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Gradient Analysis of Ecosystems

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Comparative Analyses of Ecosystems

Abstract

Comparative studies have been useful for understanding the biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly where comparisons can be carried out along gradients of an underlying controlling factor. Examples of the application of gradient approaches include the analysis of state factors developed by Hans Jenny, analyses of the regulation of streamwater chemistry along elevational and successional gradients, examination of variation in natural abundance of stable isotopes as they integrate ecosystem processes during soil development, and the development of regional and global budgets for biogenic trace gases. Gradient studies of terrestrial ecosystems are strengthened by a connection to intensive, long-term studies of a single ecosystem at some point along the gradient.

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Authors
  1. Peter M. Vitousek
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  2. Pamela A. Matson
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Ecosystem Studies, New York Botanical Garden, Millbrook, NY, 12545-0129, USA

    Jonathan Cole , Gary Lovett  & Stuart Findlay ,  & 

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© 1991 Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.

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Vitousek, P.M., Matson, P.A. (1991). Gradient Analysis of Ecosystems. In: Cole, J., Lovett, G., Findlay, S. (eds) Comparative Analyses of Ecosystems. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3122-6_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3122-6_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7804-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-3122-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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