Alpine Waters, Volume Edited by Ulrich Bundi, 2010, The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, volume 06 by Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany; 278 pages; ISBN 978-3-540-88274-9; doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-88275-6

摘要

As we say in English: "appearances can be deceptive", so do not be put off by the overall title of this publication. In fact The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry is not even a book. It is far more: it is a library of books - over 70 at the last count. Neither is it devoted solely to chemistry. It has an emphasis on chemistry, but it also covers "biology, geology, hydrology and engineering as applied to environmental sciences" - to quote the preface to the series. Having got over this difficulty, we would be right to enquire as to the purpose of The Handbook. The publishers are very clear in stating that "the volumes in the series are written at an advanced level, addressing the needs of both researchers and graduate students". The aim of this particular volume is to portray the highly diverse and complex nature of mountain waters, not only from a scientific point of view, but also in relation to their importance for ecological and socio-economic development. I can confirm that Volume 06 - Alpine Waters -meets these aims in all respects and Ulrich Bundi and his team of authors are to be congratulated for compiling such a comprehensive and well balanced review of our current state of knowledge of these important features of the Earth's topography and hydrology.