooding process for enhanced oil recovery, the so called microbial enhanced oil recovery MEOR. MEOR is influenced by the clogging ability of microbes such that they are used to clog high permeability zones in the reservoir, thereby redirecting the flow of water into areas of low permeability. Aside from the ability of bacteria in pores clogging other factors affect the effectiveness of the MEOR including the grain size of the formation media, the nutrient availability and the physical and chemical properties of environment. In this project, the effect of grain size on the bioclogging and corresponding alternation of the hydraulic properties of porous media are investigated. Also the visual effect of microbial growth on the various grain sizes is observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Three sands of different grain sizes and texture are used to conduct the experiments with the average grain size of 166μm, 355μm and 1440μm. Microbes were allowed to grow in sand column with sucrose as carbon source and SEM images were taken on the last day.
Exploring Political Ecology
This book explores some of the conditions and underlying causes of the multiple environmental crises facing humanity. Rooted in anthropology, but multidisciplinary in scope, it surveys the socio-cultural and socio-economic errors, foibles, and follies that brought us to these circumstances.
Edible Wild Plants
This book is dedicated to the world of edible wild plants and the easiest ways to find them in the wild. You'll use it as a comprehensive guide to making the best use of these plants, whether you find them in the wild or growing in your backyard. After reading this book, you will know how to get started with foraging and growing your own vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. You will learn: How to identify safe edible plants in the wildHow to identify poisonous plantsHow to gather fruits and nutsHow to avoid poisonous plantsHow to harvest wild plantsNature has always been an abundant treasure trove of resources. But with the arrival of science and technology, society has steered away from natural methods and preferred to live within industrial comfort.This guidebook on foraging will teach you exactly what you need to know to prepare yourself on the path to resilience and sustainability. The author blends real world stories with humor and information in a way that no one has before!
Weather Things you Always Wanted to Know
Did you look up at the sky today, or check a weather forecast? We can't avoid the influences and impacts of weather. It controls transportation, recreation, aviation, and your planned vacation. Weather is a big factor in our moods, sometimes from something as simple as the difference between a sunny, mild day, and a cloudy, wet day. Weather plays a tremendous role in everyday life around the planet, with extreme cost in dollars and lives when events like hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, or heatwaves impact communities and regions. Nearly all living creatures and plants contend with cycles and patterns in our atmosphere. We can't escape weather, so we need to understand it. Weather Things you Always Wanted to Know answers the full spectrum of common weather questions, in simple language for adults down to high school students. It's a full lesson in the science of meteorology without a lot of math, and without tuition!
Thoughts on a Pebble, or, A First Lesson in Geology
Thoughts on a Pebble, or, A First Lesson in Geology, is a classical and a rare book, that has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and redesigned. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work, and hence their text is clear and readable. This remarkable book falls within the genres of Science, Geology
A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf
A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf, is a classical and a rare book, that has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and redesigned. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work, and hence their text is clear and readable. This remarkable book falls within the genres of United States local history, The South. South Atlantic States, QH
The Mountains of California
The Mountains of California, is a classical and a rare book, that has been considered important throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and redesigned. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work, and hence their text is clear and readable. This remarkable book falls within the genres of United States local history, Pacific States, QH
Conservation Leadership
This book is an important guide for individuals seeking to develop and grow their leadership skills in the wildlife conservation sector, across varied disciplines such as environmental management, conservation biology, and ecotourism.Conservation Leadership addresses what leadership is, why it is important, and how to be an effective leader. It identifies the common pitfalls or mistakes in a leader's thinking or behaviour, and the unexpected consequences or responses which can arise, and then explores more helpful alternative approaches to leadership. The book is divided into three parts: Part I: Leadership principles Part II: Four areas of profound theory: knowledge, psychology, systems, and variation Part III: Skills and competencies for conservation leaders It focuses on contextual and organisational challenges in conservation, including limited resources, remote locations, fragile species of concern, politics, community conflict, crime, and commercial pressures. The scope is global, using diverse examples such as sea turtle head-starting in South Asia, reforestation in North Africa, bird conservation in North America, human-wildlife interactions in the Himalayas, and post-colonial issues in the Caribbean. Case studies illustrate key learning points from small local teams through to global transnational initiatives. Exercises in each chapter enable the exploration of less-familiar topics, including interpersonal skills, goal setting and performance measurement, plus a unique research-derived conservation leadership self-assessment tool.This book is an essential reading resource for professionals and senior leaders in the wildlife management and conservation sector, as well as students on biodiversity conservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental management courses.
