The Earth Transformed An Introduction to Human Impacts on the Environment

by Goudie, Andrew S.; Viles, Heather A.

• ISBN13: 9780631194651
• ISBN10: 0631194657
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-12-08
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

The Earth Transformed answers the need for a concise, non-technical introduction to the ways in which the natural environment has been and is being affected by human activities. It is simply and engagingly written, and illustrated with maps, diagrams, figures and photographs.Among the subjects described and considered by the authors are desertification, deforestation, wetland management, biodiversity, climatic change, air pollution, the impact of cities on climate and hydrology, erosion, salinization, waste disposal, sea level rise, marine pollution, coral reef degradation and aquaculture.The book is organized around 45 case studies taken from all parts of the globe and chosen for their intrinsic interest and representative nature. Further features of the book include guides to further reading, suggestions for debate and study, and a glossary of terms.The book is aimed to meet the needs of students beginning courses on environmental science and geography.

Author Biography

Andrew Goudie is Professor of Geography at the University of Oxford, where he is also Pro-Vice-Chancellor. His previous books include The Human Impact on the Natural Environment, The Human Impact Reader, The Nature of the Environment, and The Changing Earth.

Heather Viles is a University Lecturer in Geography and a fellow of Worcester College, University of Oxford.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Developing Environmental Impact	p. 1
The Biosphere	p. 17
The Atmosphere	p. 81
The Waters	p. 123
The Land Surface	p. 163
Oceans, Seas and Coasts	p. 203
Conclusion	p. 237
Glossary	p. 245
References	p. 254
Index	p. 264
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