Author: Melissa L. Sevigny
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1609383931
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
In a lyrical mix of natural science, history, and memoir, Melissa L. Sevigny ponders what it means to make a home in the American Southwest at a time when its most essential resource, water, is overexploited and undervalued. Mythical River takes the reader on a historical sojourn into the story of the Buenaventura, an imaginary river that led eighteenth- and nineteenth-century explorers, fur trappers, and emigrants astray for seventy-five years. This mythical river becomes a metaphor for our modern-day attempts to supply water to a growing population in the Colorado River Basin. Readers encounter a landscape literally remapped by the search for “new” water, where rivers flow uphill, dams and deep wells reshape geography, trees become intolerable competitors for water, and new technologies tap into clouds and oceans. In contrast to this fantasy of abundance, Sevigny explores acts of restoration. From a dismantled dam in Arizona to an accidental wetland in Mexico, she examines how ecologists, engineers, politicians, and citizens have attempted to secure water for desert ecosystems. In a place scarred by conflict, she shows how recognizing the rights of rivers is a path toward water security. Ultimately, Sevigny writes a new map for the future of the American Southwest, a vision of a society that accepts the desert’s limits in exchange for an intimate relationship with the natural world.
Mythical River
Author: Melissa L. Sevigny
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1609383931
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
In a lyrical mix of natural science, history, and memoir, Melissa L. Sevigny ponders what it means to make a home in the American Southwest at a time when its most essential resource, water, is overexploited and undervalued. Mythical River takes the reader on a historical sojourn into the story of the Buenaventura, an imaginary river that led eighteenth- and nineteenth-century explorers, fur trappers, and emigrants astray for seventy-five years. This mythical river becomes a metaphor for our modern-day attempts to supply water to a growing population in the Colorado River Basin. Readers encounter a landscape literally remapped by the search for “new” water, where rivers flow uphill, dams and deep wells reshape geography, trees become intolerable competitors for water, and new technologies tap into clouds and oceans. In contrast to this fantasy of abundance, Sevigny explores acts of restoration. From a dismantled dam in Arizona to an accidental wetland in Mexico, she examines how ecologists, engineers, politicians, and citizens have attempted to secure water for desert ecosystems. In a place scarred by conflict, she shows how recognizing the rights of rivers is a path toward water security. Ultimately, Sevigny writes a new map for the future of the American Southwest, a vision of a society that accepts the desert’s limits in exchange for an intimate relationship with the natural world.
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1609383931
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 295
Book Description
In a lyrical mix of natural science, history, and memoir, Melissa L. Sevigny ponders what it means to make a home in the American Southwest at a time when its most essential resource, water, is overexploited and undervalued. Mythical River takes the reader on a historical sojourn into the story of the Buenaventura, an imaginary river that led eighteenth- and nineteenth-century explorers, fur trappers, and emigrants astray for seventy-five years. This mythical river becomes a metaphor for our modern-day attempts to supply water to a growing population in the Colorado River Basin. Readers encounter a landscape literally remapped by the search for “new” water, where rivers flow uphill, dams and deep wells reshape geography, trees become intolerable competitors for water, and new technologies tap into clouds and oceans. In contrast to this fantasy of abundance, Sevigny explores acts of restoration. From a dismantled dam in Arizona to an accidental wetland in Mexico, she examines how ecologists, engineers, politicians, and citizens have attempted to secure water for desert ecosystems. In a place scarred by conflict, she shows how recognizing the rights of rivers is a path toward water security. Ultimately, Sevigny writes a new map for the future of the American Southwest, a vision of a society that accepts the desert’s limits in exchange for an intimate relationship with the natural world.
