Dag O. Hessen is a distinguished author whose work delves into the intricacies of evolution and ecology. Through his popular science books, he offers profound insights into the biological worlds that surround us. His writing is characterized by its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience, establishing him as an exceptional narrator of scientific understanding.
The Many Lives of Carbon is the story of the element carbon, its myriad properties, and its life-cycle. Dag Olav Hessen examines carbon in minerals and rocks, wood and rain forests, as well as looking at carbon's role in the environment and climate.
Although there are some biological processes that are supported by UV radiation, most organisms are stressed by it in various ways, e.g. through DNA damage.Top international experts present an integrated overview of UV radiation and its effects on terrestrial, freshwater and marine Arctic biota. Increased stratospheric ozone depletion and the corresponding increase in ground levels of UV radiation as well as ambient, "natural" UV radiation as a key ecological factor in the Arctic spring and summer are discussed in detail. Additionally, basic information on Arctic ecosystems is given. The volume provides not only an excellent account of present-day knowledge of the subject, but also describes the state of the art on which future research can be built.
Humic substances occur in all kinds of aquatic systems, but are particularly important in northern, coniferous areas. They strongly modify the aquatic ecosystems and also constitute a major problem in the drinking water supply. This volume covers all aspects of aquatic humic substances, from their origin and chemical properties, their effects on light and nutrient regimes and biogeochemical cycling, to their role regarding organisms, productivity and food web organization from bacteria to fish. Special emphasis is paid to carbon cycling and food web organization in humic lakes, but aspects of marine carbon cycling related to humus are treated as well.