Although there are some biological processes that are supported by UV radiation, most organisms are stressed by it in various ways, e.g. through DNA damage. Top international experts present an integrated overview of UV radiation and its effects on terrestrial, freshwater and marine Arctic biota. Increased stratospheric ozone depletion and the corresponding increase in ground levels of UV radiation as well as ambient, "natural" UV radiation as a key ecological factor in the Arctic spring and summer are discussed in detail. Additionally, basic information on Arctic ecosystems is given.
UV Radiation and Arctic Ecosystems provides not only an excellent account of present-day knowledge of the subject, but also describes the state of the art on which future research can be built.
- Recent Changes in Surface UV Radiation and Stratospheric Ozone at a High Arctic Site
- Spectral Properties and UV Attenuation in Arctic Marine Waters
- Spectral Properties and UV Attenuation in Arctic Freshwater Systems
- UV Radiation and the Optical Properties of Sea Ice and Snow
- Effects of UVB Radiation on Terrestrial Organisms and Ecosystems With Special Reference in the Arctic
- UV Tolerance, Pigmentation and Life Forms in High Arctic Collembola
- UV-Radiation Effects on Aquatic Food Webs in Northern Lakes and Rivers
- UV Radiation and Arctic Freshwater Zooplankton
- UV Radiation and the Pelagic Food Web of Arctic Freshwaters
- UV Radiation Effects on Phytoplankton Primary Production: A Comparison Between Arctic and Antarctic Marine Ecosystems
- UV Radiation and Arctic Marine Macroalgae
- UV Radiation and Pelagic Bacteria
- Impacts of UV Radiation on Crustacean Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton: Case Studies From Subarctic Marine Ecosystems
- Human Health and Arctic Ozone Depletion
"Hessens's multi-author volume is an important work as it provides a logical series of chapters that address the role of UV radiation in the Arctic. [...] The book is a nice balance in many respects. Spatially, many of the chapters cover different areas of the Arctic. Phylogenetically, we are treated to an examination of organisms from bacteria to humans and most groups in between. [...] the book is an excellent insight into Artic ecosystems as well as the effects of UV radiation on them."
- Charles Cockell, Polar Record, Vol. 39, 2003