BOOK REVIEWS
of the book generally assume an uncritical acceptance of an increase in annual temperature in mountain areas as the primary (and often only) climate perturbation; a notable exception is Holtmeim' chapter on timberline fluctuations. Process-level mechanisms, confounding influences, and potentially non-linear ecosystem responses are often neglected. The net result is that the book contains much arm waving and alarm sounding with little substance.
The intent of the book is that it be a reference document for all persons interested in the issues of global change and their potential impacts on mountainous regions. In spite of the problems with this book, the editor and individual authors have achieved this goal. The volume will be widely used because it is the first attempt to investigate the response of mountain environments to changes in climate, for the high quality of individual chapters, and for the comprehensive range of material. Perhaps the major contribution of this book is that it presents our present stage of knowledge and demonstrates the need for more and better science in mountain areas.
WIND BLOWN SEDIMENTS IN THE QUATERNARY RECORD.