Coastal Ecosystem Processes

About this book

This book examines recent marine research in the tropics and outlines the crucial differences between these systems and those of temperate or boreal seas. It addresses the conservation and management of fragile tropical ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs.

Contents

IntroductionBeaches and Tidal FlatsIntroductionFood Chains, Energy, and Carbon FlowNitrogen CyclingLinkages to Physical ProcessesMangroves and Salt MarshesIntroductionGlobal Trends in Plant Biomass and Primary ProductionFactors Limiting Plant Production and GrowthFood Webs and Decomposition ProcessesNitrogen FlowOutwellingSeaweed and Seagrass EcosystemsIntroductionStanding Crop and Primary ProductivityPhotosynthesis and Whole-Plant Carbon BalanceLimiting FactorsThe Role of GrazersDetritus and Mineralization ProcessesEcosystem BudgetsCarbon Balance: Export and Links to Adjacent SystemsCoral ReefsIntroductionSources of Carbon ProductionThe Fate of Organic MatterNitrogen and Phosphorus: Cycles and LimitationThe Coral Factory: Carbon and Energy BudgetsSystems-Level Perspectives: Models and BudgetsThe Role of Coral Reefs in the Tropical BiosphereThe Coastal Ocean I. The Coastal ZoneIntroductionThe Coastal Ocean DefinedWhat Is an Estuary Hydrographic Classification of Coastal SystemsCoastal Plain Estuaries, Tidal Lagoons, and Bays (Types IV, V, and VI)Coastal Lagoons (Type VII)River-Dominated Systems (Types I, II, and III)The Coastal Ocean II. The Shelf Proper and Shelf EdgeIntroductionShelf-Sea FrontsAlong- and Across-Shelf GradientsProcesses at the Shelf EdgeNutrient Cycles and Global Change in the Coastal OceanGlobal Estimates of Fishery Yields to HumansDegradation and ConservationA Glimpse at the Global ProblemEutrophicationHabitat Modification and DestructionRestoration Attempts: Problems and ProgressSustainability: Implications for ManagementConservation: Tools and ImpedimentsGlobal Climate Change: Coastal ImplicationsA Final RemarkReferencesIndex

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