Mountains: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #444

by Martin F. Price

Mountains cover a quarter of the Earth's land surface and are home to about 12 percent of the global population. They are the sources of all the world's major rivers, affect regional weather patterns, provide centres of biological and cultural diversity, hold deposits of minerals, and provide both active and contemplative recreation. Yet mountains are also significantly affected by climate change; as melting and retreating glaciers show. Given the manifold goods and services which mountains provide to the world, such changes are of global importance.

In this Very Short Introduction , Martin Price outlines why mountains matter at the global level, and addresses the existing and likely impacts of climate change on mountain, hydrological and ecological systems. Considering the risks associated with the increasing frequency of extreme events and 'natural hazards' caused by climate change, he discusses the implications for both mountain societies and wider populations, and concludes by emphasizing the need for greater cooperation in order to adapt to climate change in our increasingly globalized world.

ABOUT THE
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Science, Geography, Nonfiction, Nature, Ecology, Geology

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2002

Reviews

[chantel nouseforaname · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some days when you just want to read about something completely random and learn something absolutely new. Every time I feel like that urge, I look towards the A Very Short Introduction series. This instalment was no different.

I loved that this went into the science of mountains and the populations that live in and around mountains. I love the talk about climate and climate changes and what it means to the rest of the lower regions when there is a shift in the atmosphere at elevated peaks. I loved learning about the water sources in mountainous regions and the global, religious and historical importance of mountains. It was a fire read in the series.

[Usfromdk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor. Much too much anthropology, politics and similar stuff, and much too little geology and science.

[Ellen Gwynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Oxford series of "very short introductions." So far Rivers has been my favorite, and Mountains was really interesting, as was Deserts. (I still have Lakes, Forests, Oceans, and Savannahs ahead of me.) I liked Sport a lot, Fashion was OK, but I did not like Chinese Literature, Diplomacy, or African History. Finally, I also have Leadership and Military Strategy on my shelf to read. Love these skinny books!

[Vikas Datta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful explanation...

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, lucidly written.