Synopses & Reviews
The Fifth Edition of this popular introduction to physical geography emphasizes the interrelationship of human beings and the environment, stressing the global patterns of physical geography. Written specifically for those who lack a strong science background, it offers a thorough study of the earth's total physical environment. In a clear, straightforward style, it covers the atmosphere, water, landforms and soils and vegetation. To further enhance understanding of the material, the text incorporates ``Objectives, ``Key Terms, ``Review Questions and ``Application Questions into its chapters. Also features numerous photographs and diagrams, up-to-date statistical data, metric equivalents plus a bibliography that cites both classical and modern sources.
Table of Contents
THE PLANET EARTH.
Earth as a Sphere.
Earth and Sun Relationships.
EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE.
The Atmosphere's Composition and Structure.
Heating and Cooling the Atmosphere: Temperature.
Pressure and Winds.
Atmospheric Moisture.
Air Masses, Fronts, and Storms.
Climate Classification.
The Tropical Climates.
The Subtropical Climates.
Mid-Latitude Climates.
The High Latitude Climates.
EARTH'S WATER.
Global Water Distribution and Circulation.
The Earth's Fresh Water.
Oceanic Resources.
EARTH'S LITHOSPHERE AND LANDFORMS.
Introduction to Landforms.
Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics.
Tectonic Processes.
Gradational Processes.
Streams and Landforms.
Glaciation.
Wind and Aeolian Landforms.
Waves and Coastal Landforms.
SOILS AND VEGETATION.
Understanding Soils.
Classification and Soil Regions.
Understanding Natural Vegetation.
World Patterns: Vegetation and Physical Geography.
World Maps.
Appendixes.
Glossary.
References.
Photo Credits.
Index.