Physical Geography Science and Systems of the Human Environment

by Strahler, Alan H.

• ISBN13: 9780471480532
• ISBN10: 0471480533
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-04-20
• Publisher: WILEY

Summary

Offering a fully integrated, systems-based approach to physical geography, the new Third Edition of Alan and Arthur Strahler\'s highly successful text incorporates relevant and recent developments in the field. The text\'s accurate and comprehensive coverage provides both the breadth and depth necessary to appreciate how humans are changing, and are changed by, the Earth. This edition has a new emphasis on global change, remote sensing, and tools in geography as "Interchapter Features" located after selected chapters. * Accuracy: This text has been praised for its accuracy in conveying key physical geography concepts to the undergraduate students helping them to understand key concepts, which are crucial to further study in the discipline * Currency: This title includes the most up-to-date information available. With the growth of remote sensing, GIS, and other geographic techniques, currency in textbooks has become increasingly important * Outstanding art programme: The title includes a photographic and illustration programme that is second to none. These visuals are extremely important for helping students comprehend the key scientific concepts in physical geography * Critical thinking: The text provides the tools that students need to think critically and scientifically

Author Biography

Alan H. Strahler is the author of Physical Geography: Science and Systems of the Human Environment, 3rd Edition, published by Wiley.

Table of Contents

Part I: Introduction

1:  Introducing Physical Geography

2:  Spheres, Scales, Systems, and Cycles

Part II: Weather and Climate Systems

3:  The Earth as a Rotating Planet

4:  The Global Energy System

5:  Air Temperature and Air Temperature Cycles

6:  Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation

7:  Winds and the Global Circulation System

8:  Weather Systems

9:  The Global Scope of Climate

10: Low-Latitude Climates

11: Midlatitude and High-Latitude Climates

Part III: Systems and Cycles of the Solid Earth

12: Earth Materials and the Cycle of Rock Change

13: The Lithosphere and the Tectonic System

14: Volcanic and Tectonic Landforms

Part IV: Systems of Landform Evolution

15: Weathering and Mass Wasting

16: The Cycling of Water on the Continents

17: Fluvial Processes and Landforms

18: Landforms and Rock Structure

19: The Work of Waves and Wind

20: Glacier Systems and the Ice Age

Part V: Systems and Cycles of Soils and the Biosphere

21: Soil Systems

22: Systems and Cycles of the Biosphere

23: Biogeographical Processes

24: Global Ecosystems

Appendix 1: The Canadian System of Soil Classification

Appendix 2: Climate Definitions and Boundaries

Problem Answers

Glossary

Photo Credits

Conversion Factors

Index Endpapers