Elemental Geosystems

Among the most highly regarded in physical geography, Robert Christopherson's bestselling Elemental Geosystemsis known for currency, accuracy, rich integration of climate change science, and a dynamic multimedia program. Elemental Geosystems,Seventh Editionis 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.

Robert W. Christopherson is Professor Emeritus of Geography, having taught 30 years at American River College, and is the author of the leading physical geography texts in the US and Canada. 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.

Robert is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1998 and 2005 Text and Academic Authors Association Textbook Award for Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems, 4e, 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. Among 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.

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: The Earth—Atmosphere Interface
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: Soils, Ecosystems, and Biomes
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