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.

The third edition of this popular textbook has been extensively revised to incorporate current thinking and knowledge in the area of physical geography and the environment whilst retaining its basic structure.

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.

The third edition of this popular textbook has been extensively revised to incorporate current thinking and knowledge in the area of physical geography and the environment whilst retaining its basic structure.

This primary text, designed for undergraduate courses, provides a modern approach to the fundamentals of physical geography by linking process, form, and effect. The authors explore the natural world as a series of systems and consider the relationship between the different components of each. They examine, in turn, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, providing a thorough discussion of their composition and the ways in which their interaction forms our global environment. Throughout, the authors demonstrate the role of humanity in influencing the physical environment and the ways in which we are affected by our surroundings. Clearly written and lavishly illustrated with maps, drawings, photographs, and charts, Fundamentals of Physical Geography is an ideal text.

How do physical, biological and human environments interact? Fundamentals of the Physical Environment presents a comprehensive introduction to the study of the natural environment. This completely rewritten and expanded edition of the classic student textbook Fundamentals of Physical Geography, adopts a systems approach to explain the complex interactions of the natural environment. The nature of Earth and its oceans; the Earth's climate and the potential impact of climate change; the main processes of geomorphology; and elements of ecosystems (soils and vegetation) are all explained. Chapters on sensitive environments are included in this new edition - polar, Mediterranean, drylands and humid tropical environments - through which the processes introduced in earlier chapters are explored and human-environment interactions are analysed. Topical global environmental problems such as global warming, population explosion and pressures of economic development, are discussed throughout. Accessibly and authoritatively written, this new edition draws on local and global scale examples from around the world to offer students an essential introduction to the complexities of the physical environment. Specific features include: ]L * Clearly structured and accessible text * Superb illustrations: 4-colour plate sections; over 400 informative illustrations * Glossary of terms and key words highlighted throughout the text * Global case studies boxed throughout * Chapter summaries and key points * Annotated further reading lists. A Lecturers' Manual is available to accompany the text.

This expanded edition of the student textbook Fundamentals of Physical Geography, adopts a systems approach to explain the complex interactions of the natural environment. The nature of Earth and its oceans; the Earth's climate and the potential impact of climate change; the main processes of geomorphology; and elements of ecosystems (soils and vegetation) are all explained. Chapters on sensitive environments are included in this edition - polar, Mediterranean, drylands and humid tropical environments - through which the processes introduced in earlier chapters are explored and human-environment interactions are analyzed. Topical global environmental problems such as global warming, population explosion and pressures of economic development, are discussed throughout.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, International Edition uses the combined expertise of three respected geographers to show how Earth's physical geography impacts humans, and how humans impact Earth's physical geography. The text emphasizes three essential themes to demonstrate the major roles for the discipline—Geography from a Physical Science perspective, Geography from a Spatial perspective, and Geography from an Environmental perspective. With a focus on examining relationships and processes among Earth systems, this text helps students understand like never before how the various systems interrelate and how humans are an integral aspect of geography. The human-environment relationship and the importance of conservation are prevalent themes. This new title offers thorough coverage of physical geography in a concise, well-organized structure, making it feasible to cover all topics in a one-semester course, and approachable for all students, especially those who are new to the concepts presented herein.

In order to manage the world's increasingly scarce water resources we must have a sound understanding of how water moves around the planet and what influences water quality. Fundamentals of Hydrology provides an engaging and comprehensive introduction to this subject and provides real-life examples of water resource management in a changing world. The second edition of this popular book brings the text up-to-date with additional case studies and diagrams and a greater synthesis of water quality with physical hydrology. The chapters on runoff and evaporation have been updated and the final chapter on hydrology in a changing world has more material on water resource management strategies. Additionally the chapter on streamflow analysis now includes a more in-depth section on modelling runoff. The book begins with a comprehensive coverage of precipitation, evaporation, water stored in the ground and as snow and ice, and runoff. These physical hydrological processes show with respect to the fundamental knowledge about the process, its measurement and estimation and how it ties in with water quality. Following this is a section on analyzing streamflow data, including using computer models and combining hydrology and ecology for in-stream flow assessment. A chapter on water quality shows how to measure and estimate it in a variable environment and finishes with a section on pollution treatment. The final chapter brings the text together to discuss water resource management andreal-life issues that are faced by hydrologists in a constantly changing world. Fundamentals of Hydrology is a lively and accessible introduction to the study of hydrology at university level. This new edition continues to provide an understanding of hydrological processes, knowledge of the techniques used to assess water resources and an up-to-date overview of water resource management in a changing world. Throughout the text, wide-ranging examples and case studies are used to clearly explain ideas and methods. Short chapter summaries, essay questions, guides to further reading and a glossary are also included.