Elemental Geosystems, CourseSmart eText, 7th Edition

Among the most highly regarded in physical geography, Robert Christopherson’s bestselling Elemental Geosystems is known for currency, accuracy, rich integration of climate change science, and a dynamic multimedia program. Elemental Geosystems, Seventh Edition is organized around the natural flow of energy, materials, and information, presenting subjects in the same sequence in which they occur in nature–an organic, holistic approach that is unique in this discipline. Each chapter also includes strong pedagogical tools and a structured learning path that consists of Key Learning Concepts presented at the start of the chapter, Key Learning Concepts Review at the end of the chapter, and Critical Thinking questions integrated throughout.

Offering current examples and modern science within a one-of-a-kind Earth systems organization, Christopherson combines student-friendly writing, the most current applications, outstanding art, and a strong multimedia program for a truly unique physical geography experience. The Seventh Edition is available with MasteringGeography™; the Mastering platform is the most effective and widely used online tutorial, homework, and assessment system for the sciences.

1. Essentials of Geography

PART I: The Energy-Atmosphere System
2. Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere
3. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures
4. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations

PART II: Water, Weather, and Climate Systems
5. Atmospheric Water and Weather
6. Water Resources
7. Climate Systems and Climate Change

PART III: Earth’s Changing Landscape Systems
8. The Dynamic Planet
9. Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
10. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
11. River Systems and Landforms
12. The Oceans, Coastal Systems, and Wind Processes
13. Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes

PART IV: Biogeography Systems
14. The Geography of Soils
15. Ecosystem Essentials
16. Terrestrial Biomes
17. Earth and the Human Denominator

Appendix A Maps in this Text and Topographic Maps
Appendix B The Köppen Climate Classification System
Appendix C Common Conversions