Physical Geography: The Key Concepts is a thought-provoking and up-to-date introduction to the central ideas and debates within the field. It provides extended definitions of terms that are fundamental to physical geography and its many branches, covering topics such as: biogeography ecology climatology meteorology geomorphology hydrology pedology Complete with informative tables, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading, this is a highly accessible guide for those studying physical geography and related courses.
Including ten new chapters on nature, globalization, development, and risk and a new section on practicing geography, this is a completely revised and updated edition of the bestselling, standard student resource. The Second Edition of Key Concepts in Geography explains the key terms – space, time, place, scale, landscape - that define the language of geography. It is unique in the reference literature as it provides - in one volume – concepts from both human geography and physical geography; especially relevant now that environment is so critical to our understanding of geography.
"This book clearly outlines key concepts that all geographers should readily be able to explain. It does so in a highly accessible way. It is likely to be a text that my students will return to throughout their degree." - Dr Karen Parkhill, Bangor University "The editors have done a fantastic job. This second edition is really accessible to the student and provides the key literature in the key geographical terms of scale, space, time, place and landscape." - Dr Elias Symeonakis, Manchester Metropolitan University "An excellent introductory text for accessible overviews of key concepts across human and physical geography." - Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, Exeter University Including ten new chapters on nature, globalization, development and risk, and a new section on practicing geography, this is a completely revised and updated edition of the best-selling, standard student resource. Key Concepts in Geography explains the key terms - space, time, place, scale, landscape - that define the language of geography. It is unique in the reference literature as it provides in one volume concepts from both human geography and physical geography. Four introductory chapters on different intellectual traditions in geography situate and introduce the entries on the key concepts. Each entry then comprises a short definition, a summary of the principal arguments, a substantive 5,000-word discussion, the use of real-life examples, and annotated notes for further reading. Written in an accessible way by established figures in the discipline, the definitions provide thorough explanations of all the core concepts that undergraduates of geography must understand to complete their degree.
Physical Geography: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to the interactions, systems and processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the world around us. The book features diagrams, maps and a glossary to aid understanding of key ideas and suggestions for further reading to allow readers to develop their interest in the subject
"An excellent and supremely accessible guide to some key issues in development geography" - Stuart Corbridge, London School of Economics "Provides a clearly stated, informed and strongly structured pathway through the key literatures and debates" - Jonathan Rigg, Durham University Organized around 24 short essays, Key Concepts in Development Geography is an introductory text that provides students with the core concepts that form contemporary research and ideas within the development geography discipline. Written in a clear and transparent style, the book includes: an introductory chapter providing a succinct overview of the recent developments in the field over 24 key concept entries that provide comprehensive definitions, explanations and evolutions of the subject excellent pedagogy to enhance students' understanding including a glossary, figures, diagrams, and further reading. Organized around five of the most important areas of concern, the book covers: the meanings and measurement of development; its theory and practice; work, employment and development; people, culture and development; and contemporary issues in development. The perfect companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students on geography degrees, the book is a timely look at the pressingly important field of international development studies today.
Developed with extensive community involvement and support from the US National Science Foundation, it is about our planet’s dynamic surface, a place where Earth and atmosphere meet and life thrives. Key Concepts in Geomorphology takes an integrative science approach that applies principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics in the understanding of Earth surface processes and the evolution of topography over short and long timescales to solve problems important to people and societies. The authors also hone in on practical applications, showing how scientists are using geomorphological research to tackle critical societal issues (natural disaster response, safer infrastructure, protecting species, and more).
This extensively revised, restructured, and updated edition continues to present an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the subject, exploring the world’s landforms from a broad systems perspective. It covers the basics of Earth surface forms and processes, while reflecting on the latest developments in the field. Fundamentals of Geomorphology begins with a consideration of the nature of geomorphology, process and form, history, and geomorphic systems, and moves on to discuss: structure: structural landforms associated with plate tectonics and those associated with volcanoes, impact craters, and folds, faults, and joints process and form: landforms resulting from, or influenced by, the exogenic agencies of weathering, running water, flowing ice and meltwater, ground ice and frost, the wind, and the sea; landforms developed on limestone; and landscape evolution, a discussion of ancient landforms, including palaeosurfaces, stagnant landscape features, and evolutionary aspects of landscape change. This third edition has been fully updated to include a clearer initial explanation of the nature of geomorphology, of land surface process and form, and of land-surface change over different timescales. The text has been restructured to incorporate information on geomorphic materials and processes at more suitable points in the book. Finally, historical geomorphology has been integrated throughout the text to reflect the importance of history in all aspects of geomorphology. Fundamentals of Geomorphology provides a stimulating and innovative perspective on the key topics and debates within the field of geomorphology. Written in an accessible and lively manner, it includes guides to further reading, chapter summaries, and an extensive glossary of key terms. The book is also illustrated throughout with over 200 informative diagrams and attractive photographs, all in colour.
"I have been looking for a book which does this for ages! It provides a clear explanation of the different elements and concepts which underpin how the planning system works and which are fundamental to the operation of the UK system. It also provides good guidance on further reading. A real assett to anyone wanting to understand the nature of planning in the UK" - Dr Catherine Hammond, Architecture and Planning, Sheffield Hallam University Key Concepts in Planning forms part of an innovative set of companion texts for the human geography sub-disciplines. Organized around 19 short essays, the book provides a cutting edge introduction to the central concepts that define contemporary research in planning. Involving detailed and expansive discussions, the text includes: An introductory chapter providing a succinct overview of the recent developments in the field. 18 key concept entries with comprehensive explanations, definitions and evolutions of the subject. Detailed suggested further reading for each concept discussed. It is an ideal companion text for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students in planning, and covers the expected staples of the discipline in an accessible style.
A systems-based approach to physical geography written in an easy-to-understand narrative style that is closely integrated with clear, single-concept illustrations.
"I can think of no better guides than Professors Ken Gregory and John Lewin to lead the reader through the conceptual basis of this exciting science." - Victor R. Baker, University of Arizona "A very readable and informative introduction to the discipline for senior undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers." - Angela Gurnell, Queen Mary University of London "Time will tell, but this book may well mark a turning point in the way students and scientists alike perceive Earth surface processes and landforms." - Jonathan Phillips, University of Kentucky This student focused book provides a detailed description and analysis of the key concepts, ideas, and hypotheses that inform geomorphology. Kenneth Gregory and John Lewin explain the basics of landform science in 20 concepts, each the subject of a substantive, cross-referenced entry. They use the idea of the ′geomorphic system′ to organise entries in four sections, with extensive web resources provided for each: System Contexts: The Systems Approach / Uniformitarianism / Landform / Form, Process and Materials / Equilibrium / Complexity and Non Linear Dynamical Systems System Functioning: Cycles and cascades / Force-Resistance / Geomorphic work / Process Form Models System Adjustments: Timescales / Forcings / Change Trajectories / Inheritance and Sensitivity / Anthropocene Drivers for the Future: Geomorphic Hazards / Geomorphic Engineering / Design and Prediction Aligned with the teaching literature, this innovative text provides a fully-functioning learning environment for study, revision, and even self-directed research for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of geomorphology.
