In spite of the harsh conditions that characterize the Arctic, it is a surprisingly fragile ecosystem. The exploration for oil in the Arctic over the past 30 years has had profound effects on the plants and animals that inhabit this frozen clime. The Natural History of an Arctic Oil Field synthesizes decades of research on these myriad impacts. Specialists with years of field experience have contributed to this volume to create the first widely available synopsis of the ecology and wildlife biology of animals and plants living in close association with an actively producing oil field.- First widely available synthesis of arctic oil field ecology and wildlife biology- Concise yet readable treatment of a diverse polar ecosystem- Useful for land managers, policy makers as well as ecologists, and population biologists- Chapters authored by recognized authorities and contributions are peer-reviewed for accuracy and scientific rigor- Illustrations attractively designed to enhance comprehension