Earth Environments : Past, Present and Future

This book provides a comprehensive coverage of the major topics within undergraduate study programmes in geosciences, environmental science, physical geography, natural hazards and ecology.

This text introduces students to the Earth's four key interdependent systems: the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, focussing on their key components, interactions between them and environmental change.

Topics covered include: An earth systems model; components systems and processes: atmospheric systems; oceanography, endogenic geological systems and exogenic geological systems, biogeography and, aspects of the Earth's Record.

The impact of climate and environmental change is discussed in a final chapter which draws together Earth's systems and their evolution and looks ahead to future earth changes and environments and various time periods in the geological record.

Throughout the book geological case studies are used in addition to the modern processes.

Earth Environments provides a comprehensive introduction to Earth's four key interdependent systems: the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, focusing on their key components, interactions between them and environmental change.

Tailored specifically to undergraduate students, the book is a one-stop textbook for major topics in geosciences, environmental science, physical geography, natural hazards and ecology courses. Topics covered include: atmospheric systems; oceanography; endogenic and exogenic geological systems, biogeography and global environmental change. The impacts of climate and environmental change are integrated in a final summary chapter which draws together earth's systems and their evolution and looks to the future of the planet.

All topics are backed up with a wealth of resources on the book's companion website, featuring case studies and 'new research' boxes, containing summaries based on key journal articles. Learning outcomes and reflective exercises for each chapter lead students effectively throught the individual subject areas.

Key Features:

• Companion website available at www.wileyeurope.com/college/huddart containing PowerPoint slides of all figures in the book, relevant case studies, Virtual Field Guides, an on-line glossary and further resources for students
• Emphasis on a broad yet comprehensive and intergrated treatment of past, present and future earth environments and processes
• Suggested further reading sections for each topic
• Illustrated in full colour thoughout
• Includes learning outcomes and reflective exercises throughout to enhance student understanding