River Jordan
Author: Rachel Havrelock
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226319598
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
As the site of several miracles in the Jewish and Christian traditions, the Jordan is one of the world’s holiest rivers. It is also the major political and symbolic border contested by Israelis and Palestinians. Combining biblical and folkloric studies with historical geography, Rachel Havrelock explores how the complex religious and mythological representations of the river have shaped the current conflict in the Middle East. Havrelock contends that the intractability of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from the nationalist myths of the Hebrew Bible, where the Jordan is defined as a border of the Promised Land. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim the Jordan as a necessary boundary of an indivisible homeland. Examining the Hebrew Bible alongside ancient and modern maps of the Jordan, Havrelock chronicles the evolution of Israel’s borders based on nationalist myths while uncovering additional myths that envision Israel as a bi-national state. These other myths, she proposes, provide roadmaps for future political configurations of the nation. Ambitious and masterful in its scope, River Jordan brings a fresh, provocative perspective to the ongoing struggle in this violence-riddled region.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 0226319598
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
As the site of several miracles in the Jewish and Christian traditions, the Jordan is one of the world’s holiest rivers. It is also the major political and symbolic border contested by Israelis and Palestinians. Combining biblical and folkloric studies with historical geography, Rachel Havrelock explores how the complex religious and mythological representations of the river have shaped the current conflict in the Middle East. Havrelock contends that the intractability of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict stems from the nationalist myths of the Hebrew Bible, where the Jordan is defined as a border of the Promised Land. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim the Jordan as a necessary boundary of an indivisible homeland. Examining the Hebrew Bible alongside ancient and modern maps of the Jordan, Havrelock chronicles the evolution of Israel’s borders based on nationalist myths while uncovering additional myths that envision Israel as a bi-national state. These other myths, she proposes, provide roadmaps for future political configurations of the nation. Ambitious and masterful in its scope, River Jordan brings a fresh, provocative perspective to the ongoing struggle in this violence-riddled region.
The Emerald Horizon
Author: Cornelia F. Mutel
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1587297477
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 329
Book Description
In The Emerald Horizon, Cornelia Mutel combines lyrical writing with meticulous scientific research to portray the environmental past, present, and future of Iowa. In doing so, she ties all of Iowa's natural features into one comprehensive whole. Since so much of the tallgrass state has been transformed into an agricultural landscape, Mutel focuses on understanding today’s natural environment by understanding yesterday’s changes. After summarizing the geological, archaeological, and ecological features that shaped Iowa’s modern landscape, she recreates the once-wild native communities that existed prior to Euroamerican settlement. Next she examines the dramatic changes that overtook native plant and animal communities as Iowa’s prairies, woodlands, and wetlands were transformed. Finally she presents realistic techniques for restoring native species and ecological processes as well as a broad variety of ways in which Iowans can reconnect with the natural world. Throughout, in addition to the many illustrations commissioned for this book, she offers careful scientific exposition, a strong sense of respect for the land, and encouragement to protect the future by learning from the past. The “emerald prairie” that “gleamed and shone to the horizon’s edge,” as botanist Thomas Macbride described it in 1895, has vanished. Cornelia Mutel’s passionate dedication to restoring this damaged landscape—and by extension the transformed landscape of the entire Corn Belt—invigorates her blend of natural history and human history. Believing that citizens who are knowledgeable about native species, communities, and ecological processes will better care for them, she gives us hope—and sound suggestions—for the future.
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
ISBN: 1587297477
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 329
Book Description
In The Emerald Horizon, Cornelia Mutel combines lyrical writing with meticulous scientific research to portray the environmental past, present, and future of Iowa. In doing so, she ties all of Iowa's natural features into one comprehensive whole. Since so much of the tallgrass state has been transformed into an agricultural landscape, Mutel focuses on understanding today’s natural environment by understanding yesterday’s changes. After summarizing the geological, archaeological, and ecological features that shaped Iowa’s modern landscape, she recreates the once-wild native communities that existed prior to Euroamerican settlement. Next she examines the dramatic changes that overtook native plant and animal communities as Iowa’s prairies, woodlands, and wetlands were transformed. Finally she presents realistic techniques for restoring native species and ecological processes as well as a broad variety of ways in which Iowans can reconnect with the natural world. Throughout, in addition to the many illustrations commissioned for this book, she offers careful scientific exposition, a strong sense of respect for the land, and encouragement to protect the future by learning from the past. The “emerald prairie” that “gleamed and shone to the horizon’s edge,” as botanist Thomas Macbride described it in 1895, has vanished. Cornelia Mutel’s passionate dedication to restoring this damaged landscape—and by extension the transformed landscape of the entire Corn Belt—invigorates her blend of natural history and human history. Believing that citizens who are knowledgeable about native species, communities, and ecological processes will better care for them, she gives us hope—and sound suggestions—for the future.
