Fundamentals of the Physical Environment

Fundamentals of the Physical Environment has established itself as a highly-respected core introductory textbook for students of physical geography and environmental sciences. The third edition of this popular textbook has been extensively revised to incorporate current thinking and knowledge in the area of physical geography and the environment whilst retaining its basic structure. The nature of Earth and its oceans, the main processes of geomorphology and elements of ecosystems (soils and vegetation) are all explained. The structure of the book follows that of previous editions but chapters are arranged within new sections entitled Fundamentals, Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere and Environments. New illustrations and diagrams have been added in most chapters. Colour has been added in the diagrams to enhance the information displayed. This is particularly useful in maps where tonal variations give a clearer idea of the patterns indicated. Boxes are used extensively to indicate areas of special interest and illustrate key processes, new concepts, developments, applications or human impacts.