Essentials of Physical Geography (with CengageNOW Printed Access Card)

by Gabler, Robert E.; Petersen, James F.; Trapasso, L. Michael

• ISBN13: 9780495011941
• ISBN10: 0495011940
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-02-22
• Publisher: Brooks Cole

Summary

ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY uses the combined expertise of three respected geographers to help bridge the gap between scientific theory, practical application, and the human-environmental interface. The text emphasizes three essential themes to demonstrate the major roles for the discipline--Geography as a Physical Science, Geography as the Spatial Science, and Geography as Environmental Science. With a renewed focus on examining relationships and processes among systems, the text helps students understand how the various systems interrelate like never before. The eighth edition features Physical GeographyNow? the first assessment-driven and student-centered online learning solution created specifically for this course. Physical GeographyNow? uses a series of chapter-specific diagnostic tests to build a personalized learning plan for each student, allowing students to focus their study time on specific areas of weaknesses. Each personalized learning plan directs students to specific chapter sections and concept-driven multimedia tutorials designed to augment their understanding.

Table of Contents

Physical Geography: Earth Environments and Systems	2	(28)
The Study of Geography	4	(3)
Physical Geography	5	(1)
Technology, Tools, and Methods	6	(1)
Major Perspectives in Physical Geography	7	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: The Regional Concept: Natural and Environmental Regions	8	(4)
The Spatial Science Perspective	8	(4)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: The Scientific Method	12	(4)
The Physical Science Perspective	13	(1)
The Environmental Science Perspective	14	(2)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Human-Environment Interactions	16	(5)
Models and Systems	21	(6)
Systems Theory	22	(1)
How Systems Work	22	(2)
Equilibrium in Earth Systems	24	(3)
Physical Geography and You	27	(1)
Define & Recall	28	(1)
Discuss & Review	28	(1)
Consider & Respond	29	(1)
Representations of Earth	30	(36)
Location on Earth	32	(4)
Maps and Mapmaking	32	(1)
Size and Shape of Earth	32	(1)
Globes and Great Circles	33	(1)
Latitude and Longitude	34	(2)
The Geographic Grid	36	(3)
Parallels and Meridians	36	(1)
Longitude and Time	36	(1)
The International Date Line	37	(1)
The U.S. Public Lands Survey System	38	(1)
The Global Positioning System	39	(1)
Maps and Map Projections	39	(9)
Advantages of Maps	40	(1)
Limitations of Maps	41	(1)
Properties of Map Projections	41	(2)
Examples of Map Projections	43	(2)
Map Basics	45	(3)
Career Vision: Robert Iantria	48	(1)
Displaying Spatial Data and Information on Maps	49	(2)
Discrete and Continuous Data	49	(1)
Topographic Maps	50	(1)
Modern Mapping Technology	51	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Using Vertical Exaggeration to Portray Topography	52	(4)
Digital Mapmaking	52	(1)
Geographic Information Systems	53	(3)
Remote Sensing of the Environment	56	(4)
Aerial Photography	57	(1)
Specialized Remote Sensing Techniques	57	(2)
Multispectral Remote Sensing Applications	59	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Polar versus Geostationary Satellite Orbits	60	(4)
Define & Recall	62	(1)
Discuss & Review	62	(1)
Consider & Respond	63	(1)
Map Interpretation: Topographic Maps	64	(2)
Earth in Space and Solar Energy	66	(20)
The Solar System and Beyond	68	(1)
The Solar System	68	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Solar Energy	69	(5)
The Sun and Its Energy	69	(2)
The Planets	71	(1)
Life beyond Earth?	72	(2)
The Earth-Sun System	74	(4)
Solar Energy and Atmospheric Dynamics	75	(1)
Movements of Earth	76	(2)
Sun Angle, Duration, and Insolation	78	(3)
The Seasons	80	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Using the Sun's Rays to Measure the Spherical Earth---2200 Years Ago	81	(4)
