Ecological Studies: Properties and Paleogeographic Significance of Peats

Zinck, Joseph Alfred; Huber, Otto

The Guayana Highlands in northeastern tropical America, rising from lowland rain forests and savannas up to 3000 m elevation, are characterized by ancient tablelands called tepuis. The peatlands that developed on the tepuis constitute unique and fascinating ecosystems and are the focus of this volume, which starts with an overview of tropical and subtropical peats, followed by an introduction to the geo-ecological features of the Guayana region as a whole, with special emphasis on the diversity of the vegetation cover from lowlands to uplands to highlands. The core subject centers on the properties and dating of the peat deposits and the interpretation of the chronological record in terms of past environmental changes. The well illustrated book will appeal to a broad range of scientists interested in tropical highland peats, including quaternarists, soil scientists, geomorphologists, geographers, geologists, ecologists, botanists, hydrologists, conservationists, and land use planners.

Details

Published by: Springer

Publication Date: 2011-08-04

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9783642201370

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-20138-7

Dimensions: 235cm x155cm

Pages: 295