WIE Physical Geography by Strahler, Alan H.;

Short description:

This physical geography book has a unique organization that focuses on systems and cycles. It emphasizes global change--one of the hottest areas in the discipline--and includes complete coverage of paraglacial phenomenon.

Long description:

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

Experience the breadth and depth of Strahler and the beauty of Earth from Above!

A dromedary caravan sets out across the undulating dunes of the Sahara near Nouakchott, Mauritania. In this extreme environment, these animals play a vital role. Can you imagine a more fascinating journey?

Taken by acclaimed photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, this extraordinary scene is just one of many captivating images of the Earth from Aboveproject.

Now, the new Third Edition of the Strahlers' Physical Geography features Earth from Above images! Each part and chapter opens with an Earth from Above photo illustrating Photographer Bertrand's unique perspective on the landscape as seen from a low-flying aircraft. This striking collection of special images captures the full glory and diversity of the Earth's environments. From equatorial rainforests to the glaciers of Mount Everest, you see the stunning beauty and pattern of the Earth as you read this book. And, with expanded Eye on the Landscape features, you interact with these and other photos to develop the skills needed to look at the landscape in an informed way.

Other Features

• Expanded treatment of global change topics, including new Eye on Global Change features that show how our environment is changing.
  
  
• Added "showcase" photo spreads that let you view and compare photos on the same topic.
  
  
• New A Closer Look features that enhance the coverage of a number of topics, including discussions of global change, current environmental events, and natural hazards.
  
  
• More Focus on Remote Sensing features that illustrate how the latest satellite technology is used to learn more about the Earth.
  
  
• A consistent approach to Earth systems, with an emphasis on the integration of topics.
  
  
• offers a rich electronic medium for exploring the core concepts of physical geography and the tools geographers use to answer geographic questions.
  

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