Fundamentals of the physical / David Briggs [and three others]

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface to the second edition -- Acknowledgemens -- 1 the physical environment: a starting point -- 2 Energy and Earth -- 3 Earth's geological structure and processes -- 4 The global ocean -- 5 Heat and energy in the atmosphere -- 6 Mositure in the atmosphere -- 7 Precipitation and evapotranspiration -- 8 The atmosphere in motion -- 9 Weather-forming systems -- 10 Micro and local climates -- 11 Climate change -- 12 Rock formation and deformation -- 13 Denudation, weathering and mass wasting -- 14 Flowing water in the landscape -- 15 Ice in the landscape -- 16 The work of the wind -- 17 The work of the sea -- 18 Soil properties -- 19 Soil formation -- 20 Vegetation systems -- 21 Vegetation development and succession -- 22 Energy flows and nutrient cycles in ecosystems -- 23 Diversity and stability in ecosystems -- 24 Polar environments -- 25 Mountain environments -- 26 Mediterranean environments -- 27 Dryland environments -- 28 Humid tropical environments -- Appendix -- Bibliography -- Glossary -- Index.

"This expanded edition of the student textbook Fundamentals of Physical Geography, adopts a systems approach to explain the complex interactions of the natural environment. The nature of Earth and its oceans; the Earth's climate and the potential impact of climate change; the main processes of geomorphology; and elements of ecosystems (soils and vegetation) are all explained. Chapters on sensitive environments are included in this edition - polar, Mediterranean, drylands and humid tropical environments - through which the processes introduced in earlier chapters are explored and human-environment interactions are analyzed. Topical global environmental problems such as global warming, population explosion and pressures of economic development, are discussed throughout."