Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49365 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

Review
'The contents appear to cover every topic and issue that I could think of...excellent value...should be in every secondary school and college library' - Environmental Education

On the second Edition: '...a very useful reference text for any undergraduates reading geology, especially those who do not have any background in Earth morphology...well structured, illustrated and easily accessible information.' - Geological Magazine

'An important addition to the growing family of physical geography texts. A clear and well written text that goes beyond the basics, setting a new standard in terms of combining breadth with depth. Lecturers will appreciate the detailed diagrams, world maps, glossary and list of web pages that serve as excellent teaching aids.' - Frank Ekardt, Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana

'An excellent modern text for first- and second-year undergraduate courses in physical geography and the environmental sciences. The third edition has been comprehensively revised to include new ideas, concepts and developments. Case studies and real-world examples are used effectively to illustrate the principles underlying the key processes in the physical environment. ' - Professor Chris de Freitas, University of Auckland, New Zealand

On the second edition: 'Comprehensive and well writtenThe illustrations are excellent, clear and easily understood. It succeeds in linking the physical processes to the human experience.' - Marilyn Raphael, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

On the second edition: 'The first edition was written as Fundamentals of physical geography and this text has been extensively rewritten and expanded to include new knowledge. However, it maintains its original purpose as an introductory text for the earth sciences. This descriptive book treats all the disciplines of the environmental sciences and includes not only the interactions between disciplines, but also interactions with humankind. There are 28 chapters that cover a wide range of topics including geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology (and climate change), hydrology, glaciology, soil technology, ecology and chapters with specific application to the environments of Polar Regions, mountains, drylands, the Mediterranean and the moist tropics. Each chapter includes many figures (some color) with annotated references for future reading and there is also a 24 page glossary.' - American Meteorological Society

`A mainstay of undergraduate teaching in Physical Geography and this new edition will enhance its deserved position.the reference material provides a helpful companion throughout an undergraduate programme of study Written in a lucid and readable style, the book is also very well illustrated.' - Michael Fullen, University of Wolverhampton, UK

From the Publisher
Features of the new edition include:
A clearly structured and accessibly written text
A glossary of terms and key words highlighted throughout the text
Global case studies with key linked research references
Updated, annotated further reading lists
Chapter summaries and key point boxes
Relevant web resources
Online diagrams importable into Powerpoint for overheads

From the Back Cover
Fundamentals of the Physical Environment has established itself as a highly-respected core introductory textbook for students of physical geography and environmental sciences. 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. A new example - Upper Wharfdale - has been taken as the theme of Chapter 1 to illustrate new ideas and concepts that can be used in the study of the environment. A systems approach is taken to demonstrate how the various factors operating in the landscape can interact and how it can be used for us to decipher them. The nature of Earth and its oceans, the main processes of geomorphology and elements of ecosystems (soils and vegetation) are all explained.
Since the second edition was published, uncertainties about the nature and extent of global climate and environmental change have become clarified. Scientific evidence now points more reliably to patterns and rates of change exceeding earlier forecasts. There is now a more urgent need to understand the nature of global physical environments and their interactions with human societies. The chapter on climate change has been largely rewritten to reflect these rapidly changing ideas and information available. The potential impacts on all other aspects of the natural environment are considered in other chapters, including the final section involving chapters on particularly sensitive environments such as polar regions, mountains and drylands.
The structure of the book follows that of previous editions but chapters are arranged within new sections entitled Fundamentals, Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere and Environments. New illustrations and diagrams have been added in most chapters. Colour has been added in the diagrams to enhance the information displayed. This is particularly useful in maps where tonal variations give a clearer idea of the patterns indicated. Boxes are used extensively to indicate areas of special interest and illustrate key processes, new concepts, developments, applications or human impacts.
Specific features include:
* A clearly structured and accessibly written text
* Superb illustrations: 439 figures, 153 black and white photos, 24 colour plates
* Glossary of terms and key words highlighted throughout the text
* Global case studies with key linked research references
* Annotated and updated further reading lists
* Chapter summaries and key points boxes
* Relevant web resources
* Online diagrams importable into Powerpoint for overheads

Customer Reviews

Essential for all geography students!
This book is indispensable for all first year students studying Physical Geography, and provides a good background for many second year courses too.
The third edition of the widely acclaimed 'Fundamentals of the Physical Environment' is far more accessible than the last, with slight chapter restructuring, but diagrams are now in colour, which I thought made them far easier to read and understand.
Topics are clearly set out, well written and illustrated, and covers in sufficient detail practically all aspects of a Physical Geography course. There are many new or update case studys and has some useful website links.
All in all, thoroughly recommended - easily the best (and most used!) book I've read on the subject!

Wide ranging, easy to use text
The other reviewer was spot on with their appraisal of this book. I've just completed a degree in conservation and I've used this book in the first, second and third years. It's been useful in an incredible variety of topics. I've used for geology, geography, conservation, soils, environmental pollution and ecology topics. Although an academic text, aimed at first and second year university students, in places this makes an interesting read for anyone wanting to find out more about the environment. Great illustrations, easy to read and stimulating. My lecturers at university recommended this book early on in the course. It didn't take long to realise why.