Rivers of North America
Author: Arthur C. Benke
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080454186
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 1168
Book Description
AWARDS:2006 Outstanding Academic Title, by CHOICEThe 2005 Award for Excellence in Professional and Scholarly Publishing by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) Best Reference 2005, by the Library JournalRivers of North America is an important reference for scientists, ecologists, and students studying rivers and their ecosystems. It brings together information from several regional specialists on the major river basins of North America, presented in a large-format, full-color book. The introduction covers general aspects of geology, hydrology, ecology and human impacts on rivers. This is followed by 22 chapters on the major river basins. Each chapter begins with a full-page color photograph and includes several additional photographs within the text. These chapters feature three to five rivers of the basin/region, and cover several other rivers with one-page summaries. Rivers selected for coverage include the largest, the most natural, and the most affected by human impact. This one-of-a-kind resource is professionally illustrated with maps and color photographs of the key river basins. Readers can compare one river system to another in terms of its physiography, hydrology, ecology, biodiversity, and human impacts.* Extensive treatment provides a single source of information for North America's major rivers* Regional specialists provide authoritative information on more than 200 rivers* Full-color photographs and topographical maps demonstrate the beauty, major features, and uniqueness of each river system* One-page summaries help readers quickly find key statistics and make comparisons among rivers
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080454186
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 1168
Book Description
AWARDS:2006 Outstanding Academic Title, by CHOICEThe 2005 Award for Excellence in Professional and Scholarly Publishing by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) Best Reference 2005, by the Library JournalRivers of North America is an important reference for scientists, ecologists, and students studying rivers and their ecosystems. It brings together information from several regional specialists on the major river basins of North America, presented in a large-format, full-color book. The introduction covers general aspects of geology, hydrology, ecology and human impacts on rivers. This is followed by 22 chapters on the major river basins. Each chapter begins with a full-page color photograph and includes several additional photographs within the text. These chapters feature three to five rivers of the basin/region, and cover several other rivers with one-page summaries. Rivers selected for coverage include the largest, the most natural, and the most affected by human impact. This one-of-a-kind resource is professionally illustrated with maps and color photographs of the key river basins. Readers can compare one river system to another in terms of its physiography, hydrology, ecology, biodiversity, and human impacts.* Extensive treatment provides a single source of information for North America's major rivers* Regional specialists provide authoritative information on more than 200 rivers* Full-color photographs and topographical maps demonstrate the beauty, major features, and uniqueness of each river system* One-page summaries help readers quickly find key statistics and make comparisons among rivers
The Boiling River
Author: Andrés Ruzo
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501119478
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
In this exciting adventure mixed with amazing scientific study, a young, exuberant explorer and geoscientist journeys deep into the Amazon—where rivers boil and legends come to life. When Andrés Ruzo was just a small boy in Peru, his grandfather told him the story of a mysterious legend: There is a river, deep in the Amazon, which boils as if a fire burns below it. Twelve years later, Ruzo—now a geoscientist—hears his aunt mention that she herself had visited this strange river. Determined to discover if the boiling river is real, Ruzo sets out on a journey deep into the Amazon. What he finds astounds him: In this long, wide, and winding river, the waters run so hot that locals brew tea in them; small animals that fall in are instantly cooked. As he studies the river, Ruzo faces challenges more complex than he had ever imaged. The Boiling River follows this young explorer as he navigates a tangle of competing interests—local shamans, illegal cattle farmers and loggers, and oil companies. This true account reads like a modern-day adventure, complete with extraordinary characters, captivating plot twists, and jaw-dropping details—including stunning photographs and a never-before-published account about this incredible natural wonder. Ultimately, though, The Boiling River is about a man trying to understand the moral obligation that comes with scientific discovery —to protect a sacred site from misuse, neglect, and even from his own discovery.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501119478
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
In this exciting adventure mixed with amazing scientific study, a young, exuberant explorer and geoscientist journeys deep into the Amazon—where rivers boil and legends come to life. When Andrés Ruzo was just a small boy in Peru, his grandfather told him the story of a mysterious legend: There is a river, deep in the Amazon, which boils as if a fire burns below it. Twelve years later, Ruzo—now a geoscientist—hears his aunt mention that she herself had visited this strange river. Determined to discover if the boiling river is real, Ruzo sets out on a journey deep into the Amazon. What he finds astounds him: In this long, wide, and winding river, the waters run so hot that locals brew tea in them; small animals that fall in are instantly cooked. As he studies the river, Ruzo faces challenges more complex than he had ever imaged. The Boiling River follows this young explorer as he navigates a tangle of competing interests—local shamans, illegal cattle farmers and loggers, and oil companies. This true account reads like a modern-day adventure, complete with extraordinary characters, captivating plot twists, and jaw-dropping details—including stunning photographs and a never-before-published account about this incredible natural wonder. Ultimately, though, The Boiling River is about a man trying to understand the moral obligation that comes with scientific discovery —to protect a sacred site from misuse, neglect, and even from his own discovery.
