Fundamentals of the Physical Environment

by Dr Peter Smithson, Ken Atkinson, Ken Addison

Fundamentals of the Physical Environment has established itself as a well-respected core introductory book for students of physical geography and the environmental sciences. Taking a systems approach, it demonstrates how the various factors operating at Earth’s surface can and do interact, and how landscape can be used to decipher them. The nature of the earth, its atmosphere and its oceans, the main processes of geomorphology and key elements of ecosystems are also all explained. The final section on specific environments usefully sets in context the physical processes and human impacts. This fourth edition has been extensively revised to incorporate current thinking and knowledge and Clearly written, well-structured and with over 450 informative colour diagrams and 150 colour photographs, this text provides students with the necessary grounding in fundamental processes whilst linking these to their impact on human society and their application to the science of the environment.

Genres: Science, Geography

776 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful throughout my studies, clearly written and useful images and diagrams, a staple of any environmental study list.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellant reference text for advanced geography students with topics such as geomorphology, pedology, and biogeography.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Smithson text on physycal geography was most valuable in acquiring basic geographical knowledge, was also a main reference for my exam essays...