Introduction.- Tectonic Setting, Palaeoenvironments and Long-Term Vegetation Dynamics of the Yellow River Source Zone.- Climate Variability in the Yellow River Source Zone.- Hydrology and Water Resources.- River Diversity, Controls and Geo-Ecological Values.-Hillslope Stability and Vegetation.- Land Desertification .- Watershed Ecological Evolution and Management.- Wetland Ecosystems of the Yellow River Source Zone.- Grassland Resources and Ecosystems.- Understanding Alpine Meadow Ecosystems.- Climate Change and Grassland Health.- Soil Resources and their Protection.- Ecosystem Synthesis and Thoughts Towards a Decision-Support Tool for Ecosystem Management of the Upper Yellow River Basin.
This book offers a comprehensive review of the landscapes and ecosystems of the Upper Yellow River. It focuses on landscapes as a platform for considering environmental values and issues across the region. The book is based on extensive field-based analyses, applications, and photographs.