Weather things you Always Wanted to Know
Did you look up at the sky today, or check a weather forecast? We can't avoid the influences and impacts of weather. It controls transportation, recreation, aviation, and your planned vacation. Weather is a big factor in our moods, sometimes from something as simple as the difference between a sunny, mild day, and a cloudy, wet day. Weather plays a tremendous role in everyday life around the planet, with extreme cost in dollars and lives when events like hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, or heatwaves impact communities and regions. Nearly all living creatures and plants contend with cycles and patterns in our atmosphere. We can't escape weather, so we need to understand it. Weather Things you Always Wanted to Know answers the full spectrum of common weather questions, in simple language for adults down to high school students. It's a full lesson in the science of meteorology without a lot of math, and without tuition!
The Outermost House
Long hailed as a classic of American nature writing, Henry Beston's eloquent chronicle of a solitary year spent on a Cape Cod beach was written in longhand at the kitchen table, in a little room overlooking the North Atlantic and the dunes. In 1926 Beston retreated to the outer beach at Eastham in search of peace and solitude. What began as a two-week stay lengthened into a year spent keenly observing the rhythm of the seasons and life on the Great Beach. The Outermost House played a part in establishing the Cape Code National Seashore and has profoundly influenced subsequent nature writers, including Rachel Carson, Joseph Wood Krutch, Annie Dillard, and Barry Lopez. This Warbler Classics edition includes an essay by Allan Burns on the art and legacy of The Outermost House as well as a detailed biographical timeline.
Towards Net-Zero Carbon Initiatives
As industrialized nations look into emerging new technologies focusing on renewable or efficient energy use - along with the move towards Sustainable Development Goals - challenges related to achieving low carbon economy projects have gained much attention. This book explores various initiatives and potential methods to achieve net-zero carbon targets and issues.Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will play an important role as an effective and comprehensive method to analyze potential greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of a technology or system. LCA is a holistic and system-wide scientific method that can be used to quantify impact metrics chosen to evaluate any emerging Net-Zero Carbon technologies of interest, and reveal environmental trade-offs or further research opportunities that are required for balancing CO2 emissions. LCA perspectives of Net-Zero Carbon Technologies can also be used to outline decision-making strategies for a nation's shift towards low carbon economic development.
Introduction to Global Tectonic Systems
This book analyzes and studies a large number of geological data in the world by dividing the world into eight types of tectonic systems for the first time. It then puts forward the evolution characteristics of each structural system. It also discusses the main controlling factors of the formation of structural systems, and points out that there was no regional metamorphism in the global Paleozoic and some areas of the meso Neoproterozoic. These innovative theoretical understandings not only fill in gap of knowledge in the established global tectonic system, but also enrich and develop the theory of global geological science.
The Colorado Trail in Crisis
The Colorado Trail in Crisis addresses the sweeping transformation of western forests and wilderness ecosystems affected by climate change. This book is equal parts trail journal and synthesis of natural and human history. Karl Ford uses research on climate impacts to forests, wildlife, hydrology, and more to stress the urgent need for an action plan to reduce greenhouse gases and save forests and watersheds. Using his hike along the popular five-hundred-mile Colorado Trail to present his personal observations about more than a hundred miles of dead and dying forest, Karl Ford presents a brief environmental history of these areas of the state, weaving in scientific studies about forest mortality caused by insect infestations, wildfire, drought, and loss of snowpack, and describes the poor current prospects for reforestation as the climate continues to warm. His own Lakota ancestry, as well as historical references to local Tabeguache Ute Chief Ouray and displaced Ute populations, meaningfully frames important conversations about caretaking and connection to place. Ford also proposes potential solutions to drought and forest mortality problems, as well as varying approaches and limitations to mitigation efforts. The Colorado Trail in Crisis appeals to hikers and nature lovers seeking to learn about the natural history, beauty, and serenity of the Colorado Trail, as well as students, conservationists, and scientists researching climate change effects on Colorado mountain ecosystems.
