For introductory physical geography courses.
Explore Earth’s dynamic, changing systems
Among the most highly regarded textbooks in physical geography, Robert Christopherson’s best-selling Elemental Geosystems retains its unparalleled currency, accuracy, rich integration of climate change science, and dynamic multimedia program.
Organized around the natural flow of energy, materials, and information, subjects are presented in the same sequence in which they occur in nature–an organic, holistic approach that is unique in this discipline. The 9th Edition features updated content to help student engagement and mastery.
Pearson eText allows educators to easily share their own notes with students so they see the connection between their reading and what they learn in class – motivating them to keep reading, and keep learning. Portable access lets students study on the go, even offline. And, student usage analytics offer insight into how students use the eText, helping educators tailor their instruction.
NOTE: Pearson eText is a fully digital delivery of Pearson content. This ISBN is for the Pearson eText access card. In addition to your purchase, you will need a course invite link, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson eText.
Robert W. Christopherson attended California State University-Chico for his undergraduate work and received his Masters in Geography from Miami University-Oxford, Ohio. Geosystems evolved out of his teaching notes and was his graduate thesis: this is his life’s work. He founded the geography program of American River College faculty. His wife Bobbé is his principal photographer and has provided more than 300 exclusive photos for each of his books. Together they have completed nine polar expeditions (most recently in spring 2010). They attended the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Symposium in Reykjavik, Iceland to acquire photo and video coverage and research. Christopherson is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1998 and 2005 Text and Academic Authors Association Textbook Award for Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems, 4/e, respectively. He was selected by American River College students as "Teacher of the Year" and received the American River College Patrons Award. Robert received the 1999 Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award from the National Council for Geographic Education and the Outstanding Educator Award from the California Geographical Society in 1997. The Text and Academic Authors Association presented him with its Presidents' Award in 2005. Amongst many other things, Robert has been deeply involved in the development of Pearson’s Geoscience Animation Library, and he led the editorial board of Rand McNally’s Goode’s World Atlas 22e.
Ginger Birkeland received her MA and PhD from Arizona State University, with a focus in fluvial geomorphology. She taught intro courses at Montana State University and Indiana University, spent time as a research associate at Arizona State, and has spent many years as an outdoor education instructor and commercial river guide.
Ginger has worked in the field as a fluvial geomorphologist for industry and funded government projects. Some of her field projects include: a multidisciplinary plan for recovery of two threatened fish species in the Truckee River Recovery Plan (California and Nevada) for the US Fish and Wildlife Service; geomorphic oversight, technical expertise, and technical editing for the Menomonee River Sediment Study (Wisconsin); geomorphic expertise, and co-authoring of several sections on fluvial geomorphology for reports on bank protection and salmon habitat enhancement for the Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines and Channel Design Guidelines (Washington).
1. Essentials of Geography
2. Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere
3. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures
4. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations
5. Water and Atmospheric Moisture
6. Water Resources
7. Earth’s Climatic Regions
8. Climate Change
9. The Dynamic Planet
10. Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism
11. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
12. River Systems
13. Oceans, Coastal Systems, and Wind Processes
14. Glacial Landscapes and the Cryosphere
15. The Geography of Soils
16. Ecosystem Essentials
17. Biogeography and Terrestrial Biomes
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