Lines on Earth Delimiting Solar Energy	82	(1)
The Analemma	83	(1)
Variations of Insolation with Latitude	83	(2)
Define & Recall	85	(1)
Discuss & Review	85	(1)
Consider & Respond	85	(1)
The Atmosphere, Temperature, and the Heat Budget	86	(28)
Characteristics of the Atmosphere	88	(4)
Composition of the Atmosphere	88	(1)
Atmospheric Environmental Issues	89	(3)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Why Are Ozone Holes Located at the Poles?	92	(5)
Vertical Layers of the Atmosphere	92	(3)
Effects of the Atmosphere on Solar Radiation	95	(1)
Water as Heat Energy	95	(2)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Colors of the Atmosphere	97	(1)
Heating the Atmosphere	97	(2)
Processes of Heat Energy Transfer	98	(1)
The Heat Energy Budget	98	(1)
Air Temperature	99	(11)
Temperature and Heat	99	(1)
Temperature Scales	99	(1)
Short-Term Variations in Temperature	100	(2)
Vertical Distribution of Temperature	102	(2)
Controls of Earth's Surface Temperatures	104	(4)
Temperature Distribution at Earth's Surface	108	(1)
Annual March of Temperature	109	(1)
Weather and Climate	110	(1)
Complexity of Earth's Energy Systems	111	(1)
Define & Recall	112	(1)
Discuss & Review	112	(1)
Consider & Respond	113	(1)
Atmospheric Pressure, Winds, and Circulation Patterns	114	(30)
Variations in Atmospheric Pressure	117	(1)
Vertical Variations in Pressure	117	(1)
Horizontal Variations in Pressure	117	(1)
Basic Pressure Systems	117	(1)
Convergent and Divergent Circulation	117	(1)
Mapping Pressure Distribution	118	(1)
Wind	118	(1)
Pressure Gradients and Winds	118	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Harnessing the Wind	119	(3)
The Coriolis Effect and Wind	120	(1)
Friction and Wind	121	(1)
Wind Terminology	121	(1)
Cyclones, Anticyclones, and Winds	122	(1)
Subglobal Surface Wind Systems	122	(3)
Local Winds	122	(2)
Monsoon Winds	124	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: The Santa Ana Winds and Fire	125	(1)
Global Pressure Belts	126	(3)
Idealized Global Pressure Belts	126	(1)
The Global Pattern of Atmospheric Pressure	127	(1)
Seasonal Variations in the Pattern	127	(2)
Global Surface Wind Systems	129	(3)
Idealized Model of Atmospheric Circulation	130	(1)
Conditions within Latitudinal Zones	131	(1)
Career Vision: Sandra Diaz	132	(2)
The Effects of Seasonal Migration	133	(1)
Longitudinal Differences in Winds	134	(1)
Upper Air Winds	134	(5)
Ocean Currents	136	(3)
El Nino	139	(3)
El Nino and the Southern Oscillation	139	(2)
El Nino and Global Weather	141	(1)
Define & Recall	142	(1)
Discuss & Review	142	(1)
Consider & Respond	143	(1)
Moisture, Condensation, and Precipitation	144	(30)
The Hydrologic Cycle	146	(1)
Water in the Atmosphere	147	(4)
The Water Budget and Its Relation to the Heat Budget	147	(1)
Saturation and Dew Point	148	(1)
Humidity	149	(2)
Sources of Atmospheric Moisture	151	(1)
Rate of Evaporation	151	(1)
Potential Evapotranspiration	152	(1)
Condensation	152	(5)
Condensation Nuclei	153	(1)
Fog	153	(2)
Other Minor Forms of Condensation	155	(1)
Clouds	156	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Cumulus Congestus: An Aspiring Thunderstorm	157	(4)
Precipitation Processes	161	(3)
Major Forms of Precipitation	162	(1)
Factors Necessary for Precipitation	163	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: The Lifting Condensation Level (LCL)	164	(6)
Distribution of Precipitation	166	(4)
Variability of Precipitation	170	(2)
Define & Recall	172	(1)
Discuss & Review	172	(1)
Consider & Respond	173	(1)
Air Masses and Weather Systems	174	(30)
Air Masses	176	(3)
Modification and Stability of Air Masses	176	(1)
North American Air Masses	176	(3)
Fronts	179	(1)
Cold Front	179	(1)
Warm Front	179	(1)
Stationary and Occluded Fronts	180	(1)
Atmospheric Disturbances	180	(5)
Cyclones and Anticyclones	181	(4)
Career Vision: Thomas G. Novak	185	(9)
Thunderstorms	188	(1)
Snowstorms and Blizzards	189	(1)
Tornadoes	190	(3)
