The Natural History of an Arctic Oil Field
Development and the Biota
- 1st Edition - May 3, 2012
- Latest edition
- Editors: Joe C. Truett, Stephen R. Johnson
- Language: English
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… Read more
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
Undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in polar ecology. Policy makers, resource users, impact analysts, engineers, research and management biologists, oil industry and environmental consultants.
Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Part I Introduction to Arctic Ecosystems
1 Introduction
Introduction
Physical Environment
Wildlife, Fish, and Habitats
Anthropogenic Changes
The Investigative Focus
References
2 North Slope Oil Field Development
Introduction
The History of North Slope Oil Exploration and Development
The Nature of Oil Development
Identifying and Monitoring Environmental Impacts
Mitigating Environmental Impacts
Conclusions
References
3 Vegetative Responses to Disturbance
Introduction
Exploration Sites (1940-1970)
Exploration Sites (1970-1990)
Exploration Sites (1990s)
Winter Haul Roads
Production Pads and Roads
Dust Fallout from Roads
Gravel Spills on Tundra
Snow Stockpiles
Seeded and Fertilized Sites
Nutrients from Wastewater
Impoundments
Buried Cable Trenches
Oil Spills
Brine Spills
Conclusions
Epilogue
References
Part II Mammals of an Arctic Oil Field
4 Caribou
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Population Influences in the Oil-Field Region
Responses to Human Activity and Habitat Change
Can Caribou Adapt to Environmental Change?
References
5 Caribou and Oil Fields
Introduction
Caribou Use of the Oil Fields
Implications for Impacts of Oil Development
References
6 Grizzly Bear
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Habitat Use and Food Habits
Denning Ecology
Population Dynamics
Discussion
References
7 Polar Bear
Introduction
Distribution and Movement
Maternal Denning
Population Status
Research and Management Challenges
Conservation Issues
Conclusions
References
8 Arctic Fox
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Population Influences and Limits in the Region
Responses to Development
Management Issues
References
Part III Birds of an Arctic Oil Field
9 Pacific Loon
Introduction
Distribution, Abundance, and Productivity
Population Influences
Responses to Habitat Change and Human Activity
References
10 Tundra Swans
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Nesting Success and Productivity
Habitat Use
Diet
Environmental Influences on Swan Populations
Conclusions
References
11 Black Brant
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Population Influences in the Oil-Field Region
Responses to Habitat Change and Human Activity
References
12 Lesser Snow Goose
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Population Influences in the Oil-Field Region
Implications of Migration
Conclusions
References
13 Pacific Eider
Introduction
Regional Distribution and Nesting
Migration
Population Influences in the Oil-Field Region
Population Influences Elsewhere
Conclusions
References
14 Shorebirds
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Population Influences in the Oil-Field Region
Responses to Habitat Change and Human Activity
References
Part IV Marine and Freshwater Life
15 Freshwater Invertebrates: Their Regulation and Importance to Vertebrates
Introduction
Habitat
The Invertebrate Fauna
Regulation of Invertebrate Communities
Influences of Development
References
16 Freshwater Fishes in the Arctic Oil-Field Region and Coastal Plain of Alaska
Introduction
Freshwater Habitats and Their Dominant Fishes
Ninespine Stickleback
Arctic Grayling
Least Cisco
Broad Whitefish
Round Whitefish
Conclusions
References
17 Anadromous and Amphidromous Fishes
Introduction
Distribution and Abundance
Habitat and Trophic Ecology
Responses to Development
References
18 The Benthic Faunal Assemblage of the Boulder Patch Kelp Community
Introduction
Study Area
Methods
Results
Discussion
Management Implications
References
Part V Synthesis
19 Synthesis
Index
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: May 3, 2012
- Language: English
JT
Joe C. Truett
Dr. Truett has worked much of the last 25 years conducting and managing research programs related to the response of arctic wildlife and habitats to industrial development. During much of this time he worked as senior biologist with LGL Ecological Research Associates and, later, as owner of Truett Research. Currently he is senior biologist with the Turner Endangered Species Fund. He has published numerous articles related to his arctic work and to an area of personal interest--environmental history. In the latter field, he has published two books, Land of Bears and Honey with D.W. Lay, from the University of Texas Press, 1984 and Circling Back: Chronicle of a Texas River Valley, from the University of Iowa Press, 1996.
Affiliations and expertise
Truett Research, Glenwood, New Mexico, U.S.A.SJ
Stephen R. Johnson
Dr. Johnson has conducted and managed research projects on marine and terrestrial birds and mammals for the past 30 years in arctic and subarctic Alaska, Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Svalbard. Since 1975, he has worked as a research ecologist with LGL Limited on projects related to impacts of industrial development on wildlife and their habitats. Currently he is Senior Vice President of LGL Limited with management and research responsibilities in Alaska, Canada, and Russia. He has published numerous scientific papers and reports related to his arctic work and is the co-author with D.R. Herter of a reference book on arctic birds, The Birds of Beaufort Sea from BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc., 1989.
Affiliations and expertise
LGL Limited, Sidney, British Columbia, CanadaRead The Natural History of an Arctic Oil Field on ScienceDirect