Title
The Aral Sea : the devastation and partial rehabilitation of a great lake [electronic resource] / Philip Micklin (Chief Editor), N.V. Aladin (Associate Editor), Igor Plotnikov (Associate Editor).
ISBN
9783642023569 electronic book
3642023568 electronic book
9783642023552
Published
Heidelberg : Springer, 2014.
Language
English
Description
1 online resource (xii, 453 pages) : illustrations (some color).
Item Number
10.1007/978-3-642-02356-9 doi
Call Number
QH541.5.L3
Dewey Decimal Classification
577.6309587
Summary
The book is structured into six core parts. The first part sets the scene and explains how the use of Aral basin water resources, primarily used for irrigation, have destroyed the Aral Sea. The team explains how spheres and events interact and the related problems. Part 2 examines the social consequences of the ecological catastrophe and the affect of the Aral Sea desiccation on cultural and economic conditions of near Aral region. Part 3 explores the scientific causes of the destruction using detailed analyses and data plus some of their own research spanning aquatic biology, terrestrial biology, hydrology, water management and biodiversity. They also share some of the latest archaeological discoveries and paleobotanical analysis to delineate past levels and characteristics of the Aral Sea. There is particular focus on modern remote sensing and GIS techniques and how they can monitor the Aral Sea and the environment. Part 4 discusses regional and international initiatives to mitigate human and ecological problems of the Aral Sea and the wider political and economic consequences. With thorough insight of the total environment cost, the final chapters of the book will provide lessons for the future. There are insightful case studies throughout. Multidisciplinary by nature, all titles in our new reference book series will explore significant changes within the Earth's ecosystems and to some extent, and will tackle ways to think about our changing environment.
Note
Includes index.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description
Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (SpringerLink, viewed November 25, 2013).
Series
Springer earth system sciences ; 10178.
Part 1: 'Foreword' from Dr Philip Micklin, Series Editor
'Series Introduction' co-written by Dr Philippe Blondel & Dr John W Mason
Narrative to set the scene and explain the event and related problems
Detailed explanation on how the spheres and events interact
Part 2: Insight and explanations around the social
consequences of the event/problem
Part 3: Scientific causes of the above
could present different views around the theme from various experts
Part 4: Mitigation
wider consequences (social, psychological, political)
Part 5: The economic impact
Part 6: Lessons learnt for the future (with insight of the total environmental cost).