The Poetic Edda
Author:
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292792549
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 376
Book Description
The Poetic Edda comprises a treasure trove of mythic and spiritual verse holding an important place in Nordic culture, literature, and heritage. Its tales of strife and death form a repository, in poetic form, of Norse mythology and heroic lore, embodying both the ethical views and the cultural life of the North during the late heathen and early Christian times. Collected by an unidentified Icelander, probably during the twelfth or thirteenth century, The Poetic Edda was rediscovered in Iceland in the seventeenth century by Danish scholars. Even then its value as poetry, as a source of historical information, and as a collection of entertaining stories was recognized. This meticulous translation succeeds in reproducing the verse patterns, the rhythm, the mood, and the dignity of the original in a revision that Scandinavian Studies says "may well grace anyone's bookshelf."
Publisher: University of Texas Press
ISBN: 0292792549
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 376
Book Description
The Poetic Edda comprises a treasure trove of mythic and spiritual verse holding an important place in Nordic culture, literature, and heritage. Its tales of strife and death form a repository, in poetic form, of Norse mythology and heroic lore, embodying both the ethical views and the cultural life of the North during the late heathen and early Christian times. Collected by an unidentified Icelander, probably during the twelfth or thirteenth century, The Poetic Edda was rediscovered in Iceland in the seventeenth century by Danish scholars. Even then its value as poetry, as a source of historical information, and as a collection of entertaining stories was recognized. This meticulous translation succeeds in reproducing the verse patterns, the rhythm, the mood, and the dignity of the original in a revision that Scandinavian Studies says "may well grace anyone's bookshelf."
Mythical Creatures of Maine
Author: Christopher Packard
Publisher: Down East Books
ISBN: 1608937275
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 201
Book Description
Maine folklore is rich in tales of humans confronted by strange beasts, both wonderful and terrifying. The Abenaki, or “First People” had their tales of Glooskap and Pamola. Other tales came with European settlers; and others sprang up almost out of nothing around the fires of the logging camps. Based on meticulous research into these legends and folk tales, this volume is an encyclopedia, a field guide to the creatures that can be found in Maine and beyond. While the tales are whimsical and fun, they can also be considered serious scholarship.
Publisher: Down East Books
ISBN: 1608937275
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 201
Book Description
Maine folklore is rich in tales of humans confronted by strange beasts, both wonderful and terrifying. The Abenaki, or “First People” had their tales of Glooskap and Pamola. Other tales came with European settlers; and others sprang up almost out of nothing around the fires of the logging camps. Based on meticulous research into these legends and folk tales, this volume is an encyclopedia, a field guide to the creatures that can be found in Maine and beyond. While the tales are whimsical and fun, they can also be considered serious scholarship.
