Essentials of Physical Geography

This new hardback edition, containing the most up-to-date information on physical geography, combines a strong pedagogical program with visual appeal. The text emphasizes student involvement and interaction in the learning process. ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Sixth Edition offers the combined teaching expertise of four first-rate geographers and serves as the ultimate tool in understanding the dynamics of the physical geography course for the 21st century. ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY is written specifically for the student. It has been designed to help meet liberal education requirements by providing students with sufficient knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions involving the physical environments with which they will interact throughout their lives. The text assumes students have little or no background in physical geography or other Earth sciences. The authors include numerous examples from throughout the world to illustrate difficult concepts and help students bridge the gap between scientific theory and its practical application.

Robert E. Gabler has nearly five decades of professional experience. He has taught for five years in public elementary and secondary schools, in addition to teaching geography at Hunter College, City of New York, Columbia University, and Western Illinois University. At times in his lengthy career at Western, he served as chairperson of the Department of Geography and Department of Geology, and University director of International Programs. He received three University Presidential Citations for Teaching Excellence and University Service, served two terms as chairperson of the Faculty Senate, edited the Bulletin of The Illinois Geographical Society, and authored numerous articles in state and national periodicals. He is a past president of the Illinois Geographical Society, former director of coordinators and past president of the National Council for Geographic Education, and the recipient of the NCGE George J. Miller Distinguished Service Award. During his tenure at Western, Dr. Gabler traveled widely throughout the United States, western and southern Europe, eastern Asia, and India, planning, organizing, and leading university exchange programs, conducting field research, and compiling extensive slide photograph files. His major publications include, editor: A HANDBOOK FOR GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS (Illinois Office of Public Instruction); co-author: FOLLETT ELEMENTARY SOCIAL STUDIES SERIES (Follett Publishing Company); senior author: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (Rinehart Press); and senior author: ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.