Description
Among the most highly regarded in physical geography, Robert Christopherson’s bestselling texts are known for their meticulous attention to detail, currency, accuracy, and rich integration of climate change science. Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography, Ninth Edition is uniquely organized to present Earth systems topics as they naturally occur: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. This interconnected and organic systems-based approach is highlighted in the strong pedagogical tools, structured learning path, and up-to-date information found in the text. This new edition presents bold new features that cultivate an active learning environment both in and outside the classroom.
The Ninth Edition can be made available with MasteringGeography™ , the most effective and widely used online tutorial, homework, and assessment system for the sciences. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MasteringGeography does not come packaged with this content. MasteringGeography is not a self-paced technology and should only be purchased when required by an instructor.
MasteringGeography will provide an interactive and engaging learning experience for your students. Here’s how:
Personalize learning with MasteringGeography: MasteringGeography provides students with engaging and interactive experiences that coach them through introductory physical geography with specific wrong-answer feedback, hints, and a wide variety of educationally effective content.
Leverage strong pedagogical tools and a structured active learning path: The text reinforces central hallmark physical geography themes of Earth systems, human-Earth relations, and global climate change by providing a consistent framework for mastering chapter concepts.
Teach with current and relevant content. An emphasis on currency provides students with compelling reasons for learning physical geography.
Features
Leverage strong pedagogical tools and a structured active learning path
NEW! Geosystems in Action explore key chapter concepts with a focus on visuals and structured active learning. Located in each chapter, each feature reinforces Earth systems methodology and connects students to related online media via QR codes.
NEW! The Human Denominator features connect abstract concepts to real world environments and focuses on the human-Earth dimension of physical geography.
REVISED! Geography Fundamentals provide a more comprehensive overview of the Scientific Method.
Key Learning Concepts on the chapter opener page list primary learning outcomes for the chapter. Critical Thinking Questions are integrated into appropriate sections of each chapter, giving students the opportunity to stop and demonstrate conceptual understanding and practice critical thinking as they read.
Geosystems Connection at the end of each chapter precedes the Key Learning Concepts Review to bridge different chapter concepts by reminding students where they have been and where they are headed.
Key Learning Concepts Review reinforces the key learning concepts in the chapter, providing summaries and key terms under each Key Learning Concept identified on the chapter opener.
Teach with current and relevant content
Updated content provides students and instructors with the most significant and current information and applications.
NEW! New Chapter 11 on Global Climate Change provides an up-to-date overview of the current climate change science: evidence for change, climate models, climate forecasts, and ways to mitigate future change.
NEW! Ginger Birkeland joins Robert Christopherson as co-author, bringing a fresh perspective and new examples that enhance the relevance of such content as Geosystems Now, Focus Studies, Critical Thinking, and GeoReports.
Revised Geosystems Now chapter-opening vignette case studies draw students into the material by discussing an interesting, current application of the chapter concepts.
NEW! Geosystems Now Online is a short section at the end of Geosystems Now providing online links to additional materials for further investigation of the topics discussed.
Updated Focus Study essays present additional, in-depth discussions of key geography topics, without interrupting the flow of the core chapter narratives. These essays allow students to actively participate and engage in the content instead of just reading.
GeoReports present factoids, examples, applications, or student action items that relate to the material in the main text narrative.
Table of Contents
1. Essentials of Geography
PART I The Energy-Atmosphere System
2. Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons
3. Earth’s Modern Atmosphere
4. Atmosphere and Surface Energy Balances
5. Global Temperatures
6. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations
PART II The Water, Weather, and Climate Systems
7. Water and Atmospheric Moisture
8. Weather
9. Water Resources
10. Global Climate Systems
11. Global Climate Change
PART III The Earth-Atmosphere Interface
12. The Dynamic Planet
13. Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism
14. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
15. River Systems
16. Oceans, Coastal Systems, and Wind Processes
17. Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes
PART IV Soils, Ecosystems, and Biomes
18. The Geography of Soils
19. Ecosystem Essentials
20. Terrestrial Biomes
Appendix A Maps in this Text and Topographic Maps
Appendix B The Koppen Climate Classification System
Appendix C Common Conversions