Weak Tropical Disturbances	193	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Storm Chasers and Storm Spotters	194	(4)
Hurricanes	196	(2)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Hurricane Paths and Landfall Probability Maps	198	(2)
Define & Recall	200	(1)
Discuss & Review	201	(1)
Consider & Respond	201	(1)
Map Interpretation: Weather Maps	202	(2)
Global Climates and Climate Change	204	(30)
Classifying Climates	206	(11)
The Thornthwaite System	206	(2)
The Koppen System	208	(7)
Climate Regions	215	(1)
Climographs	216	(1)
Scale and Climate	216	(1)
Climates of the Past	217	(2)
The Ice Ages	217	(1)
Modern Research	217	(2)
Rates of Climate Change	219	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Determining Past Climates	220	(1)
Causes of Climate Change	220	(5)
Orbital Variations	221	(1)
Changes in Earth's Atmosphere	222	(1)
Changes in the Ocean	223	(1)
Changes in Landmasses	223	(2)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Climate Change and Its Impact on Coastlines	225	(1)
Future Climates	226	(2)
Define & Recall	228	(1)
Discuss & Review	228	(1)
Consider & Respond	229	(1)
Graph Interpretation	230	(4)
Low-Latitude and Arid Climate Regions	234	(22)
Humid Tropical Climate Regions	236	(5)
Tropical Rainforest Climate	238	(3)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: The Amazon Rainforest	241	(5)
Tropical Monsoon Climate	242	(2)
Tropical Savanna Climate	244	(2)
Arid Climate Regions	246	(4)
Desert Climates	248	(2)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Desertification	250	(4)
Steppe Climates	252	(2)
Define & Recall	254	(1)
Discuss & Review	254	(1)
Consider & Respond	255	(1)
Middle-Latitude, Polar, and Highland Climate Regions	256	(36)
Middle-Latitude Climates	258	(1)
Humid Mesothermal Climate Regions	258	(10)
Mediterranean Climate	258	(4)
Humid Subtropical Climate	262	(2)
Marine West Coast Climate	264	(4)
Humid Microthermal Climate Regions	268	(8)
Humid Continental, Hot Summer Climate	270	(3)
Humid Continental, Mild Summer Climate	273	(2)
Subarctic Climate	275	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Effective Temperatures	276	(3)
Polar Climate Regions	279	(5)
Tundra Climate	280	(1)
Ice-Sheet Climate	281	(2)
Human Activity in Polar Regions	283	(1)
Highland Climate Regions	284	(2)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: The Effects of Altitude on the Human Body	286	(3)
Peculiarities of Mountain Climates	287	(1)
Highland Climates and Human Activity	288	(1)
Define & Recall	289	(1)
Discuss & Review	289	(1)
Consider & Respond	290	(2)
Biogeography	292	(38)
Organization within Ecosystems	294	(6)
Major Components	294	(1)
Trophic Structure	295	(1)
Nutrient Cycles	295	(1)
Energy Flow	296	(2)
Productivity	298	(2)
Ecological Niche	300	(1)
Succession and Climax Communities	300	(2)
Succession	301	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: The Theory of Island Biogeography	302	(4)
The Climax Community	304	(2)
Environmental Controls	306	(5)
Climatic Factors	306	(2)
Soil and Topography	308	(1)
Natural Catastrophes	309	(1)
Biotic Factors	309	(1)
Human Impact on Ecosystems	310	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Introduction and Diffusion of an Exotic Species: Fire Ants	311	(1)
Classification of Terrestrial Ecosystems	312	(1)
Forest Biomes	312	(5)
Tropical Forests	316	(1)
Career Vision: Roxie Anderson	317	(4)
Middle-Latitude Forests	318	(3)
Grassland Biomes	321	(2)
Tropical Savanna Grasslands	321	(1)
Middle-Latitude Grasslands	322	(1)
Desert	323	(1)
Arctic and Alpine Tundra	324	(1)
Marine Ecosystems	325	(3)
Define & Recall	328	(1)
Discuss & Review	328	(1)
Consider & Respond	329	(1)
Soils and Soil Development	330	(30)
Major Soil Components	332	(3)
Inorganic Materials	333	(1)
Soil Water	333	(1)
Soil Air	334	(1)
Organic Matter	335	(1)
Characteristics of Soil	335	(1)
Color	335	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Basic Soil Analysis	336	(3)
Texture	336	(1)
Structure	337	(1)
Acidity and Alkalinity	338	(1)
Development of Soil Horizons	339	(1)
Soil Horizons	340	(1)
