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OverviewNonlinear Physics of Ecosystems introduces the concepts and tools of pattern formation theory and demonstrates their utility in ecological research using problems from spatial ecology. Written in language understandable to both physicists and ecologists in most parts, the book reveals the mechanisms of pattern formation and pattern dynamics. It also explores the implications of these mechanisms in important ecological problems. The first part of the book gives an overview of pattern formation and spatial ecology, showing how these disparate research fields are strongly related to one another. The next part presents an advanced account of pattern formation theory. The final part describes applications of pattern formation theory to ecological problems, including self-organized vegetation patchiness, desertification, and biodiversity in changing environments. Focusing on the emerging interface between spatial ecology and pattern formation, this book shows how pattern formation methods address a variety of ecological problems using water-limited ecosystems as a case study. Readers with basic knowledge of linear algebra and ordinary differential equations will develop a general understanding of pattern formation theory while more advanced readers who are familiar with partial differential equations will appreciate the descriptions of analytical tools used to study pattern formation and dynamics. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Ehud MeronPublisher: Taylor & Francis Inc Imprint: CRC Press Inc ISBN: 9781439826324ISBN 10: 1439826323 Pages: 359 Publication Date: 11 May 2012 Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , General , Tertiary & Higher Education Format: Electronic book text Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In stock  We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately. Table of ContentsIntroduction An emerging new scientific discipline Pattern formation-a missing link in ecological research Purpose and scope of the book OVERVIEW Spatial Self-Organization Natural and laboratory realizations of pattern formation Pattern-forming systems as dynamical systems A glimpse into pattern formation theory Spatial Ecology The complexity of ecological systems Outstanding problems The relevance of pattern formation theory to spatial ecology Modeling Ecosystems Why model? The modeling process Model output PATTERN FORMATION THEORY Pattern Formation Analysis: Basic Methods Dimensional analysis Two canonical models Linear stability analysis of uniform states Pattern Formation Analysis: Advanced Methods Amplitude equations Linear stability analysis of periodic states Singular perturbation theory Basic Mechanisms of Pattern Formation Nonuniform instabilities of uniform states Multiplicity of stable states and localized structures Instabilities of localized structures External Modulations of Pattern Forming Systems The interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic periodicities Multistability of phase states and fronts Symmetry-breaking instabilities APPLICATIONS TO ECOLOGY Modeling Water-Limited Vegetation Basic biomass-water feedbacks A mathematical model for water-limited vegetation Vegetation Pattern Formation Uniform and periodic vegetation states along environmental gradients Nonperiodic patterns Regime Shifts and Desertification The common view Spatial aspects of regime shifts Regime shifts in water-limited landscapes Species Coexistence and Diversity in Plant Communities Modeling plant communities Species coexistence induced by ecosystem engineers Savanna-like forms of species coexistence Linking pattern formation and biodiversity Bibliography IndexReviews... a much-needed contemporary perspective ... unfolds the origin of coherency of spatial patterning in one of the most significant biological systems the human population depends on-arid and semiarid climates. -Gabriel G. Katul, Professor of Hydrology and Micrometeorology, Duke University The science of pattern formation reaches dazzling new heights as physicist Ehud Meron explains to us the nonlinear spatial dynamics of complex ecological systems. This is the definitive textbook on the subject as written by one of the key pioneers in the field. No other book comes close to showing the power of modern theoretical physics for solving real in-depth problems in ecology. Step by step, carefully formulated model equations are developed for dealing with advanced ecological topics, such as water-limited desert vegetation systems, soil-water diffusion, root-augmentation, plants as ecosystem engineers, reversing desertification, and species coexistence and diversity. ... a huge achievement. -Professor Lewi Stone, Biomathematics Unit, Tel Aviv University An important and timely book that shows the generality and power of the pattern formation paradigm and its wide applicability to diverse natural systems. -Stephen Morris, J. Tuzo Wilson Professor of Geophysics, University of Toronto An authoritative account of the state of the art in ecological patterning. -Jonathan A. Sherratt, Professor of Mathematics, Heriot-Watt University ... a major and unique contribution to the mathematics and physics of ecosystems. ... It should become a major reference. I am very pleased to endorse this book. -Roger Temam, Distinguished Professor, Institute for Scientific Computing and Applied Mathematics, Indiana University ... an excellent and important read on the rapidly emerging field of integrating pattern formation theory with spatial ecology, with real-world applications and implications. -Prof. dr. ir. M. Rietkerk, Utrecht University ... addresses a critical need and should quickly become a favorite of both beginning students and senior practitioners ... . -Herbert Levine, Hasselmann Professor of Bioengineering and Director of the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University Author InformationEhud Meron is a professor of physics in the Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research and the Physics Department at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. His research interests include nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation theory with applications to fluid dynamics and chemical reactions, modeling complex systems, and spatial ecology with a focus on desertification and biodiversity dynamics. Professor Meron's recent work has involved collaborating with ecologists in an effort to assimilate the concepts of pattern-formation theory into ecological research. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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