DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Geomorphology

The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes

Robert S Anderson author Suzanne P Anderson author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:17th Jun '10

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Geomorphology cover

A modern, quantitative, process-oriented approach to geomorphology and the role of Earth surface processes in shaping landforms, starting from basic principles.

This textbook provides a modern, quantitative and process-oriented approach to equip students with the tools to understand geomorphology. Using the basic principles of mechanical and chemical processes the book helps develop student insight, so they can fully explore Earth surface processes and the landscape around them.This textbook provides a modern, quantitative and process-oriented approach to equip students with the tools to understand geomorphology. Insight into the interpretation of landscapes is developed from basic principles and simple models, and by stepping through the equations that capture the essence of the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes. Boxed worked examples and real-world applications bring the subject to life for students, allowing them to apply the theory to their own experience. The book covers cutting edge topics, including the revolutionary cosmogenic nuclide dating methods and modeling, highlights links to other Earth sciences through up-to-date summaries of current research, and illustrates the importance of geomorphology in understanding environmental changes. Setting up problems as a conservation of mass, ice, soil, or heat, this book arms students with tools to fully explore processes, understand landscapes, and to participate in this rapidly evolving field.

'… this book is terrific! … a model of what a textbook should be, and the first place I'd send a student or colleague to get them excited about landscapes and how we study them.' Chris Paola, St Anthony Falls Laboratory, Minneapolis
'This much needed, skilfully crafted text will be welcomed by the geomorphology community. … the text can be used for an introductory course, or as part of a more advanced course. … The overall reaction of my students using a draft version has been very positive.' David Jon Furbish, Vanderbilt University
'A wonderful, wide ranging review of the modern science of geomorphology.' Niels Hovius, University of Cambridge
'The book is both authoritative and accessible, encouraging students (and instructors) to think creatively and precisely about how the landscape evolves. Unlike previous geomorphology texts, it provides a consistent approach for defining and solving models for the full range of features found on the surface of the Earth.' Peter R. Wilcock, Johns Hopkins University
'This is a well designed textbook that contains a healthy balance between qualitative and quantitative descriptions of geomorphic processes pitched at a level that suites 3rd/4th year undergraduate students. The prose is authoritative, up to date, and accessible, supported by well-presented and relevant diagrams and illustrations with useful inset boxes to expand upon specific key topics … [Geomorphology: The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes] has the breadth and depth of content that puts it in a class of its own. I have little doubt that this will soon be the book of choice for geomorphology courses.' Andrew Carter, The Journal of Geological Magazine
'… an excellent book, especially with respect to incorporating the basic science and physics of the processes outlined in the main text as well as providing an accessible narrative explanation of the different environments covered. As such, I intend to strongly recommend … it to my first year Earth: Portrait of a Planet [students] … as one of three key texts for the module. I will emphasise this text for those students on the BSc Geography and BSc Environmental Sciences … programmes … as being useful throughout their undergraduate degree. In particular it will be a help for second year modules Global Environmental Change, Earth Systems Cycles and Research Strategies in Physical Environments, as well as providing preliminary reading for specialist modules in the third year.' Dr Simon Carr, Queen Mary, University of London
'Excellently illustrated and backed up with numerous references to the most modern works, this publication is composed, for each chapter, of boxes, summaries and exercises. They will allow the reader to continuously check their progress. This publication will contribute for many years to come, one of the important basic publications to be used for an advanced teaching of geomorphology and for the understanding of the reliefs of dry lands.' Géochronique
'The authors encourage us to study geomorphology by successfully demonstrating that it is the ability to formally express geomorphic processes that makes it true science … Anyone pursuing studies of surface processes should have Geomorphology on his or her shelf. For libraries in earth-science institutions it is a must.' Piotr Migoń, Geologos

  • Winner of A Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2011

ISBN: 9780521519786

Dimensions: 277mm x 219mm x 30mm

Weight: 1790g

651 pages