Physical Geography: The Basics

This second edition of the textbook provides an up-to-date overview of physical geography, suitable for students and professionals interested in environmental processes, climate change, and Earth's landforms and dynamics. It includes new figures and updated information on processes, developments, and case studies, with insights from satellite observations and data analysis using artificial intelligence. The book covers the Earth system, plate tectonics, weathering, erosion, soil functions, climate system, global carbon cycle, and climate change impacts, mitigation, and adaptation. It also discusses hydrology, river channel dynamics, water quality, coastal processes, glacier dynamics, and the distribution and patterns of life on Earth. The textbook is reader-friendly and serves as a primer for further study or as a basic aid to understanding fundamental principles and processes in physical geography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This second edition, enhanced with over 30 new figures, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of physical geography suitable for individuals with a personal or professional interest in environmental processes, climate change, and understanding Earth's landforms and dynamics. The text offers explanations of processes, enabling readers to grasp the interconnected nature of the Earth's system, and has been updated to incorporate recent developments and case studies, offering insights from satellite observations and data analysis utilizing artificial intelligence.

The book begins by outlining the nature of the Earth system, concepts surrounding environmental thresholds and feedbacks, planetary boundaries for human survival, and the human role as a dominant driver of environmental change. The second chapter delves into the intricate details of plate tectonics, exploring the role of weathering and erosion in shaping landscapes, as well as the functions and management of soil. Chapter 3 examines the climate system, providing a detailed description of the drivers of the major atmospheric and oceanic circulation systems, the natural greenhouse effect, and the diverse regional climate and weather patterns observed across the globe. Chapter 4 explores the global carbon cycle and the long-term consequences of climate change, while Chapter 5 focuses on hydrology, river channel dynamics, water quality, coastal processes, glacier dynamics, and the unique landforms found in cold regions. Chapter 6 explores the distribution and patterns of life on Earth, as well as the underlying processes that shape these patterns.

The book concludes with a brief overview of considerations for managing environmental change and hazards, as well as the requirements for a sustainable future. This second edition is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Earth's physical geography and its implications for our planet's health and well-being.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367644086
Edition number: 2 New edition