Enhance your students' understanding of geographical processes. Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment, 4th edition, focuses on understanding the links between processes, places, and environments Updated with the latest research in the field, this text is ideal for under- and postgraduate study.

Preface to the fourth edition List of contributors Editor's acknowledgements Part I: The role of physical geography Chapter 1. Approaching physical geography Part II: Continent and oceans Chapter 2. Earth geology and tectonicsChapter 3. Oceans Part III: Past, present and future climate and weather Chapter 4. The PleistoceneChapter 5. The HoloceneChapter 6. Atmospheric processesChapter 7. Contemporary climate changeChapter 8. Global climate and weatherChapter 9. Regional and local climates Part IV: Biogeography and ecology Chapter 10. The biosphereChapter 11. Ecosystem processesChapter 12. Freshwater ecosystemsChapter 13. Vegetation and climate change Part V: Geomorphology and hydrology Chapter 14. WeatheringChapter 15. Slope processes and landform evolutionChapter 16. Sediments and sedimentationChapter 17. SoilsChapter 18. Catchment hydrologyChapter 19. Fluvial geomorphology and river managementChapter 20. Solutes and water qualityChapter 21. DrylandsChapter 22. CoastsChapter 23. Glaciers and ice sheetsChapter 24. Permafrost and periglaciation Part VI: Monitoring and management Chapter 25. Monitoring environmental changeChapter 26. Dealing with hazards and environmental change

This highly respected and best-selling textbook provides an accessible, engaging and comprehensive introduction to the major topics within physical geography. It focuses on understanding the inter-linkages between processes, places and environments and is comprehensively illustrated to demonstrate how the physical environment works. Now in its fourth edition, the book has been thoroughly updated throughout to contain the latest research. Between them, the contributors have researched in detail every environment on the planet, providing an unrivalled source of rich information from around the world for both undergraduate and postgraduate study in the field of physical geography. Main features: Each chapter is written by a leading specialist in the field to provide informative, expert and practical coverage.A range of in-text features aid independent study including case studies, reflective questions, highlighted glossary terms and annotated further reading.Boxed features, including Case Studies, Fundamental Principles, Techniques, Hazards and New Directions help apply knowledge to the real world.An impressively wide range of examples from around the world illustrates the physical environment with truly global scope. An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment is accompanied by a rich and extensive range of electronic support resources including updated weblinks relevant for each chapter, an extended and annotated further reading list for each chapter, multiple choice questions, fieldwork exercises and interactive models. Joseph Holden is Professor of Physical Geography at the School of Geography and also the Dean of Research for the Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds.

Hallmark features of this title Each chapter is written by a leading specialist in the field, providing expert practical coverage.A range of in-text features aid independent study, including case studies, reflective questions, highlighted glossary terms, and annotated further reading.Boxed features, including Fundamental Principles, Techniques, Hazards and New Directions, help apply knowledge to the real world.An impressive range of examples from around the world illustrate the physical environment with truly global scope.

New to this edition Updated to include the latest information. An unrivalled source of information taken from around the world.Additions by contributors include the latest research in the field to keep the text current. Additional learning resources. Extended and annotated further reading lists for each chapter.Multiple-choice questions.Fieldwork exercises.Interactive models to enhance your learning experience.