The Dictionary of Physical Geography [Paperback]

David S. G. Thomas (Editor), Andrew S. Goudie (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0631204733 | ISBN-13: 978-0631204732 | Publication Date: August 30, 2000 | Edition: 3

The third edition of this comprehensive encyclopedic dictionary covers the whole field of physical geography and provides an essential reference for all students and lecturers in this field.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Dictionary is a remarkable collaborative effort and a valuable resource. It is a very worthwhile purchase for anyone studying or teaching physical geography." Progress in Physical geography

"A vital reference work for students, teachers, professionals, and researchers in physical geography and related environmental sciences, it is recommended for all academic and public libraries." J. A. Coombs, Southwest Missouri State University

From the Back Cover

The third edition of this comprehensive Dictionary covers the whole field of physical geography and provides an essential reference for students and lecturers. This edition has been substantially updated with the help of an advisory board of international experts in a range of key areas. Many of the entries are new or have been fully revised, with a large amount of additional material on new themes and topics.

The dictionary includes coverage of geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, zoogeography, hydrology, pedology, the Quarternary, GIS, remote sensing and the human impact. It contains over 2000 entries ranging in length from succinct definitions of technical terms to extended discussions of concepts and essays on themes of particular interest or importance. The Dictionary reflects changes within the discipline and provides an international perspective on the key topics of physical geography. The entries are self-contained or cross-referenced with further reading and references for those who wish to develop themes further.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 3 edition (August 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631204733
• ISBN-13: 978-0631204732
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,254,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Geography

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overall coverage..., February 10, 2005

By 

Casey Allen "Geographer" (All Over The World, as time permits of course...) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Dictionary of Physical Geography (Paperback)

Compiled, written, edited, and overseen by some of the world's most prominent Geographers, this dictionary covers everything the educated layperson could want to know about Physical Geography. The entries are concise where they need to be (e.g., "alluvium") and expanded where necessary (e.g., "rock coatings"). If you were to expand the glossaries of BOTH a basic Physical Geography text AND a basic Geomorphology text, this is what you would have.

Although not as heavy with references as its predecessor, the venerable "Dictionary of Human Geography," it nonetheless fills a good-sized gap in Geography reference literature. It is not a "dictionary of geography terms/places" nor is it a "dictionary of geologic terms." It simply takes the broad field of Phyiscal Geography and expands upon hundreds of often- and lesser-used terms, concepts, and ideas. It has proven very useful throughout my doctoral studies, and will no doubt serve me well into the future of academia.

After being thoroughly acquainted with the "Dictionary of Human Geography," I was hoping for more citations after each entry. That is, in my eyes, its only downfall. It is also several years old now, and hopefully a new edition will be published soon.