Grasslands on the Third Pole of the world [electronic resource] : structure, function, process, and resilience of social-ecological systems / Shikui Dong, Yong Zhang, Hao Shen, Shuai Li, Yudan Xu.

Intro
Salutation
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Third Pole
1.1 An Overview of the TPW
1.2 Natural and Social Systems of the TPW
1.2.1 The Formation and Uplift of the TPW
1.2.2 Physical Geography Profile of the TPW
1.2.2.1 Solar Radiation in the TPW
1.2.3 The Air Temperature in the TPW
1.2.4 Precipitation in the TPW
1.2.5 Soil Texture and SOC in the TPW
1.2.6 The Vegetation in the TPW
1.2.7 The Biodiversity in the Third Pole
1.2.8 Social Systems in the TPW

1.3 Issues on the Sustainability of the TPW
1.3.1 Ecological Degradation of the TPW
1.3.2 Ecological Restoration Efforts in the TPW
References
Chapter 2: Overview of the Third Pole? Grasslands
2.1 Grassland Types and Distribution on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
2.1.1 Grassland Area
2.1.2 Grassland Type
2.1.3 Grassland Distribution
2.1.3.1 Alpine Meadow
2.1.3.2 Alpine Steppe
2.1.3.3 Alpine Desert
2.2 Plant Biomass Accumulation and Decomposition in the TPW? Grasslands
2.2.1 Accumulation of Plant Biomass
2.2.2 Defoliation and Decomposition

2.2.3 Plant Phenology and Growth
2.3 Climate Resources of the TPW? Grasslands
2.3.1 Alpine Meadow Climate
2.3.2 Alpine Steppe Climate
2.3.3 High-Cold Semi-Desert and Desert Climate
2.4 Grassland Water Resources of the TPW? Grasslands
2.4.1 Rivers
2.4.2 Lakes
2.4.3 Marshes
2.5 Soil Resources of the TPW? Grasslands
2.5.1 Characteristics of the TPW? Grassland Soil
2.5.2 Types of the TPW? Grassland Soils
2.6 Biological Resources of the TPW? Grasslands
2.6.1 Plant Resources
2.6.2 Animal Resources
2.6.3 Microbe Resources

2.7 Cultural Resources of the TPW? Grasslands
2.7.1 Ethnic Groups
2.7.2 Production Culture
2.7.3 Living Culture
2.7.4 Spiritual Culture
2.8 Values of the TPW? Grassland Resources
2.8.1 Livestock Production Value
2.8.2 Ecological Service Value
References
Chapter 3: Third Pole? Grasslands in a Global Context
3.1 Overview of Global Grasslands
3.1.1 Definition of Grasslands
3.1.2 Classification and Types of Grasslands
3.1.3 Origin and Distribution of Grasslands
3.1.4 Grassland Size and Area
3.1.5 Social Features of Grasslands

3.1.6 Values and Importance of Grasslands
3.1.7 Sustainability of Grasslands
3.2 Global Importance of TPW? Grasslands
3.2.1 Key Biome of Alpine Grasslands in the World
3.2.2 Key Ecoregions of Alpine Grasslands in the World
3.2.3 Typical Highland Pastoralism in the World
3.3 Regional Importance of TPW/QTP? Grasslands
3.3.1 Position of TPW/QTP? Grasslands on the Eurasian Continent
3.3.2 Role of TPW? Grasslands in Regional Socioeconomic Development
References
Chapter 4: Grassland Plant-Soil Interfaces
4.1 Plant-Soil Interface in Grasslands