Geography of the Physical Environment – serie

This book presents the Brazilian natural space and environment. It describes the main environmental aspects of Brazil in relation to geology, climate, geomorphology, vegetation, fauna, water resources and environmental issues. The book presents a beautifully illustrated overview of the physical geography of the Amazon Forest, the central Brazilian savannah (Cerrado), the Cocais Forest, the semi-arid area (Caatinga), the Atlantic Forest area, the Pantanal (Brazilian wetlands), the Auraucárias Plateau, the Pampas area (South grasslands) and the Brazilian Coastal Environment (beaches and mangroves).

This edited book presents a novel collection of field-based empirical studies on the Quaternary geomorphology of the Lower Ganga Basin.The book covers a wide range of topics discussing various geomorphological facets of the Lower Ganga and its subsidiary rivers focussing on laterites, palaeoenvironment and palaeogeomorphology, palaeo-coastal landforms, neo-tectonism, tidal-fluvial dynamics, extra-channel geomorphology and channel-pattern adjustment among others. Various methodologies were applied ranging from historical records and religious texts to state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS techniques.The book appeals to all scientists and post-graduate students of geomorphology and related areas who want to acquire detailed knowledge of the geology and geomorphology of the Lower Ganga Basin or are in search of new methodologies for studying the feedback mechanisms between forms and processes.

This is the first comprehensive book on the rivers of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. This volume covers all aspects of this highly populated region including land conflicts and environmental impacts such as the Indo-Bangladesh conflict over sharing of trans-boundary water. This book addresses the topic from a highly interdisciplinary perspective covering areas of geography, geology, environment, history, archaeology, sociology and politics of the Bengal region.The book appeals to a wide range of audiences from India, Bangladesh and the international community. The style of presentation makes it easily suitable for students, researchers and interested laymen.

The book provides a review of the most relevant topics on the booming discipline of palaeohydrology and focuses on previous extreme events like exceptional floods and droughts. Reviews written by leading experts of their fields are combined with selected key studies and presentations on up-to-day methodical and conceptional topics as a perspective for further research. Consequently, the compilation provides an excellent review on the state of the art of numerous relevant topics of palaeohydrology and acts as unique introduction for early career scientists and scientists of different disciplines working on hydrological extreme events, both in basic research and applied aspects.

The book provides a review of the most relevant topics on the booming discipline of palaeohydrology and focuses on previous extreme events like exceptional floods and droughts. Reviews written by leading experts of their fields are combined with selected key studies and presentations on up-to-day methodical and conceptional topics as a perspective for further research. Consequently, the compilation provides an excellent review on the state of the art of numerous relevant topics of palaeohydrology and acts as unique introduction for early career scientists and scientists of different disciplines working on hydrological extreme events, both in basic research and applied aspects.

This book offers a unique and highly illustrated overview of the desert geomorphology of Iran. It describes the different landscapes and landforms of desert areas such as ergs and badlands offering a comprehensive insight into typical fluvial and eolian forms such as playas, alluvial fans, yardangs, salt domes, dunes, hoodoos and many more. The monograph elaborates the interaction of humans with the landscapes and discusses ongoing developments in geotourism, natural heritage sites as well as the potential for geoparks. Desert Landscapes and Landforms of Iran contains many photographs, satellite images, high-resolution aerial photos, maps, charts and tables which build a nice framework for the assessment of the different geomorphological features. It constitutes a comprehensive introduction for researchers and students of many disciplines in the fields of geography, geosciences, tourism and leisure studies, environmental sciences and landscape planning interested intypical physical characteristics of desert landscapes.

This book offers a unique and highly illustrated overview of the desert geomorphology of Iran. It describes the different landscapes and landforms of desert areas such as ergs and badlands offering a comprehensive insight into typical fluvial and eolian forms such as playas, alluvial fans, yardangs, salt domes, dunes, hoodoos and many more. The monograph elaborates the interaction of humans with the landscapes and discusses ongoing developments in geotourism, natural heritage sites as well as the potential for geoparks. Desert Landscapes and Landforms of Iran contains many photographs, satellite images, high-resolution aerial photos, maps, charts and tables which build a nice framework for the assessment of the different geomorphological features. It constitutes a comprehensive introduction for researchers and students of many disciplines in the fields of geography, geosciences, tourism and leisure studies, environmental sciences and landscape planning interested intypical physical characteristics of desert landscapes.

This book gives the most detailed and comprehensive physico-geographical overview of the very unique country of Mongolia. The country offers diverse geographical features and natural landscapes combined with a long history. This book offers integrated and systematical research on the geophysical characteristics of Mongolia with an academic orientation. It provides the readers with general knowledge of the physical geography of Mongolia as well as new results of the latest research. The volume consists of 11 chapters, each written by field experts, with contributions from scientific researchers from Mongolia.The topics covered: geological and geomorphological characteristics and processes, landscapes and landforms, climate and climate change, hydrology, glaciers and permafrost, soils, environmental changes, biodiversity and many other aspects of physical geography in Mongolia.The book appeals to researchers and studentsof geography and related fields and can serve as a guide for field trips to Mongolia or basic literature for research projects.

This book gives the most detailed and comprehensive physico-geographical overview of the very unique country of Mongolia. The country offers diverse geographical features and natural landscapes combined with a long history. This book offers integrated and systematical research on the geophysical characteristics of Mongolia with an academic orientation. It provides the readers with general knowledge of the physical geography of Mongolia as well as new results of the latest research. The volume consists of 11 chapters, each written by field experts, with contributions from scientific researchers from Mongolia.The topics covered: geological and geomorphological characteristics and processes, landscapes and landforms, climate and climate change, hydrology, glaciers and permafrost, soils, environmental changes, biodiversity and many other aspects of physical geography in Mongolia.The book appeals to researchers and studentsof geography and related fields and can serve as a guide for field trips to Mongolia or basic literature for research projects.

This edited book summarizes numerous research studies on remote sensing and GIS of natural resource management for the Himalaya region done by Indian Institutions and Universities over the last decade. It gives an overview of hydrometeorological studies on Himalayan water resources and addresses concerns in the development of water resources in this region, which is dealing with an increased pressure in population, industrialization and economic development. While the source of some of the major rivers of India are found in the Himalayas, the glaciers and water bodies in the region are continuously shrinking leading to a depletion of water and deterioration of water quality. This is affecting a population of up to 2.5 billion people. The ecosystems have been under threat due to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, expansion of agriculture and settlement, overexploitation of natural resources, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, mining, construction of roads and large dams, and unplanned tourism. Spaceborne remote sensing with its ability to provide synoptic and repetitive coverage has emerged as a powerful tool for assessment and monitoring of the Himalayan resources and phenomena. This work serves as a resource to students, researchers, scientists, professionals, and policy makers both in India and on a global level.

This edited book summarizes numerous research studies on remote sensing and GIS of natural resource management for the Himalaya region done by Indian Institutions and Universities over the last decade. It gives an overview of hydrometeorological studies on Himalayan water resources and addresses concerns in the development of water resources in this region, which is dealing with an increased pressure in population, industrialization and economic development. While the source of some of the major rivers of India are found in the Himalayas, the glaciers and water bodies in the region are continuously shrinking leading to a depletion of water and deterioration of water quality. This is affecting a population of up to 2.5 billion people. The ecosystems have been under threat due to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, expansion of agriculture and settlement, overexploitation of natural resources, habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, mining, construction of roads and large dams, and unplanned tourism. Spaceborne remote sensing with its ability to provide synoptic and repetitive coverage has emerged as a powerful tool for assessment and monitoring of the Himalayan resources and phenomena. This work serves as a resource to students, researchers, scientists, professionals, and policy makers both in India and on a global level.

This book explores state-of-art techniques based on open-source software and statistical programming and modelling in modern geospatial applications, specifically focusing on recent trends in data mining techniques and robust modelling in Geomorphological, Hydrological, Bio-physical and Social activities. The book is organized into physical, mountainous, coastal, riverine, forest, urban and biological activities, with each chapter providing a review of the current knowledge in the focus area, and evaluating where future efforts should be directed. The text compiles a collection of recent developments and rigorous applications of Geospatial computational intelligence (e.g., artificial neural network, spatial interpolation, physical and environmental modelling and machine learning algorithms etc) in geomorphic processes from a team of expert contributors. The authors address the wide range of challenges and uncertainties in the study of earth system dynamics due to climate change, and complex anthropogenic interferences where spatial modelling may be applied in the risk assessment of vulnerable geomorphological landscapes. The book will act as a guide to find recent advancements in geospatial artificial intelligence techniques and its application to natural and social hazards. This information will be helpful for students, researchers, policy makers, environmentalists, planners involved in natural hazard and disaster management, NGOs, and government organizations.

This book explores state-of-art techniques based on open-source software and statistical programming and modelling in modern geospatial applications, specifically focusing on recent trends in data mining techniques and robust modelling in Geomorphological, Hydrological, Bio-physical and Social activities. The book is organized into physical, mountainous, coastal, riverine, forest, urban and biological activities, with each chapter providing a review of the current knowledge in the focus area, and evaluating where future efforts should be directed. The text compiles a collection of recent developments and rigorous applications of Geospatial computational intelligence (e.g., artificial neural network, spatial interpolation, physical and environmental modelling and machine learning algorithms etc) in geomorphic processes from a team of expert contributors. The authors address the wide range of challenges and uncertainties in the study of earth system dynamics due to climate change, and complex anthropogenic interferences where spatial modelling may be applied in the risk assessment of vulnerable geomorphological landscapes. The book will act as a guide to find recent advancements in geospatial artificial intelligence techniques and its application to natural and social hazards. This information will be helpful for students, researchers, policy makers, environmentalists, planners involved in natural hazard and disaster management, NGOs, and government organizations.

This volume provides a versatile introduction to the study of drainage basin evolution, morphology, drainage basin hydrology and sedimentology, human interference, natural and anthropogenic hazards and various management techniques. This book offers the responsible factors of sediment yield and their absolute and specific growth and rate of delivery through tributaries to the main streams. Rivers are important geomorphic agents which reflect an amazing variety of form and behaviour, showing the wide range of natural environment in which they are originated.  The drainage system evolution and spatial network development within the dynamic nature are being discussed and how they are adjusted in the geomorphic time scale over the millions of years. This book shows how drainage systems function and react to change and why this thoughtful is required for flourishing integrated basin management. In tropical and sub-tropical countries population pressures as well as different developmental projects are being executed on the drainage basin without proper planning. Today scientists consider drainage basin as an administrative unit during implementation of regional projects. In this context this book will carry a bench mark for scholars and young scientists.

This volume provides a versatile introduction to the study of drainage basin evolution, morphology, drainage basin hydrology and sedimentology, human interference, natural and anthropogenic hazards and various management techniques. This book offers the responsible factors of sediment yield and their absolute and specific growth and rate of delivery through tributaries to the main streams. Rivers are important geomorphic agents which reflect an amazing variety of form and behaviour, showing the wide range of natural environment in which they are originated.  The drainage system evolution and spatial network development within the dynamic nature are being discussed and how they are adjusted in the geomorphic time scale over the millions of years. This book shows how drainage systems function and react to change and why this thoughtful is required for flourishing integrated basin management. In tropical and sub-tropical countries population pressures as well as different developmental projects are being executed on the drainage basin without proper planning. Today scientists consider drainage basin as an administrative unit during implementation of regional projects. In this context this book will carry a bench mark for scholars and young scientists.

This monograph is a fundamental study of watershed erosion and runoff processes. It utilizes decades of soil erosion data to take a comprehensive and balanced approach in covering various watershed erosion processes. While there are many works on soil erosion and conservation, this book fills the gaps in previously published research by focusing more on mass movement, gully erosion, soil piping/tunnel erosion, and the spatial interactions of different erosion processes. Additionally, the book examines erosion processes in extreme rainfall events, something typically absent in short-term studies but discussed in detail here as the book draws on 60 years of research and observations, including 30 years of the author's own investigations of erosion under a wide range of rainfall conditions. The book is divided into 3 parts, and is intended for soil erosion researchers and practitioners, and postgraduate students studying soil erosion and water conservation. Part 1 opens with a comprehensive and critical review of existing literature on soil erosion processes, discusses this book's place among existing literature, and examines the major erosion processes (rainwash, gully erosion, tunnel erosion, and mass movements) including their controlling factors and mechanisms. Part 2 explores the spatial interactions of these different erosion processes to provide a prerequisite for effective design of comprehensive soil erosion control measures in a watershed. Part 3 evaluates the relative significance of these erosion processes in sediment production, the effectiveness of comprehensive soil and water conservation programs, and the applications of watershed modelling in determining the impact of land-use changes on soil erosion and other ecological processes.

This monograph is a fundamental study of watershed erosion and runoff processes. It utilizes decades of soil erosion data to take a comprehensive and balanced approach in covering various watershed erosion processes. While there are many works on soil erosion and conservation, this book fills the gaps in previously published research by focusing more on mass movement, gully erosion, soil piping/tunnel erosion, and the spatial interactions of different erosion processes. Additionally, the book examines erosion processes in extreme rainfall events, something typically absent in short-term studies but discussed in detail here as the book draws on 60 years of research and observations, including 30 years of the author's own investigations of erosion under a wide range of rainfall conditions. The book is divided into 3 parts, and is intended for soil erosion researchers and practitioners, and postgraduate students studying soil erosion and water conservation. Part 1 opens with a comprehensive and critical review of existing literature on soil erosion processes, discusses this book's place among existing literature, and examines the major erosion processes (rainwash, gully erosion, tunnel erosion, and mass movements) including their controlling factors and mechanisms. Part 2 explores the spatial interactions of these different erosion processes to provide a prerequisite for effective design of comprehensive soil erosion control measures in a watershed. Part 3 evaluates the relative significance of these erosion processes in sediment production, the effectiveness of comprehensive soil and water conservation programs, and the applications of watershed modelling in determining the impact of land-use changes on soil erosion and other ecological processes.

South Asia, harboring the complex Himalayan terrains, has over one-fifth of the world’s population and is recognized as the most hazard-prone region of the world. The exponential increase in population with the consequent pressure on natural resources and continued high rates of poverty and food insecurity also makes this region the most vulnerable region to hazards in the world as far as the impacts of climate change are concerned. Over the last century, the climatic trends in South-Asia have been observed to be characterized by increasing air temperatures and an increasing trend in the intensity and frequency of extreme events. IPCC (2014) has reported that the Himalayan highlands shall face significant warming over the next century. The increasing frequency of natural hazards due to the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas calls for efficient management and policymaking in these regions, which can only be implemented by the local governments through an established science-based robust action plan.This edited volume focuses on the management of natural hazards using innovative techniques of spatial information sciences and satellite remote sensing. It contains chapters from eminent researchers and experts in the field of hazard management, remote sensing, and GIS. The primary focus of this book is to replenish the gap in the available literature on the subject by bringing the concepts, theories, and practical experiences of the specialists and professionals in this field together in one volume to help students, researchers, and policymakers to address issues concerning management and policy implications of natural hazards in the complex Himalayan region.

South Asia, harboring the complex Himalayan terrains, has over one-fifth of the world’s population and is recognized as the most hazard-prone region of the world. The exponential increase in population with the consequent pressure on natural resources and continued high rates of poverty and food insecurity also makes this region the most vulnerable region to hazards in the world as far as the impacts of climate change are concerned. Over the last century, the climatic trends in South-Asia have been observed to be characterized by increasing air temperatures and an increasing trend in the intensity and frequency of extreme events. IPCC (2014) has reported that the Himalayan highlands shall face significant warming over the next century. The increasing frequency of natural hazards due to the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas calls for efficient management and policymaking in these regions, which can only be implemented by the local governments through an established science-based robust action plan.This edited volume focuses on the management of natural hazards using innovative techniques of spatial information sciences and satellite remote sensing. It contains chapters from eminent researchers and experts in the field of hazard management, remote sensing, and GIS. The primary focus of this book is to replenish the gap in the available literature on the subject by bringing the concepts, theories, and practical experiences of the specialists and professionals in this field together in one volume to help students, researchers, and policymakers to address issues concerning management and policy implications of natural hazards in the complex Himalayan region.

This book is the first to give a comprehensive and detailed overview of the complete physical geography of Georgia in English. It discusses natural and environmental conditions, hydrology, geomorphology, landscapes, and resources and elaborates issues of environmental protection, natural hazards, resource potentials, tourism and many other topics of this multifaceted country.This volume will appeal to researchers, educators and students in the fields of natural and environmental sciences, geography, geology, regional studies and related areas.

Bidong Island is a small island located in the South China Sea, and is about 14 km from mainland Peninsular Malaysia. The island and the Bidong archipelago boast of its richness in diversity of both terrestrial and marine organisms and its undeniably pristine and thriving ecosystem. In 1975–1990, Bidong Island was formerly a UNHCR refugee camp for a quarter of a million Vietnamese "Boat people" escaping the Vietnam War, and still holds great significance to many of its descendants. Due to its historical significance, the Terengganu State government plans to develop Bidong Island as a heritage tourism site and a new scuba diving destination.This book highlights the uniqueness of Bidong Island and its archipelago, paying particular attention to the biological aspect (which includes marine and terrestrial organisms) and the pollution status surrounding the island. These mainly focus on organisms of the open water and benthic ecosystems such as plankton, fishes, corals reef communities, crustaceans and foraminifera. In addition, we discuss terrene related topics, which includes tree diversity, lichens and also herpetofauna surrounding the Bidong Island. Indisputably an important topic, we also address the pollution status surrounding Bidong Island, with emphasis on heavy metals and its impact.Readers interested in the areas of environmental sciences should find this book appealing. This book can also be used by students and researchers when discussing about tropical environments on island ecosystems. We do hope that stakeholders that would partake in future interest of Bidong Island (particularly in tourism) are equally aware of the current health status of the island and would engage in conserving and sustaining the diversity and heritage of the archipelago for the benefit of the community.

Bidong Island is a small island located in the South China Sea, and is about 14 km from mainland Peninsular Malaysia. The island and the Bidong archipelago boast of its richness in diversity of both terrestrial and marine organisms and its undeniably pristine and thriving ecosystem. In 1975–1990, Bidong Island was formerly a UNHCR refugee camp for a quarter of a million Vietnamese "Boat people" escaping the Vietnam War, and still holds great significance to many of its descendants. Due to its historical significance, the Terengganu State government plans to develop Bidong Island as a heritage tourism site and a new scuba diving destination.This book highlights the uniqueness of Bidong Island and its archipelago, paying particular attention to the biological aspect (which includes marine and terrestrial organisms) and the pollution status surrounding the island. These mainly focus on organisms of the open water and benthic ecosystems such as plankton, fishes, corals reef communities, crustaceans and foraminifera. In addition, we discuss terrene related topics, which includes tree diversity, lichens and also herpetofauna surrounding the Bidong Island. Indisputably an important topic, we also address the pollution status surrounding Bidong Island, with emphasis on heavy metals and its impact.Readers interested in the areas of environmental sciences should find this book appealing. This book can also be used by students and researchers when discussing about tropical environments on island ecosystems. We do hope that stakeholders that would partake in future interest of Bidong Island (particularly in tourism) are equally aware of the current health status of the island and would engage in conserving and sustaining the diversity and heritage of the archipelago for the benefit of the community.

The edited book deals with climate change and its response to river system which is one of the most burning issues of the Global environment. Due to urbanization and industrialization land degradation and resource depletion are happening and promoting livelihood challenges in the world which is reflected in the book too. The book addresses the construction of dams over large rivers and its possible consequences in the environment. Changes of the hydrology and sedimentology are to be addressed in the book. The climate change phenomena and associated geomorphic hazards and contemporary environmental issues such as sea level rise, coastal flood, drought, wind erosion, flood, soil erosion, landslide, depletion of ground water, coastal erosion etc. are elaborated in the book with suitable methods and techniques. So this edited book will contribute a lot to general to particular filed of studies and will help to geographers, geomorphologists, environmentalists, planners, policy makers and developers for studies and promoting regional plans and development.

The edited book deals with climate change and its response to river system which is one of the most burning issues of the Global environment. Due to urbanization and industrialization land degradation and resource depletion are happening and promoting livelihood challenges in the world which is reflected in the book too. The book addresses the construction of dams over large rivers and its possible consequences in the environment. Changes of the hydrology and sedimentology are to be addressed in the book. The climate change phenomena and associated geomorphic hazards and contemporary environmental issues such as sea level rise, coastal flood, drought, wind erosion, flood, soil erosion, landslide, depletion of ground water, coastal erosion etc. are elaborated in the book with suitable methods and techniques. So this edited book will contribute a lot to general to particular filed of studies and will help to geographers, geomorphologists, environmentalists, planners, policy makers and developers for studies and promoting regional plans and development.

Geography science aims to observe the dynamics in describing earth's surface as a place and space for humans to carry out their lives, starting from simple identification using recording and sketching models, then utilizing tools such as maps, satellite imagery, statistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In the development of geography science, it is appropriate to explain phenomena of the earth in the present context along with the process of developing science and technology using suitable and effective methods. Physical geography is the branch of natural science that deals with the study of processes and patterns in the natural environment such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. This book covers the methodology of the study for all aspects of physical geography, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. A comprehensive geography textbook consists of a detailed research methodology for physical geography research including a few selected case studies in Asia. The uniqueness of this book is due to the contribution of several professors and subject experts from South East and East Asia with special particular reference to cases studies from a particular region. This book covered selected methodological approaches for hydrology, climatology and geomorphology including the discovery of the best method for exploring and assessing mysterious physical phenomena using a diversity of methodologies. This book explains the principal concept, basic method, optional method, detailed description of each method, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods. The technique of data selection, data acquisition, method of analysis, data interpretation and data analysis techniques with a specific focus on deterministic modeling, geography techniques, geospatial modeling with Geographic Information System (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Automated machine techniques and combination of statistical analysis. This book attempts to explore different approaches, methodological possibilities and challenges in conducting geographical research in physical geography. New digital geographic data sources and GIS applications can help researchers to receive clearer concepts and obtain better measurements of the relevant attributes changes in the physical environment. Opportunity to critically examine the conceptualization and identification of the field in geographical research and how digital media has not only expanded the scope of what constitutes the field but has redefined the field in itself as well as the practices of observing, knowing, and analyzing the real world.

Geography science aims to observe the dynamics in describing earth's surface as a place and space for humans to carry out their lives, starting from simple identification using recording and sketching models, then utilizing tools such as maps, satellite imagery, statistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In the development of geography science, it is appropriate to explain phenomena of the earth in the present context along with the process of developing science and technology using suitable and effective methods. Physical geography is the branch of natural science that deals with the study of processes and patterns in the natural environment such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. This book covers the methodology of the study for all aspects of physical geography, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. A comprehensive geography textbook consists of a detailed research methodology for physical geography research including a few selected case studies in Asia. The uniqueness of this book is due to the contribution of several professors and subject experts from South East and East Asia with special particular reference to cases studies from a particular region. This book covered selected methodological approaches for hydrology, climatology and geomorphology including the discovery of the best method for exploring and assessing mysterious physical phenomena using a diversity of methodologies. This book explains the principal concept, basic method, optional method, detailed description of each method, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods. The technique of data selection, data acquisition, method of analysis, data interpretation and data analysis techniques with a specific focus on deterministic modeling, geography techniques, geospatial modeling with Geographic Information System (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Automated machine techniques and combination of statistical analysis. This book attempts to explore different approaches, methodological possibilities and challenges in conducting geographical research in physical geography. New digital geographic data sources and GIS applications can help researchers to receive clearer concepts and obtain better measurements of the relevant attributes changes in the physical environment. Opportunity to critically examine the conceptualization and identification of the field in geographical research and how digital media has not only expanded the scope of what constitutes the field but has redefined the field in itself as well as the practices of observing, knowing, and analyzing the real world.

This book focuses on the nature and properties of soils of Hindu Kush-Himalayas and their management for agricultural land use. It discusses all aspects of climatic variations and potential of resources in the Himalayan region  including examples from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (Tibet), India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Chapters cover the geology of the parent material of native soils, soils microbes, flora and fauna. Soil classification has been given in detail to better understand the nature of soils for judicious management strategies. The authors present land use practices and suggestions for changes in land use to benefit from the full potential of the soils in this region. Their ultimate aim is to find ways of feeding the ever-increasing population and raising the standard of life for the people living in the Himalayan mountain region.

This book focuses on the nature and properties of soils of Hindu Kush-Himalayas and their management for agricultural land use. It discusses all aspects of climatic variations and potential of resources in the Himalayan region  including examples from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (Tibet), India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Chapters cover the geology of the parent material of native soils, soils microbes, flora and fauna. Soil classification has been given in detail to better understand the nature of soils for judicious management strategies. The authors present land use practices and suggestions for changes in land use to benefit from the full potential of the soils in this region. Their ultimate aim is to find ways of feeding the ever-increasing population and raising the standard of life for the people living in the Himalayan mountain region.

This work focuses on the potential impact of climate change on soil erosion in a monsoon-dominated sub-tropical region. Water-induced soil erosion due to extreme rainfall during the monsoon period is a major problem worldwide, from different environmental and socio-economic perspectives. This study region covered (South Bengal) is one of the fertile agricultural belts that produces a good amount of produce and contributes to the country's GDP. However, the rate of agricultural output has decreased rapidly in recent times due to a decline in soil fertility.The monsoon-dominated sub-tropical region has unique characteristics in terms of seasonal temperature fluctuations and the availability of rainfall events. The sub-tropical region is densely populated, with the majority of the population relying on rain-fed agricultural production systems. The declining rate of agricultural production has also established that soil fertility is declining and soil erosion is increasing. Numerous studies show that soil erosion is the major cause of the region's rapidly increasing trend of land degradation. A homeostatic mechanism cannot replace soil erosion, and a gap arises between soil erosion and regolith formation. Extreme changes in land use and land cover, population growth and the lacking support for traditional agricultural practices and management practices can accelerate the rate of soil erosion and its associated reservoir sedimentation in most countries of the tropical and sub-tropical environment. Quantitative information with maximum possible accuracy through validation regarding soil loss can be an essential part of the appropriate and sustainable soil and water conservation planning. The precise aspects of modern day management strategies are soil erosion susceptibility mapping using empirical and semi-empirical models in a GIS platform or the use of probability statistics.The main objective of this work is to propose the most suitable developmentstrategies considering the amount of soil erosion for the present and future periods. Extensive field research has been done to identify the support practice factor that the local stakeholders adopt in this region.