Includes bibliographical references (p. [756]-766) and index.

Part One: Fundamentals 1. The Physical Environment: Scientific Conce pts and Methods 2. Energy and Earth Part Two: Atmosphere 3. Heat and En ergy in the Atmosphere, 4. Moisture in the Atmosphere, 5. Precipitation and evapotranspiration 6. The Atmosphere in Action 7. Weather-Forming Systems 8. Micro and Local Climates 9. Climate Change Part Three Geosph ere 10. Earth's Geological Structure and Processes 11. The Global Ocean 12. Rock Formation and Deformation 13. Denudation, Weathering and Mass Wasting 14. Fluvial Systems: Catchments and Rivers 15. Cryosphere Syst ems: Glaciers, Ice and Permafrost 16. Aeolian Systems 17. Global Coastl ines Part Four Biosphere 18. Soils in their Environment 19. Soil Fertil ity and Sustainability 20. Principles of Biogeography 21. The Earth Sys tem and the Cycling of Carbon and Nutrients 22. Biodiversity in Ecosyst ems Part Five Environments 23. Environmental Reconstruction: Principles and Practice 24. Polar and Alpine environments 25. Mediterranean Envir onments 26. Tropical Deserts and Semi-Arid Environments 27. Humid Tropi cal Environments 28. Current and Future Environmental Change Glossary B ibliography Index.