Product Description

A fascinating and authoritative overview of some of the world's cold non-glacial environments, with an emphasis on the North American and Eurasian polar, and mid-latitude lowlands. It describes the landforms and geomorphic processes which typify these environments. Divided into four parts, the book summarises the range and variability of periglacial climates, the main elements of periglacial landscape evolution, evidence for the existence of Pleistocene periglacial conditions in mid-latitudes and the current impact of human activity, including global warming.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #860405 in Books
• Published on: 1996-10-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 376 pages

From the Back Cover
The Periglacial Environment provides a fascinating and authoritative overview of some of the world's cold non-glacial environments, with an emphasis on the North American and Eurasian polar, and mid-latitude lowlands. It describes the landforms and geomorphic processes which typify these environments. Divided into four parts, the book summarises the range and variability of periglacial climates, the main elements of periglacial landscape evolution, evidence for the existence of Pleistocene periglacial conditions in mid-latitudes and the current impact of human activity, including global warming. Features- - extensively revised, updated and expanded; includes latest understanding of geomorphic processes and permafrost conditions - contains new chapters covering cryogenic weathering, applied periglacial geomorphology, periglacial landscapes evolution and global warming - written by an expert in the field with over 30 years research experience - draws key examples from North America (Canada and Alaska), Siberia, Tibet (Quinghai-Xizang Plateau), Scandinavia and Western Europe (including UK and Poland) - defines the implications for the southern hemisphere (South Africa, Australia, Chile) and for the Far East (Japan, China, and Korea) - incorporates start of chapter summaries, suggestions for further advanced reading material and a section of discussion topics - includes over 170 illustrations and 85 photographs

Written for intermediate level undergraduates of Geomorphology, Geology and Geography, as well as for students of soil mechanics and foundation engineering. It provides excellent reading for those involved in planning, resource development and human activity in northern and polar latitudes or high elevations. Professor Hugh French is Dean of Science and Professor of Geology and Geography at the University of Ottawa, Canada. In 1989 he was awarded the Roger Brown prize of the Canadian Geotechnical Society for 'outstanding contributions to permafrost science and engineering'. Hugh French is also Vice President of the International Permafrost Association.