Climate-biosphere interactions

the long version

In recent years, the observed buildup in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases has raised fears of global climate changes. How such changes may alter terrestrial and marine ecosystems is a question researchers are now scrambling to address. From monitoring the methane emissions of a rice-paddy field, to studying climate changes in relation to monsoon variations, Climate-Biosphere Interactions explores how the greenhouse effect may alter our world's agriculture and climate, and ultimately, how these changes may affect mankind. Comprising contributions from climatologists, biologists, ecologists, chemists, physicists, and modelers, this book addresses the interdisciplinary challenge of the greenhouse effect. Because environmental effects are specific to region, issues associated with Brazil's rain forest differ from those of an arid climate. This book focuses on climate-biosphere interactions in China. It provides the reader with the data needed to understand and interpret research results. Additionally, Climate-Biosphere Interactions anticipates future research needs by presenting models related to climate change and the carbon cycle, and for soil biogeochemistry. Still looking to China's future, in the final chapter, the authors break up into groups to discuss further research options. . For scientists, researchers, and students of the environmental sciences, Climate-Biosphere Interactions brings together a broad range of knowledge in order to focus on one of the pressing research challenges of our time. As the cumulative effects of human activities continue to make themselves felt on the Earth's climate, such interdisciplinary cooperation is essential to the development of appropriate solutions to resulting environmental problems.