Ecosystem Chronicles
Seacliff Chronicles
 Sci-Fi Books 
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ECOSYSTEM CHRONICLES
 
by

Ron S. Nolan, Ph.D.

*******************



Copyright © 2023-2024
Ron S. Nolan

Library of Congress
Control Number: 2023919623


After completing my graduate studies in the ecology of patch reef fish communities at Enewetak Atoll for my Ph.D. at Scripps Instituion of Oceanography, I have had the opportunity to visit a wide variety of ecosystems that are described in this monograph. In the many decades that  I served as a 'fish counter' traveling around the Pacific I accumulated a  large library of photographs which are now serving as the cornerstone for the series entitled EXPLORING the SCIENCE and BEAUTY of NATURE.

  

Book #7 in EXPLORING the
SCIENCE and BEAUTY of NATURE Series


ECOSYSTEM CHRONICLES is Volume #7 in the series. With 300+ original photos and graphics that address and illustrate the science of ecosystems, the book is well suited for academic level studies in the fields of ecology and the environmental sciences as well as a reference book for those individuals concerned about climate change...and who share our passion for the beauty of nature.

Because of our concerns about the environment, we have joined forces with IngramSpark to provide a
50% reduction in the price of ECOSYSTEM CHRONICLES.

We believe that those individuals who take advantage of this unique opportunity to purchase the hardback version at the discount price will appreciate the diversity of topics that are illustrated in vivid color on high quality paper.




ISBN-13: 979-8-9878268-6-7

Copyright © 2023-2024
Ron S. Nolan

Library of Congress
Control Number: 2023919623

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LIBRARIES
AND BOOKSTORES AND AN INCREASING
NUMBER OF RETAILERS
(Price per copy may vary.)

**********************************


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ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8-9878268-7-4

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ECOSYSTEM CHRONICLES
book details and some kind words of support from the
former Honorable Vice President Al Gore follow.


                               
                                        
ECOSYSTEM CHRONICLES

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ISBN-13 : ‎ 979-8218368531
A new edition of the Seacliff Chronicles is also now available on Amazon. Click image for a description.



 — Note from the Author —

"Understanding ecosystem science is becoming critically important around the globe and we all need to do everything possible to protect Planet Earth. Not only because it is the only nearby speck of dust that meets the stringent requirements for intelligent life, or that there is the risk of catastrophic hurricanes and sea level inundation, but there is awesome beauty here in nature and that must be preserved!"
























— Message from the Honorable former
Vice President Al Gore —

Hi, Ron S., it’s Al Gore.

I wanted to personally thank you for being a part of the Climate Reality community. Our work started in 2006 when 50 people gathered at my farm in Tennessee to collaborate on ways we could work together to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the urgency of action. Now we’ve built a global grassroots movement thanks to activists like you who are stepping up to demand real solutions to the climate crisis and deliver a just transition away from fossil fuels.

I couldn't be more grateful to have you with us.

Climate Reality Project

— Ecosystem Chronicles
Overview —


Most people think of an ecosystem as the natural environment, or an area inhabited by certain types of plants or animals, or as a particular place or region--for example a lake in Northern California or a rain forest in South America.

However, our readers may be surprised to learn that biologists think of them quite differently! It is the flow of energy and movement of chemicals within and between ecosystems that is the primary focus of ecosystem ecologists.


















TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION ONE: ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE

CHAPTER 1 The Beginning of the Universe Page 01


CHAPTER 2 Ecosystems and the
                                            Hierarchy of Life Page 07

CHAPTER 3 The Nature of Light Page 17

CHAPTER 4 Photosynthesis Page 25

CHAPTER 5 Energy Flow in Ecosystems Page 33

CHAPTER 6 Productivity in the Biosphere Page 43

CHAPTER 7 Productivity in Coral Reefs Page 51

 CHAPTER 8 Limiting Factors
                               in Marine Ecosystems Page 61

CHAPTER 9 Patterns in Terrestrial Productivity Page 69

CHAPTER 10 Limiting Factors in
                                    Terrestrial Ecosystems Page 85

CHAPTER 11 Patterns in Energy Flow Page 93

CHAPTER 12 Ecological Pyramids Page 107

CHAPTER 13 Efficiencies of Energy Transfer Page 111

CHAPTER 14 Silver Springs Classic
                                            Ecosystem Study Page 115

CHAPTER 15 Global Cycles Overview Page 119

CHAPTER 16 Global Water Cycle Page 121

CHAPTER 17 Global Carbon Cycle Page 127

CHAPTER 18 Global Nitrogen Cycle Page 133

CHAPTER 19 Global Phosphorus Cycle Page 139

CHAPTER 20 Global Sulfur Cycle Page 145


SECTION TWO: CLIMATE CHANGE

CHAPTER 21 Climate Patterns Page 149


CHAPTER 22 Ecosystems and Climate Change Page 165

CHAPTER 23 El Niño and Climate Change Page 173

CHAPTER 24 Storms Slam California Coast Page 179

SECTION THREE: EXPLORING ECOSYSTEMS


CHAPTER 25 Journey to the Challenger Deep Page 191

CHAPTER 26 Journey to French Frigate Shoals Page 209

CHAPTER 27 Journey to the Marshall Islands Page 227

CHAPTER 28 Journey to Sanibel Island Page 233

CHAPTER 29 Journey to Baja California Page 245

CHAPTER 30 Journey to Tropical Reefs Page 253

CHAPTER 31 Journey to Canton Island Page 265

CHAPTER 32 Journey to River of No Return Page 275

CHAPTER 33 Journey to the Snake River Page 285

CHAPTER 34 Journey to Idaho Hatchery Page 291

CHAPTER 35 Journey to the Pacific Page 297

CHAPTER 36 References Page 311

CHAPTER 37 Beauty in Nature Page 313

 





"Even though beginning at a depth of 200 meters there is little sunlight, enormous pressure and near freezing temperature, it is likely that marine animal populations numbers closely match or exceed the number of land animals." Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium website.




There are Three Major Sections in
Ecosystem Chronicles

Section 1
Ecosystem Science


Most people think of an ecosystem as the natural environment, or an area inhabited by certain types of plants or animals, or as a particular place or region--for example a lake in Northern California or a rain forest in South America. However,  you may be surprised to learn that biologists think of them quite differently!

 It is the flow of energy and movement of chemicals within and between ecosystems that is the primary focus of ecosystem ecologists. Ecosystem ecologists investigate the amounts, rates and the processes by which energy and materials flow through an ecosystem and which link the biotic to the abiotic components.

 In addition to traditional, descriptive field studies, ecosystem ecologists employ computer simulations to test and predict how nature may respond in hypothetical and actual circumstances.


Section 2
Climate Change


Section 2 investigates the impact of Atmospheric Rivers that transport that transmit moisture from the tropics to the polar regions resulting in severe winds and flooding.



One example is the catastrophic storms that pummeled the Central Coast of California that caused major damage including the destruction of the pier at Seacliff Beach and that resulted in a visit from President Biden who came to view the devastation.




Section 3
Exploring Ecosystems


In Section 3, we visit locations around the world which illustrate the fundamental principles of ecosystem science combined with the beauty of the natural world. The Journeys take us from the depths of the Challenger Deep to the summits in the mountains of Idaho, and onwards to the sands and cacti of the deserts in Baja and then to the monk seals and reef fishes in the Hawaiian Islands...and amazing ecosystem discoveries.











The Salmon and the Snake is a project in development that will provide the foundation for a case study that debates the economic benefits of the hydropower dams that offer reduced electrical rates versus the negative impact of the dams on migratory salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest.