Whitford (research ecologist, New Mexico State U.) incorporates a systems perspective to the examination of how arid lands work and proper management guidelines. Chapters cover landforms, geomorphology, and vegetation, characterization of desert climates, wind and water processes, patch-mosaic dynamics, adaptations, primary production, consumption and secondary production, decomposition and nutrient cycling, desertification, and monitoring and assessment.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR