Description: Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The author describes the specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. He also discusses the role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance and highlights the intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources. Finally, Malanson explores the potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models.
Review Quotes: "...a useful and convincing presentation of riparian landscapes....methodically brings together seemingly disparate physical processes into a comprehensible overview of riparian landscape patterns. Riparian Landscapes is the best available synthetic view of riparian environments and provides an important conceptual leap beyond most other treatments of biological-physical interactions in floodplain habitats. It is an important reference for anyone interested in stream-side or bottomland ecosystems." David Shankman, Annals of the Association of American Geographers