Ecology of Volcanic Landscapes offers a comparative study of numerous volcanic environments across different geographical regions, climate zones, geo-morphological peculiarities, and kinds of dominant vegetation. A new classification of volcanic landscapes is also proposed. The authors open the text with an overview of the main volcanic landscapes that can be found in various latitudes, e.g., Mediterranean, temperate, polar and tropical. After describing a novel classification system of volcanic landscapes, the authors focus on several major volcanoes on Earth such as Mounts Etna, Teide, Hekla, St. Helens, Mauna Loa, Fuji and Asama. For each of these volcanoes different aspects were investigated, especially vegetation zones, plant endemism and biodiversity, metapopulations, landscape connectivity, climate and land-cover changes, conservation issues, and future challenges.

This book will provide stimulating insights into the study of volcanic landscapes and the ecosystems within them. Key Features: New classification of volcanic landscapes Comparative landscape analysis of Earth&s major volcanoes Plant endemism and biodiversity in volcanic ecosystems Conservation issues in geologically active environments About the Authors: Giuseppe Bonanno is a civil and environmental engineer who works as an independent researcher and as an academic at Catania University (Italy). He got a PhD in "Plant biology and ecology", and gives lectures on "Plant biology" and "Landscape ecology". His research interests include seed biology, conservation of plant landscapes, ecosystem services, climate changes, land-cover changes, environmental policies. Vincenzo Veneziano is a plant biologist and ecologist, and a mapmaker with a PhD in "Plant biology and ecology". He works as an independent researcher and as an environmental manager for the private sector. He gives lectures on "Geographical Information Systems" (GIS). His scientific studies cover Mediterranean desertification, climate and soil-use changes, management of protected areas, GIS processing and mapping.