Biogeochemistry of a Forested Ecosystem

by Gene E. Likens, F. Herbert Bormann

Based on the classic ecosystem studies at Hubbard Brook in New Hampshire, this book presents an in-depth analysis of the biogeochemistry of a terrestrial ecosystem. It synthesizes long-term data on precipitation and streamwater chemistry, hydrology and weathering, and also considers the dynamics of atmospheric gases and water as they flow through the system. Hailed as "ÄaÜ standard for ecological teaching and research for years to come", the book "bristles with unsettled questions, intriguing problems, and technical challenges". This new edition brings the 1977 volume up to date and presents the ongoing Hubbard Brook study to a new generation of ecologists. The authors have international they won the $150,000 Tyler Prize in Environmental Science in 1993, and Likens also won the $250,000 Australia Prize in 1994.

Genres: Science, Ecology

159 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1977

Reviews

[Mila Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Gene Likens, and his friends are the reason we know for a fact that acid rain exists. Their research in NH's White Mountains is world-famous, and this book is a piece of the bedrock of ecology science. If you can happily read the book, you can probably study science with a happy heart. I liked it, I learned, and I will never forget this book.

The proof of acid rain isn't the only thing that makes it a special piece of research. Likens made it clear that short-term studies are deficient compared to the value of long-term ecological data sets. Thanks to Likens and his cohort, we have a baseline of information in the White Mountains, and we know how acid rain has changed the face of the White Mountains, the roots and needles of our mountain-top red spruces, and the spodosols of New England forests.

This book gives us insight into best methods to study effects of atmospheric changes, soil fluxes, and water chemistry, which give us information about the changes on the entire ecology of the surface of the earth. My hope is Likens' legacy will continue in force at his Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.

Give it a read!

[Lauren Adams]

i really like the part on sulfur