The Atlantic Coast
A Natural History
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Greystone Books,Canada
Published:12th Apr '12
Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date
The North Atlantic coast of North America--commonly known as the Atlantic Coast--extends from Newfoundland and Labrador through the Maritime Provinces and the Northeastern United States south to Cape Hatteras. This North Atlantic region belongs to the sea. The maritime influence on climate, flora, and fauna is dominant -- even far inland. Both on land and at sea, this region is where north meets south, where the great northern boreal forests intermingle with the southern coniferous-hardwood forests, and where the icy Labrador Current and the tropical Gulf Stream vie for supremacy and eventually mix. The Atlantic Coast draws upon the best and most up-to-date science on the ecology of the region as well as the author's lifetime experience as a resident, biologist, and naturalist. The book explores the geological origins of the region, the two major forest realms, and the main freshwater and marine ecosystems, and describes the flora and fauna that characterize each habitat. It ends with a look at what has been lost and how the remaining natural heritage of the region might be conserved for the future. Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation
"[Thurston's] definition of "Atlantic Coast" encompasses more than the region south of the Gulf of Maine. And that is good ...By ignoring political boundaries in favor of natural divisions, Mr. Thurston paints a clearer picture of the plants and animals of the region, the ecological niches they inhabit and the problems tormenting them."-- New York Times "Mixing observations, in-depth research, and vivid prose, Thurston explores the region's geologic, ecologic, and cultural history, ...[and] Barrett's gorgeous color photographs of land, sea, and sky supplement Thurston's vivid descriptions"--Publishers Weekly "Harry Thurston is the best naturalist/writer in the Maritimes (and probably well beyond) and any book by him is well worth the read. This one is an especially valuable addition to anyone's library, and a veritable fount of knowledge about the wildlife of the Atlantic Coast and about that world itself." --Farley Mowat "A wonderful portrait of a key region of our world. With evocative writing and scientific rigour, Harry Thurston takes us from the deep time of drifting continents to the environmental challenge of today." --Ronald Wright, author of A Short History of Progress
ISBN: 9781553654469
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 1304g
336 pages