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Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography, 10th edition

Published by Pearson (January 5, 2017) © 2018

  • Robert W. Christopherson
  • Ginger H. Birkeland

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For courses in physical geography.

An essential introduction to physical geography, from atmosphere to biosphere

Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography is a practical text explaining the essentials of physical geography The text is organized into 4 sections by Earth systems topics as they naturally occur: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Known for meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date accuracy, the text guides students through the principles of physical geography, using real-world applications.

The 10th Edition includes new real-world case studies and activities that engage students and help them apply geography to the real world.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Geosystems Now chapter-opening case studies draw students into chapter concepts by discussing a related current application.
  • Focus Study essays present in-depth discussions of key topics and include critical-thinking questions.
  • GeoReports sections present interesting factoids, examples, applications and student action items related to the narrative.
  • Geosystems in Action features explore key chapter concepts and physical processes with a focus on visualization and structured active learning.
  • The Human Denominator explores the interconnections between humans and Earth's physical environment and critical 21st-century issues.
  • Key Learning Concepts Review section at the end of each chapter reinforces the key learning concepts, providing summaries and key terms.

New and updated features of this title

  • Earth Systems Connections sections provide context for the topic, presenting case studies at the front of each chapter and activities at the end.
  • Climate in Crisis integrated sections within each chapter emphasize the dynamic impacts of climate change relative to that chapter, presenting students with the real-world effects of climate change.
  • UPDATED: Climate Change chapter provides the most current data and coverage in this comprehensive overview of climate change science, exploring a wide range of relative topics.
  • Everyday Geosystems features begin each chapter and invite the reader to explore the “why” and “how” application of physical geography concepts to everyday phenomena.
  • Apply Concepts features are active learning tasks that compel students to reflect on the information they have learned. Work It Out activities throughout each chapter allow students to demonstrate understanding of learned concepts and to practice critical thinking as they read. 
  • Systems Diagrams emphasize the interactions and flow of Earth Systems concepts relative to each part and chapter with questions that make readers reflect on the topics they are about to explore. 

Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE for Mastering Geography (available for Fall 2020 classes)

Instructors, contact your sales rep to ensure you have the most recent version of the course.

  • NEW: Climate Change Lecture Slides expand on topics from the climate change chapter with high interest lecture PowerPoint® slides located in the Instructor Resources area of Mastering.
  • NEW: 3D models allow students to get virtually hands on with rocks, minerals and outcrops they may never see or handle in person as they manipulate the models on x,y,z axes and click hot spots for guided exploration.
  • NEW: MapMaster 2.0, inspired by GIS, enables students to layer and explore thematic map data at global and regional scales, using hundreds of map layers with a multitude of data points.

Features of Mastering Geography for the 10th Edition; published 2017

  • Give It Some Thought questions and problems encourage active learning and challenge students by asking them to analyze, synthesize, and think critically about geography. 
  • Condor Quadcopter Videos capture stunning footage of the Mountain West region with a quadcopter and a GoPro camera and explore physical processes.
  • Mobile Field Trip videos from geologist–pilot–photographer Michael Collier give students another avenue for exploring iconic US landscapes and the major themes of physical geography concepts.

Features of Pearson eText for the 10th Edition; published 2020

  • NEW: Climate in Crisis integrated sections in each chapter emphasize the dynamic impacts of climate change relative to that chapter and present students with real-world effects of climate change.
  • UPDATED: Climate Change chapter provides the most current data and coverage in this comprehensive overview of climate change science. The chapter explores paleoclimatology, climate feedback, evidence and causes of present climate change, climate models and projections, and steps we can take to moderate earth's changing climate. 
  • UPDATED: Geospatial Data Analysis exercises at the end of each chapter require students to use the tools and techniques of contemporary geographers in data-driven and skills-based activities that link to MapMaster 2.0.
  • NEW: Earth Systems Connections sections provide context for the topic, presenting case studies at the front of each chapter and activities at the end.
  • NEW: Data Visualization powered by Social Explorer appears for every key issue and enables students to connect to concepts by engaging with various story maps, predictive graphs, interactive charts, and other interactive media. 
  1. Essentials of Geography

THE ENERGY-ATMOSPHERE SYSTEM

  1. Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons
  2. Earth's Atmosphere
  3. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures
  4. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations

THE WATER, WEATHER, AND CLIMATE SYSTEMS

  1. Water and Atmospheric Moisture
  2. Weather
  3. Water Resources
  4. Earth's Climatic Regions
  5. Climate Change

III. THE EARTH-ATMOSPHERE INTERFACE

  1. The Dynamic Planet
  2. Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism
  3. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
  4. River Systems
  5. Aeolian Processes and Arid Landscapes
  6. Oceans and Coastal Systems
  7. Glacial Landscapes and the Cryosphere

SOILS, ECOSYSTEMS, AND BIOMES

  1. The Geography of Soils
  2. Ecosystem Essentials
  3. Terrestrial Biomes

APPENDICES

  1. Maps in this Text and Topographic Maps
  2. The Koppen Climate Classification System
  3. Common Conversions

About our authors

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. Robert is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1998 and 2005 Text and Academic Authors Association Textbook Award for Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems, 4th Edition, 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, 22nd Edition.

Ginger H. Birkeland received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her M.A. and PhD in Geography from Arizona State University, with a focus in fluvial geomorphology. She taught physical geography at Montana State University and summer field courses at the Indiana University Geologic Field Station in Montana. Ginger worked as a professional river guide for 17 years on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, as well as on rivers in Australia and throughout the U.S. West. She also worked as a geomorphology consultant on several government-funded projects, including the Truckee River Recovery Plan in California and Nevada. She has worked as a coauthor with Robert Christopherson on Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems since 2010.

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