Bioclimatology and natural hazards : [selection of papers from the International Scientific Conference on Bioclimatology and Natural Hazards held in Slovakia at the Polana Biosphere Reserve on September 17 20 2007] Anthropogenic influences to the earths system including the atmosphere hydrosphere biosphere cryosphere and lithosphere represent a serious challenge to our planets ecosystems and natural environments. Bioclimatology hydrology bio hydrology and eco physiology are important scientific research areas with wide application to environmental protection forestry agriculture and water management and protection against natural hazards including droughts floods windstorms weather extremes and wild fires. Bioclimatology helps to better understand the causes and impacts of natural hazards and how to prevent them. Improved knowledge of natural hazards is a vital prerequisite for the implementation of integrated resource management. It provides a useful framework for combating current climate variability and for adapting to ongoing climate change. This book presents research on the interactions between meteorological climatological hydrological and biological processes in the atmospheric and terrestrial environment. It highlights a spectrum of topics associated with climate change and weather extremes and their impact on different economic sectors. The contributing authors come from renowned scientific research institutions and universities and specialise in issues of climate change soil plant atmosphere interactions hydrologic cycle ecosystems biosphere and natural hazards. BOOK JACKET