Michael Craghan holds a doctorate in geography and has been teaching in the geography department at Rutgers University since 1995
Summary
Learn physical geography at your own pace What is atmospheric pressure? How does latitude indicate the type of climate a specific place will have? Where are volcanic eruptions or strong earthquakes most likely to occur? With Physical Geography: A Self-Teaching Guide you'll discover the answers to these questions and many more about the basics of how our planet operates. Veteran geography teacher Michael Craghan takes you on a guided tour of Earth's surface explaining our planet's systems and cycles and their complex interactions step by step. From seasonal changes to coastal processes from effluvial basins to deep sea fissures Craghan puts the emphasis on comprehension of the topics. He also includes more than 100 specially commissioned illustrations and 50 photographs to help clarify difficult concepts. The clearly structured format of Physical Geography makes it fully accessible providing an easily understood comprehensive overview for everyone from the student to the amateur geographer to the hobbyist. Like all Self-Teaching Guides Physical Geography allows you to build gradually on what you have learned-at your own pace. Questions and self-tests reinforce the information in each chapter and allow you to skip ahead or focus on specific areas of concern. Packed with useful up-to-date information this clear concise volume is a valuable learning tool and reference source for anyone who wants to improve his or her understanding of physical geography.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
1. Earth and Sun.
2. Insolation and Temperature.
3. The Atmosphere and Atmospheric Water.
4. Pressure and Wind.
5. General Circulation of the Atmosphere.
6. Air Masses and Storms.
7. Climate.
8. Plate Tectonics.
9. Plate Interactions.
10. Volcanoes and Earthquakes.
11. Weathering.
12. Groundwater.
13. Streams.
14. Wind and Ice.
15. Waves and Tides.
Appendix 1:The Ancient Explanation of Earth-Sun Relationships.
Appendix 2: Coriolis Force. Index.