Mythical Ireland
Author: Anthony Murphy
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781838359331
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 350
Book Description
Mythical Ireland embodies the search for a soul among Ireland's ancient ruins, and is an attempt to retrieve something of deeper import from 5,000-year-old megalithic monuments and their associated myths. The book represents a fascinating and engaging journey through time, landscape and the human spirit. Dealing with archaeology, interpretive mythography, cosmology and cosmogony, the book attempts to grapple with a core meaning, something beyond the functional interpretations of academia. In this revised and expanded edition, Anthony Murphy delves further into the many enthralling aspects of this journey. Just how much knowledge did locals have of the secrets of Newgrange before it was excavated? Who is the Cailleach, the ancient hag goddess whose image is ubiquitous in the ancient landscape? What happened to make Ireland's Stonehenge disappear from the landscape? Who were the first kings of Tara? What were the indigenous Irish myths about the Milky Way? Did someone try to steal the Tara Brooch? Why are there myths in Ireland about flooded towns and cities? Lavishly illustrated with exquisite photographs of the Irish landscape and ancient monuments, Mythical Ireland represents a personal and yet universal journey, a quest to reimagine the shrines as empowering and transformative sacred places. Murphy invokes the druids and poets of the Boyne and thus the sídhe of the ancient texts are reawakened for a modern and turbulent world.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781838359331
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 350
Book Description
Mythical Ireland embodies the search for a soul among Ireland's ancient ruins, and is an attempt to retrieve something of deeper import from 5,000-year-old megalithic monuments and their associated myths. The book represents a fascinating and engaging journey through time, landscape and the human spirit. Dealing with archaeology, interpretive mythography, cosmology and cosmogony, the book attempts to grapple with a core meaning, something beyond the functional interpretations of academia. In this revised and expanded edition, Anthony Murphy delves further into the many enthralling aspects of this journey. Just how much knowledge did locals have of the secrets of Newgrange before it was excavated? Who is the Cailleach, the ancient hag goddess whose image is ubiquitous in the ancient landscape? What happened to make Ireland's Stonehenge disappear from the landscape? Who were the first kings of Tara? What were the indigenous Irish myths about the Milky Way? Did someone try to steal the Tara Brooch? Why are there myths in Ireland about flooded towns and cities? Lavishly illustrated with exquisite photographs of the Irish landscape and ancient monuments, Mythical Ireland represents a personal and yet universal journey, a quest to reimagine the shrines as empowering and transformative sacred places. Murphy invokes the druids and poets of the Boyne and thus the sídhe of the ancient texts are reawakened for a modern and turbulent world.
The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary
Author: Andrew J. Bould
Publisher: Square & Compass Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE to Gods, Heroes, Legendary Creatures, and Myths Unlock the Mysteries of Ancient Greece! Step into the captivating world of Greek mythology, where gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, and legendary creatures bring timeless stories to life. The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary is your definitive companion, offering an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of ancient Greek myths. Discover: - Gods and Goddesses: Delve into the lives of the mighty Olympians, from the thunderous Zeus to the wisdom-bearing Athena. - Heroes and Heroines: Follow the epic adventures of Achilles, Heracles, and Odysseus, whose tales of bravery and cunning continue to inspire. - Legendary Creatures: Encounter mythical beings like the fearsome Minotaur, the enchanting Sirens, and the formidable Hydra. - Myths and Legends: Explore the timeless stories that have shaped literature, art, and culture for millennia. Why This Book? - Comprehensive Coverage: With over 700 detailed entries, this dictionary covers every major figure, concept, and story in Greek mythology. - Engaging Format: Each entry is written in a compelling, narrative style that brings the myths to life. - Expert Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism, historical context, and cultural significance of each myth. - Beautifully Designed: Featuring a user-friendly layout, this book is as visually appealing as it is informative. Who Should Read This Book? - Mythology Enthusiasts: Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a curious beginner, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge. - Students and Educators: An invaluable resource for anyone studying or teaching Greek mythology. - Writers and Creatives: A source of endless inspiration for storytelling, world-building, and character development. - History Buffs: Explore the intersection of myth and history in ancient Greece. Embark on an epic adventure through the legends of ancient Greece. Let The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary be your guide to the enchanting world of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. Grab your copy today and unlock the secrets of Greek mythology!
