Islands of the Arctic
Islands of the Arctic
Out of Print
The Arctic islands are characterised by beautiful mountains and glaciers, in which the wildlife lives in delicate balance with its environment. It is a region with a long history of exploration and exploitation by humans, now experiencing rapid environmental change. All of these themes are explored in Islands of the Arctic, richly illustrated with superb photographs from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Greenland, Svalbard and the Russian Arctic. It begins with the various processes shaping the landscape: glaciers, rivers and coastal processes, the role of ice in the oceans and the weather and climate. The flora and fauna are described, and the human impact on this fragile region; from the sustainable approach of the Inuit, to the devastating damage inflicted by hunters and in the cause of military security. Finally, the future prospects of the region are considered. This book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in remote landscapes.
- Over 200 colour photographs of Arctic landscape, wildlife and human activity
- Features many of the most scenic areas of the Arctic, including the Canadian Arctic archipelago, Greenland, Svalbard and the Russian Arctic islands
- Discusses the impact of humans on the region and the need to develop it sustainably
Reviews & endorsements
"Islands of the Arctic is a beautifully illustrated and nicely written account of the varied island environments of the polar north...Islands of the Arctic should be part of the required reading for all those interested in understanding the environmental and cultural threats facing the Arctic." The Times Higher Education Supplement
"A visually stunning exploration of the Arctic islands..." Paper Clips
"This is indeed a beautiful book, and worth buying for the illustrations alone...It is also informative, spanning a broad range of topics to give a comprehensive view of the environment and history of these fascinating islands." Bulletin of the American Meterological Society
"... a must for any explorer interested in the Arctic." The Explorers Journal
"Dowdeswell and Hambrey have a way of describing the fascinating array of Arctic landforms and coastal phenomena in just enough scientific detail to create a stimulating text that flows smoothly around the photographs...the superb text will interest readers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences." Science Books & Films
"Highly recommended." Choice
Product details
November 2002Hardback
9780521813334
298 pages
259 × 259 × 24 mm
1.427kg
242 colour illus. 2 tables
Unavailable - out of print April 2019
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: the geography of the Arctic Islands
- 2. Evolution of the Arctic Islands
- 3. Weather, climate and atmospheric effects
- 4. Glaciers and ice sheets
- 5. Icebergs and sea ice
- 6. Frost action
- 7. Arctic coasts, rivers and lakes
- 8. The biotic environment: fauna and flora
- 9. Indigenous peoples, exploration and environmental islands.