Factors Affecting Soil Formation	340	(3)
Parent Material	341	(1)
Organic Activity	341	(1)
Climate	342	(1)
Career Vision: Amy Jo Steffen	343	(4)
Land Surface Configuration	344	(1)
Time	344	(3)
Soil-Forming Regimes	347	(1)
Laterization	347	(1)
Podzolization	347	(1)
Calcification	347	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Slash-and-Burn Agriculture Adds Nutrients to Tropical Soils	348	(2)
Regimes of Local Importance	349	(1)
Soil Classification	350	(6)
The NRCS Soil Classification System	350	(1)
NRCS Soil Orders	351	(5)
Soils as a Critical Natural Resource	356	(2)
Define & Recall	358	(1)
Discuss & Review	358	(1)
Consider & Respond	359	(1)
Earth Materials, the Lithosphere, and Plate Tectonics	360	(32)
Minerals and Rocks	362	(9)
Minerals	362	(1)
Rocks	363	(8)
Earth's Planetary Structure	371	(3)
Earth's Core	371	(1)
Earth's Mantle	372	(1)
Earth's Crust	373	(1)
Continents in Motion: The Search for a Unifying Theory	374	(2)
Continental Drift	374	(1)
Supporting Evidence for Continental Drift	375	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Paleomagnetism: Evidence of Earth's Ancient Geography	376	(1)
Plate Tectonics	377	(7)
Seafloor Spreading and Convection Currents	378	(1)
Tectonic Plate Movement	379	(5)
Hot Spots in the Mantle	384	(1)
Growth of Continents	384	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Isostasy: Balancing the Earth's Lithosphere	385	(1)
Paleogeography	386	(4)
Define & Recall	390	(1)
Discuss & Review	390	(1)
Consider & Respond	391	(1)
Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tectonic Landforms	392	(30)
Landforms and Geomorphology	394	(2)
Igneous Processes and Landforms	396	(8)
Volcanoes and Eruptions	396	(1)
Lava Flows	397	(1)
Types of Volcanoes	397	(4)
Intrusive Activity and Intrusions	401	(3)
Tectonic Processes, Rock Structure, and Landforms	404	(2)
Warping of Earth's Crust	405	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Spatial Relationships between Plate Boundaries, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes	406	(6)
Folding	406	(2)
Faulting	408	(4)
Earthquakes	412	(2)
Measuring the Size of Earthquakes	413	(1)
Earthquake Hazards	413	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Mapping the Distribution of Earthquake Intensity	414	(3)
Relationships between Rock Structure and Topography	417	(1)
Define & Recall	418	(1)
Discuss & Review	419	(1)
Consider & Respond	419	(1)
Map Interpretation: Volcanic Landforms	420	(2)
Gradation, Weathering, and Mass Wasting	422	(24)
Gradation and Tectonism	424	(1)
Weathering	425	(7)
Physical Weathering	425	(6)
Chemical Weathering	431	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Expanding and Contracting Soils	432	(2)
Differential Weathering and Erosion	434	(2)
Topography Related to Differential Weathering and Erosion	435	(1)
The Importance of Weathering	436	(1)
Mass Wasting	436	(6)
Classification of Mass Wasting Processes	437	(1)
Rapid Mass Movement	438	(3)
Slow Mass Movement	441	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Hazard Potential in the Cascades	442	(2)
Weathering, Mass Wasting, and the Landscape	444	(1)
Define & Recall	445	(1)
Discuss & Review	445	(1)
Consider & Respond	445	(1)
Underground Water and Karst Landforms	446	(22)
Occurrence and Supply of Groundwater	448	(3)
Groundwater Zones and the Water Table	448	(2)
Factors Affecting the Distribution of Groundwater	450	(1)
Career Vision: Carmen Yelle	451	(1)
Availability of Groundwater	452	(2)
Wells	453	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Monitoring Groundwater Flow	454	(1)
Artesian Wells	454	(1)
Landform Development by Solution	455	(3)
Karst Landscapes and Landforms	455	(3)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Sinkhole Formation	458	(6)
Limestone Caverns and Cave Features	460	(3)
Geothermal Water	463	(1)
Define & Recall	464	(1)
Discuss & Review	464	(1)
Consider & Respond	465	(1)
Map Interpretation: Karst Topography	466	(2)
Fluvial Processes and Landforms	468	(34)
Surface Runoff	470	(1)
The Stream System	471	(3)
Drainage Basins	473	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: Watersheds as Critical Natural Regions	474	(3)
Drainage Density and Pattern	475	(2)
Stream Discharge	477	(2)
Stream Energy	479	(2)
Career Vision: Andy Wohlsperger	481	(1)
Fluvial Gradational Processes	482	(3)
Erosion by Streams	482	(1)
Stream Transportation	483	(1)
Stream Deposition	484	(1)
Channel Patterns	485	(1)
Land Sculpture by Streams	486	(4)
Features of the Upper Course	487	(1)
Features of the Middle Course	487	(1)
Features of the Lower Course	488	(2)
Deltas	490	(2)
Base Level Changes and Tectonism	492	(1)
Stream Hazards	492	(2)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Restoring the Everglades	494	(1)
The Importance of Surface Waters	495	(2)
Streams	495	(1)
Lakes	496	(1)
Quantitative Fluvial Geomorphology	497	(1)
Define & Recall	498	(1)
Discuss & Review	498	(1)
Consider & Respond	499	(1)
Map Interpretation: Fluvial Landforms	500	(2)
Arid Landforms and Eolian Processes	502	(32)
Surface Runoff in the Desert	504	(2)
Water as a Gradational Agent in Arid Lands	506	(8)
Arid Region Landforms of Fluvial Erosion	507	(3)
Arid Region Landforms of Fluvial Deposition	510	(4)
Wind as a Gradational Agent	514	(5)
Wind Erosion and Transportation	515	(2)
Wind Deposition	517	(2)
Geography's Enviromental Science Perspective: Invasions by Sand Dunes	519	(5)
Landscape Development in Deserts	524	(4)
Define & Recall	528	(1)
Discuss & Review	529	(1)
Consider & Respond	529	(1)
Map Interpretation: Desert Landforms	530	(2)
Map Interpretation: Eolian Landforms	532	(2)
Glacial Systems and Landforms	534	(32)
Glacier Formation and the Hydrologic Cycle	536	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Glacial Ice Is Blue!	537	(1)
Types of Glaciers	538	(1)
Features of an Alpine Glacier	539	(9)
Equilibrium and the Glacial Budget	540	(1)
How Does a Glacier Flow?	541	(2)
Glaciers as Agents of Gradation	543	(1)
Erosional Landforms Produced by Alpine Glaciation	544	(2)
Depositional Landforms Produced by Alpine Glaciation	546	(2)
Continental Ice Sheets	548	(3)
Existing Ice Sheets	548	(2)
Pleistocene Ice Sheets	550	(1)
Movement of Continental Ice Sheets	551	(1)
Geography's Spatial Science Perspective: The Driftless Area---A Natural Region	552	(8)
Ice Sheets and Erosional Landforms	553	(1)
Ice Sheets and Depositional Landforms	554	(4)
Glacial Lakes and Periglacial Landscapes	558	(2)
Define & Recall	560	(1)
Discuss & Review	561	(1)
Consider & Respond	561	(1)
Map Interpretation: Alpine Glaciation	562	(2)
Map Interpretation: Continental Glaciation	564	(2)
The Global Ocean	566	(26)
Introduction to the Oceans	568	(2)
Characteristics of Ocean Waters	568	(1)
Surface Variations	569	(1)
Variations with Depth	570	(1)
The Ocean Floor	570	(9)
Features of the Continental Margins	571	(4)
Features of the Deep-Ocean Floor	575	(3)
Islands and Coral Reefs	578	(1)
Tides and Waves	579	(6)
Tides	579	(5)
Waves	584	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Rogue Waves	585	(1)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Tsunami Forecasts and Warnings	586	(4)
Catastrophic Waves	587	(3)
Define & Recall	590	(1)
Discuss & Review	590	(1)
Consider & Respond	591	(1)
Coastal Landforms	592	(25)
Coastal Landforms and Processes	594	(2)
The Breaking of Waves	594	(1)
Wave Refraction	595	(1)
Career Vision: Aaron Young	596	(1)
Erosional Coastal Landforms	596	(3)
Beaches and Coastal Deposition	599	(1)
Geography's Environmental Science Perspective: Beach Building	600	(5)
Coastal Currents	601	(2)
Depositional Coastal Landforms	603	(2)
Geography's Physical Science Perspective: Beach Erosion and Protection	605	(2)
Types of Coasts	607	(3)
Define & Recall	610	(1)
Discuss & Review	610	(1)
Consider & Respond	611	(1)
Map Interpretation: Active-Margin Coastlines	612	(2)
Map Interpretation: Passive-Margin Coastline	614	(3)
Appendix A SI Units	617	(2)
Appendix B Topographic Maps	619	(2)
Appendix C Understanding and Recognizing Some Common Rocks	621	(4)
Glossary	625	(18)
Index	643