Springs ecosystems are among the most structurally complicated, ecologically and biologically diverse, productive, evolutionarily provocative, and threatened ecosystems on earth. Springs are places where groundwater reaches the earth’s surface through complex, tortuous, and sometimes lengthy flow paths. Historically, they have been revered as sacred places to almost all cultures. Geologically, springs represent some of the most interesting locales available for study. Biologically, springs ecosystems exert a vastly disproportionate impact on regional ecology in relation to their size. In the otherwise harsh environments of arid lands, springs may provide long-term stable habitats that support unique species and evolutionary processes. Aridland Springs in North America offers a much-needed comprehensive synthesis of aridland springs ecology. Stevens and Meretsky have assembled chapters from numerous and diverse experts from the fields of geology, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, ecosystem dynamics, water law, and conservation biology. Through analyses and case studies, these contributors provide an in-depth overview of these topics and address issues critical for improving the knowledge and conservation of springs. This volume goes beyond examining the ecological importance of aridland springs to provide practical and productive ideas for their preservation. The authors facilitate future research by cultivating a language with which to collectively describe and study springs ecosystems, creating the beginnings of a comprehensive springs classification system. This book could not be more timely, as groundwater depletion throughout the continent is rapidly decimating these vital sources of life. CONTENTS Prologue Gary P. Nabhan 1 Springs Ecosystem Ecology And Conservation Lawrence E. Stevens And Vicky J. Meretsky 2 The Demise Of Desert Springs Peter J. Unmack And W. L. Minckley* 3 The Hydrology Of Desert Springs In North America David K. Kreamer And Abe Springer 4 A Comprehensive Springs Classification System: Integrating Geomorphic, Hydrogeochemical, And Ecological Criteria Abraham E. Springer, Lawrence E. Stevens, Diana E. Anderson, Roderic A. Parnell1, David K. Kreamer, Lisa Levin, And Stephen P. Flora1 5 Quaternary Cauldron Springs As Paleoecological Archives C. Vance Haynes Jr. 6 The Extreme Environment, Trophic Structure, And Ecosystem Dynamics Of A Large Fishless Desert Spring: Montezuma Well, Arizona Dean W. Blinn 7 Combining Ecological Research And Conservation: A Case Study In Cuatro Cienegas, Coahuila, Mexico Dean A. Hendrickson, Jane C. Marks, Angie Moline, Eric Dinger, Adam Cohen 8 The Desert Fan Palm Oasis James W. Cornett 9 Spring-Supported Vegetation Along The Colorado River, Colorado Plateau: Floristics, Vegetation Structure And Environment John R. Spence 10 Mechanisms Of Change In Seep/Spring Plant Communities On The Southern Colorado Plateau Vicky J. Meretsky 11 Biodiversity And Productivity At An Undisturbed Spring In Comparison With Adjacent Grazed Riparian And Upland Habitats Bianca S. Perla And Lawrence E. Stevens 12 Plant Diversity Influenced By Indigenous Management Of Freshwater Springs: Flora Of Quitovac, Sonora, Mexico Gary Paul Nabhan 13 Historic And Prehistoric Ethnobiology Of Desert Springs Amadeo M. Rea 14 Vegetation Dynamics Of Great Basin Springs: Potential Effects Of Groundwater Withdrawal Duncan Patten, Leigh Rouse, Juliet Stromberg- 15 The Knowles Canyon Hanging Garden, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Eight Years After Burning: Changes In Vegetation And Soil Biota Tim B. Graham 16 Between The Cracks: Water Law And Spring Conservation In Arizona Nancy Nelson 17 Epilogue: After The Last Drop Lawrence E. Stevens Bibliography Contributors Index