Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography / Edition 10

by Robert Christopherson, Ginger Birkeland

Overview

NOTE: This edition features the same content as the traditional text in a convenient, three-hole-punched, loose-leaf version. Books a la Carte also offer a great value; this format costs significantly less than a new textbook. Before purchasing, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of MyLab^™ and Mastering^™ platforms exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a Course ID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use MyLab and Mastering products.

For courses in Physical Geography.

The most authoritative introduction to physical geography with new applications to real-world geography

Among the most highly regarded texts in physical geography, Robert Christopherson’s best-selling Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography is known for its meticulous attention to detail, up-to-date accuracy, and rich integration of climate change science. Uniquely organized, the text presents Earth systems topics as they naturally occur: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This interconnected and organic systems-based approach is highlighted in strong pedagogical tools, a structured learning path, and current, updated information. The 10th Edition includes new features and activities that help readers apply geography to the real world, revised infographics, and new exercises designed to enhance learning.

Also available with Mastering Geography

Mastering™ Geography is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment product proven to improve results by helping students quickly master concepts. Students benefit from self-paced coaching activities that feature personalized wrong-answer feedback and hints that emulate the office-hour experience and help keep students on track. With a wide range of interactive, engaging, and assignable activities, students are encouraged to actively learn and retain challenging physical geography concepts.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780134640068
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	01/05/2017
Edition description:	10th ed.
Pages:	704
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

About our authors

Robert W. Christopherson attended California State University-Chico for his undergraduate work and received his Masters in Geography from Miami University-Oxford, Ohio. Geosystems evolved out of his teaching notes and was his graduate thesis: this is his life's work. He founded the geography program of American River College faculty. His wife Bobbé is his principal photographer and has provided more than 300 exclusive photos for each of his books. Together they have completed nine polar expeditions (most recently in spring 2010). They attended the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Symposium in Reykjavik, Iceland to acquire photo and video coverage and research. Robert is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1998 and 2005 Text and Academic Authors Association Textbook Award for Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems, 4th Edition, respectively. He was selected by American River College students as "Teacher of the Year" and received the American River College Patrons Award. Robert received the 1999 Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award from the National Council for Geographic Education and the Outstanding Educator Award from the California Geographical Society in 1997. The Text and Academic Authors Association presented him with its Presidents' Award in 2005. Amongst many other things, Robert has been deeply involved in the development of Pearson's Geoscience Animation Library, and he led the editorial board of Rand McNally's Goode's World Atlas, 22nd Edition.

Ginger H. Birkeland received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her M.A. and PhD in Geography from Arizona State University, with a focus in fluvial geomorphology. She taught physical geography at Montana State University and summer field courses at the Indiana University Geologic Field Station in Montana. Ginger worked as a professional river guide for 17 years on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, as well as on rivers in Australia and throughout the U.S. West. She also worked as a geomorphology consultant on several government-funded projects, including the Truckee River Recovery Plan in California and Nevada. She has worked as a coauthor with Robert Christopherson on Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems since 2010.

Table of Contents

1. Essentials of Geography

THE ENERGY-ATMOSPHERE SYSTEM

1. Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons
2. Earth's Atmosphere
3. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures
4. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations

THE WATER, WEATHER, AND CLIMATE SYSTEMS

1. Water and Atmospheric Moisture
2. Weather
3. Water Resources
4. Earth's Climatic Regions
5. Climate Change

III. THE EARTH-ATMOSPHERE INTERFACE

1. The Dynamic Planet
2. Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism
3. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
4. River Systems
5. Aeolian Processes and Arid Landscapes
6. Oceans and Coastal Systems
7. Glacial Landscapes and the Cryosphere

SOILS, ECOSYSTEMS, AND BIOMES

1. The Geography of Soils
2. Ecosystem Essentials
3. Terrestrial Biomes

APPENDICES

1. Maps in this Text and Topographic Maps
2. The Koppen Climate Classification System
3. Common Conversions