Geosystems : an introduction to physical geography / Robert W. Christopherson.

CONTENTS

ESSENTIALS OF GEOGRAPHY
the science of geography
earth systems concepts
e.tc

PART 1: THE ENERGY- ATMOSPHERE SYSTEM
solar energy to earth and the system
the solar system, sun and earth
solar energy: from sun to earth
e.tc

earth's modern atmosphere
atmospheric composition
variable atmospheric components
e.tc

atmosphere and surface energy balances
energy essentials
energy balance in the troposphere
e.tc

global temperatures
temperature concepts and management
principal temperature controls
e.tc

atmospheric and oceanic circulations
wind essentials
driving forces within the atmosphere
e.tc

PART 2: THE WATER, WEATHER AND CLIMATE SYSTEMS
water and atmospheric moisture
water on earth
unique properties of water
e.tc

weather
air masses
atmospheric lifting mechanisms
e.tc

water resources
the hydrologic cycle
soil-water-budget concept
e.tc

global climate systems
earth's climate system an its classification
tropical climates
e.tc

PART 3: THE EARTH-ATMOSPHERE INTERFERE
the dynamic planet
the pace of change
earth's structure and internal energy
e.tc

tectonics, earthquakes and volcanism
earth's surface relief features
crustal formation processes
e.tc

weathering, karst landscapes and mass movement
landmass denudation
weathering processes
e.tc

river systems and landforms
fluvial processes and landscapes
streamflow characteristics
e.tc

Eolian processes and Arid landforms
the work of wind
overview of desert landscapes
e.tc

the oceans, coastal processes and Arid landscapes
global oceans and seas
coastal system components
e.tc

Glacial and periglacial processes and landforms
rivers of ice
glacial processes
e.tc

PART 4: SOILS, ECOSYSTEMS, AND BIOMES
The geography of soils
soil characteristics
soil profiles
soil horizons
soil properties
e.tc

ecosystem essentials
ecosystem components and cycles
biotic ecosystem operations
e.tc

Terrestrial biomes
biogeographic realms
earth's major terrestrial biomes
e.tc

Earth, humans and the new millennium
the human count and the future
An oily bird
e.tc

Includes index