Elemental Geosystems [Paperback]

Robert W. Christopherson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0131497022 | ISBN-13: 978-0131497023 | Edition: 5th

This book gives readers an accessible, systematic, non-mathematical, and visually appealing start in physical geography. It features a distinctive, holistic integration of human-Earth relationships, an applied flavor, scientific correctness, and superior graphics (remote sensing images) and cartography. A holistic, process approach is used to describe and discuss each physical system. Highlights more than 200 URLs, and features an accompanying CD-ROM with more than 30 animations of key concepts in physical geography. Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations. Atmospheric Water and Weather. Global Climate Systems. Water Resources. The Dynamic Planet. Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement. River Systems and Landforms. Wind Processes and Desert Landscapes. The Oceans, Coastal Processes, and Landforms. Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes. The Geography of Soils. Ecosystems and Biomes. Earth and the Human Denominator. For anyone needing a non-mathematical introduction to physical geography.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Offering a briefer treatment of the elements of physical geography without sacrificing scientific content, Elemental Geosystems features a distinctive integration of human-Earth relationships, an applied flavor, and scientific correctness. Drawing on the readability, superior graphics, cartography, and scientific accuracy of its companion book, Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography, Fourth Edition, Elemental Geosystems is written, organized, and illustrated to give readers an accessible, systematic, and visually appealing start. A logical, unique book arrangement organized into four parts, each containing related chapters, with a logical order for traditional and innovative subject matter that eases readers through physical geography and a presentation of Earth in a holistic study of interacting physical systems, in an essentially nonmathematical format. Strong emphasis on the science of physical geography, provides readers with a thorough definition of geography, physical geography, and Earth systems science in the introductory chapter, applying these definitions throughout the book. Companion Website gives readers on-line review questions, exercises, short answer and critical thinking items, and related weblinks, Virtual Field Trips CD-ROM features ten field trips, including photos, text illustrations, and narratives. Quality maps and cartography present readers with maps by professional cartographers. Use of Internet links as learning tools conveniently embeds over 100 internet address links (URLs) in the text for quick reference to primary source materials. Career Links features offer profiles of individuals that are working professionals in physical geography fields. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Robert W. Christopherson attended California State University—Chico for undergraduate work and received his Masters in Geography from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.  He joined the American River College faculty in 1970, where he founded the geography program.  He taught such courses as physical and cultural geography, weather and climate, humans and the environment, and humans in the urban environment from 1970 to 1999, and is currently Professor Emeritus. 

Robert Christopherson is the recipient of numerous awards, including among others, the Patrons  Chair and Student Association Teacher of the Year Awards at his college, most recently the 2005 President's Award and 2005 Textbook Award for Elemental Geosystems, 4/E, from the Text and Academic Authors Association, the 1999 Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award from the National Council for Geographic Education, the 1998 Textbook Award for Geosystems, 3/E, from TAA,  and the California Geographical Society’s 1997 Outstanding Educator Award. 

Robert presented in seminar, television and radio, and research papers on topics such as, the physical geography of the polar regions, global climate change, energy issues, and environmental awareness.  He and his professional photographer wife completed 5 polar expeditions, and attended the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Symposium in Reykjavik, Iceland, to gain photo and video coverage, and research for Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems–his wife has more than 300 exclusive photos in each of these texts.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 620 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 5th edition (March 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131497022
• ISBN-13: 978-0131497023
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just the right amount of info, nice illustrations., January 19, 2000

By 

heather (lake county, il) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elemental Geosystems (Paperback)

The book gives clear, concise explanations of each aspect of the environment and atmosphere. The Earth, clouds, oceans and soils are covered. Nice illustrations to better comprehend topics in each chapter.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars X-tremely readable textbook, December 28, 2005

By 

J. Wala - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elemental Geosystems, Fourth Edition (Paperback)

I wasn't too sure I was getting into the right area of study, but after taking a class that used this text, I'm a lot more confident. It breaks up theories on why the environment is the way it is and how it came to be into well organized chapters and makes them especially clear with ample pictures, tables, and diagrams based on factual examples.

I have yet to hear a criticism of these thoeries apart from short, unreferenced, useless reviews, but if it does happen to be fiction, I'd rank it alongside of JRR Tolkien's best. Either way it would make a great 'coffee-table' book.

It is also laced near the end of chapters with author commentaries about the human species' inability to avoid poor choices for habitats such as near the sides of unstable mountains or flood-prone land in areas frequented by hurricanes (written prior to 2005), make of that what you will...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars elemental geosystems, August 30, 2008

By 

Steve Milburn "srblm2" (usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elemental Geosystems (Paperback)

it was an easy to read and very helpful book. if found it explains the major concepts clearly and provides more in depth details aswell