Fundamentals of the Physical Environment: Fourth Edition

ISBN-13: 9780415395144 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 776 str.

Pet Smithson Dr; Peter Smithson

Opis

Fundamentals of the Physical Environment has established itself as a well-respected core introductory book for students of physical geography and the environmental sciences. Taking a systems approach, it demonstrates how the various factors operating at Earth's surface can and do interact, and how landscape can be used to decipher them. The nature of the earth, its atmosphere and its oceans, the main processes of geomorphology and key elements of ecosystems are also all explained. The final section on specific environments usefully sets in context the physical processes and human impacts. This fourth edition has been extensively revised to incorporate current thinking and knowledge and includes:

• a new section on the history and study of physical geography
• an updated and strengthened chapter on climate change (9) and a strengthened section on the work of the wind
• a revised chapter (15) on crysosphere systems - glaciers, ice and permafrost
• a new chapter (23) on the principles of environmental reconstruction
• a new joint chapter (24) on polar and alpine environments
• a key new joint chapter (28) on current environmental change and future environments
• new material on the Earth System and cycling of carbon and nutrients
• themed boxes highlighting processes, systems, applications, new developments and human impacts
• a support website at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415395168 with discussion and essay questions, chapter summaries and extended case studies.

Clearly written, well-structured and with over 450 informative colour diagrams and 150 colour photographs, this text provides students with the necessary grounding in fundamental processes whilst linking these to their impact on human society and their application to the science of the environment.

Spis treści

Part 1: Fundamentals  1. The Physical Environment: Scientific Concepts and Methods  2. Energy and Earth  Part 2: Atmosphere  3. Heat and Energy in the Atmosphere  4. Moisture in the Atmosphere  5. Precipitation and Evapotranspiration  6. The Atmosphere in Action  7. Weather-Forming Systems  8. Micro and Local Climates  9. Climate Change  Part 3: Geosphere  10. Earth's Geological Structure and Processes  11. The Global Ocean  12. Rock Formation and Deformation  13. Denudation, Weathering and Mass Wasting  14. Fluvial Systems: Catchments and Rivers  15. Cryosphere Systems: Glaciers, Ice and Permafrost  16. Aeolian Systems  17. Global Coastlines  Part 4: Biosphere  18. Soils in their Environment  19. Soil Fertility and Sustainability  20. Principles of Biogeography  21. The Earth System and the Cycling of Carbon and Nutrients  22. Biodiversity in Ecosystems  Part 5: Environments  23. Environmental Reconstruction: Principles and Practice  24. Polar and Alpine Environments  25. Mediterranean Environments  26. Tropical Deserts and Semi-Arid Environments  27. Humid Tropical Environments  28. Current and Future Environmental Change