Geostatistics Notes for Practitioners
This book provides a practical perspective of all the processes involved in estimating mineral resources and reserves, including mine-to-mill reconciliation. It provides an integrated step-by-step explanation of processes for performing each step, including insight from academic and industry practitioners.
Monkeys Are Made of Mangos
Following the popularity of his first book, Monkeys Are Made of Chocolate, Jack Ewing shares 40 new essays of his insights and observations into the interconnectedness of life in Costa Rica, a place of constant change. For over 50 years, author Jack Ewing has immersed himself in the ecology and restoration of this tropical environment. Read about the mango-throwing monkeys in the forest, a little screech owl found in his office, the battle with Africanized bees, challenges of snake bites, the ocelot 'factory' on Hacienda Baru, the King of the Jungle - a vulture, and strange, creeper cats found on their doorstep. Along the way, meet a few fascinating individuals, including the Goldwalker, Patrick O'Connell, and the first gringo in Dominical, Thomas J. Brower. In the final essay Jack shares a bit of wisdom he received back in the 1970s from an old-timer: wherever you go, take a flashlight and a roll of toilet paper and you'll survive.
Restoration Vision for the Laguna de Santa Rosa
The Laguna de Santa Rosa, located in the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County, CA, is an expansive freshwater wetland complex that hosts a rich diversity of plant and wildlife species, many of which are federally or state listed as threatened, endangered, or species of special concern. The Laguna is also home to a thriving agricultural community that depends on the land for its livelihood. Over the past 200 years, modifications to the Laguna and its surrounding landscape have degraded habitat conditions for both wildlife and people. To help improve the Laguna ecosystem, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Sonoma Water funded the Laguna-Mark West Creek Watershed Master Restoration Planning Project. The overall goal of this report is to develop a plan that supports ecosystem services in the Laguna-through the restoration and enhancement of landscape processes that form and sustain habitats and improve water quality-while considering flood management issues and the productivity of agricultural lands. The first step in the Planning Project was developing a long-term Resilient Landscape Vision for the Laguna, which is detailed in this report. The Vision highlights opportunities for multi-benefit habitat restoration and land management within the Laguna's 100-year floodplain. This Vision will be used to build the Restoration Plan, which will provide restoration targets and restoration project concepts that can lead to longterm ecosystem improvement.
Down Wind
In the summer of 2023, it becomes evident that the wind power industry is facing serious challenges. Sweden's Vattenfall is denied permission by its own government for a wind farm on Sweden's west coast. The reason? "Negative impacts on the environment." Vattenfall also cancels the construction of a new offshore wind farm on England's North Sea coast due to 'costs'.However, as part of the energy transition, large-scale energy production with wind turbines should play an even more significant role. Currently, there are an estimated 200,000 wind turbines worldwide. If we aim to eliminate fossil fuels by 2050, approximately 2,000,000 more wind turbines need to be constructed.Has the wind industry finally come to its senses and recognised that building, installing and operating wind turbines is very expensive? That the huge amounts of materials - steel, concrete and plastic - cannot be extracted or produced in an environmentally friendly way? Not to mention the disposal after 20 years of operation. In fact, rotor blades still cannot be recycled and therefore have to be landfilled or incinerated.Moreover, wind turbines have a significant impact on our environment. Large numbers of (sea) birds, bats and insects are already being killed by the spinning rotor blades. Horizon pollution, infrasound and dropshadow are driving more and more people to despair and there seems to be no end in sight. Honest calculations also show that wind power is not only very expensive, but also that power cannot be guaranteed due to the variability of the wind.Isn't it high time to recognise that wind power is nothing more than wind trading, so we should reconsider its role as the sought-after solution?Bert Weteringe is an aeronautical engineer.
Contemporary Ecocritical Methods
Ecocriticism has grown into one of the most innovative and urgent fields of the humanities, and many useful ecocritical approaches for addressing our environmental crisis have been developed, discussed, and reconsidered during the last decade. From various perspectives, ecocriticism both adopts and criticizes traditional analytical and theoretical models, resulting in an impressive methodological diversity, pushing the boundaries of the humanities. This open access book, Contemporary Ecocritical Methods, exemplifies this methodological variety and serves as a practical entry into the field. Fourteen chapters, written by scholars from various ecocritical sub-fields of environmental humanities, introduce a rich set of perspectives and their analytical tools. The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by Goethe University Frankfurt am Main.