Publisher: Square & Compass Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 245
Book Description
The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE to Gods, Heroes, Legendary Creatures, and Myths Unlock the Mysteries of Ancient Greece! Step into the captivating world of Greek mythology, where gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, and legendary creatures bring timeless stories to life. The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary is your definitive companion, offering an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of ancient Greek myths. Discover: - Gods and Goddesses: Delve into the lives of the mighty Olympians, from the thunderous Zeus to the wisdom-bearing Athena. - Heroes and Heroines: Follow the epic adventures of Achilles, Heracles, and Odysseus, whose tales of bravery and cunning continue to inspire. - Legendary Creatures: Encounter mythical beings like the fearsome Minotaur, the enchanting Sirens, and the formidable Hydra. - Myths and Legends: Explore the timeless stories that have shaped literature, art, and culture for millennia. Why This Book? - Comprehensive Coverage: With over 700 detailed entries, this dictionary covers every major figure, concept, and story in Greek mythology. - Engaging Format: Each entry is written in a compelling, narrative style that brings the myths to life. - Expert Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism, historical context, and cultural significance of each myth. - Beautifully Designed: Featuring a user-friendly layout, this book is as visually appealing as it is informative. Who Should Read This Book? - Mythology Enthusiasts: Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a curious beginner, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge. - Students and Educators: An invaluable resource for anyone studying or teaching Greek mythology. - Writers and Creatives: A source of endless inspiration for storytelling, world-building, and character development. - History Buffs: Explore the intersection of myth and history in ancient Greece. Embark on an epic adventure through the legends of ancient Greece. Let The A-to-Z Greek Mythology Dictionary be your guide to the enchanting world of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. Grab your copy today and unlock the secrets of Greek mythology!
Mankind and Deserts 2
Author: Fernand Joly
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119808294
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
The wild beauty of deserts has always been a source of fascination the world over. Mankind and Deserts 2 the second of three volumes focuses on water, its absence or indeed its extreme scarcity, as well as on the ways in which salts come to be formed in areas such as these. Aridity of the climate does not exclude rainfall, after which deserts flourish; wet mists, dew, exceptional events separated by years of total drought. Water flows into temporary and disorganized networks but, occasionally, large rivers cross the deserts, giving rise to vibrant civilizations: the Nile, Tigris and Euphrates, Niger, to name a few. Temporary or permanent lakes collect water in basins without outlet to the ocean, referred to as endorrheic basins, such as Lake Chad. This results in salt accumulation and evaporitic formations. A large variety of salts crystallize, in addition to halite, among which is potash. Halite common salt is an essential resource and its trade leads to the creation of salt caravans, used to exchange it with gold, even on a 1-1 weight basis, generating subsequent wealth. From ancient, almost mythical, exploration to modern scientific studies, deserts have come to be better known yet still hold great appeal. This book traces the history of their knowledge while providing a basis for understanding their features and the tools needed for their protection, in an ever-changing world.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119808294
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
The wild beauty of deserts has always been a source of fascination the world over. Mankind and Deserts 2 the second of three volumes focuses on water, its absence or indeed its extreme scarcity, as well as on the ways in which salts come to be formed in areas such as these. Aridity of the climate does not exclude rainfall, after which deserts flourish; wet mists, dew, exceptional events separated by years of total drought. Water flows into temporary and disorganized networks but, occasionally, large rivers cross the deserts, giving rise to vibrant civilizations: the Nile, Tigris and Euphrates, Niger, to name a few. Temporary or permanent lakes collect water in basins without outlet to the ocean, referred to as endorrheic basins, such as Lake Chad. This results in salt accumulation and evaporitic formations. A large variety of salts crystallize, in addition to halite, among which is potash. Halite common salt is an essential resource and its trade leads to the creation of salt caravans, used to exchange it with gold, even on a 1-1 weight basis, generating subsequent wealth. From ancient, almost mythical, exploration to modern scientific studies, deserts have come to be better known yet still hold great appeal. This book traces the history of their knowledge while providing a basis for understanding their features and the tools needed for their protection, in an ever-changing world.