Description
This lavishly illustrated book looks at natural forces, climate, rivers, oceans, glaciers, earthquakes and volcanoes and the ways in which they shape the Earth and its landscapes. The Earth's energy systems, the development of its surface, our current environment, and the interaction between the environment and humans are explored first from a global perspective and then by different regions.
The opening section examines the larger forces that have a major impact on the Earth: the Sun; the molten core of the Earth; changing climates; cycles of water, erosion and nutrients; and human activity. This section sets the global scene and introduces the main physical systems of the Earth. The main section of the book explores in detail
the different regions of the world. Each regional account emphasizes the geological background, and explores the effects of climate changes and present-day events on the major environment- forming processes and features of the particular region. The role of human activity in modifying the environment is also discussed. Covering twenty-two regions of the world, this section highlights such topics as tornadoes and watersp- outs (USA), hurricanes (Central America), volcanoes of the Mediterranean (Italy/Greece), causes of desertification (Northern Africa), earthquakes and tsunami (Japan/Korea), the building of the Himalayas (Indian Subcontinent), the making of coastlines (British Isles), hot springs and geysers (Australasia).
Illustrated with over 200 photographs and 100 maps, diagrams and charts, and written in highly accessible language, this unique and invaluable reference source will appeal to students and general readers alike.
ISBN: 9780851129747
