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Australian Physical Environment [Minkštas viršelis]

(School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle), (School of Geosciences, University of Sydney), (Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)
  • Formatas: Paperback / softback, 464 pages, aukštis x plotis x storis: 256x191x27 mm, weight: 1000 g, numerous photographs, tables and figures
  • Išleidimo metai: 11-Jul-2008
  • Leidėjas: OUP Australia and New Zealand
  • ISBN-10: 019554109X
  • ISBN-13: 9780195541090
Kitos knygos pagal šią temą:
  • Formatas: Paperback / softback, 464 pages, aukštis x plotis x storis: 256x191x27 mm, weight: 1000 g, numerous photographs, tables and figures
  • Išleidimo metai: 11-Jul-2008
  • Leidėjas: OUP Australia and New Zealand
  • ISBN-10: 019554109X
  • ISBN-13: 9780195541090
Kitos knygos pagal šią temą:
A comprehensive introduction to the physical environment from an Australian perspective. After explaining the disciplinary approaches of geography and environmental sciences, this book examines the physical environment in terms of the three critical focus areas of climatology, geomorphology and biogeography. Hydrological issues are considered alongside all three of these areas. It also seeks to explain the processes and major Australian, and global patterns within and between each of these components.

While many of the geographical and environmental features of this continent occur worldwide, Australia, due to its age and its geographical placement, has also developed an environment all its own. Comparative examples from around the world are included to place Australia and its unique environmental characteristics within the global context.

Fully illustrated and with case studies clearly linking the theoretical content to real life issues, this book gives Australian students an understanding of the science of the continent's physical environment which is critical for decision making now, and for the future. The text is supported by an online resource centre to complete the teaching and learning experience.
List of Figures
xv
List of Case Studies
xxiii
List of Boxes
xxiv
Preface xxv
PART 1 Introduction
1(38)
Australia in the Physical World
3(11)
Introduction
4(2)
How do physical geographers study the environment?
6(1)
A systems approach
7(3)
The human factor
10(1)
Why be concerned about the Australian physical environment?
11(1)
Chapter summary
12(1)
Key terms
13(1)
Internet sites of interest
13(1)
Suggestions for further reading
13(1)
The Earth in Space and Time
14(25)
Introduction
15(1)
The Earth in space
15(1)
The Earth in time
16(4)
Meteorites and the Earth
16(1)
Determining the age of the Earth
17(1)
Life and the Earth's atmosphere
18(2)
Life and water on Earth
20(1)
Properties of the Earth
20(6)
Density and Earth materials
20(1)
Magnetism and Earth materials
21(1)
Seismicity and Earth materials
21(4)
The interior of the Earth
25(1)
Plate tectonics
26(11)
The ocean floor
30(1)
Volcanoes
30(4)
The changing continental margins
34(1)
The continental shelf
34(2)
Isostacy, sea levels and mountain chains
36(1)
Australia in a plate tectonics Earth
37(1)
Chapter summary
37(1)
Key terms
38(1)
Internet sites of interest
38(1)
Suggestions for further reading
38(1)
PART 2 The Atmosphere and the Climate System
39(122)
The Global Energy System
41(27)
Introduction
42(1)
Scales of climate
42(1)
Atmospheric composition and structure
42(5)
The Sun as the source of energy
47(4)
The solar constant and solar spectrum
47(2)
Spatial variations of solar energy at the top of the atmosphere
49(2)
The radiation budget of the Earth-atmosphere system
51(10)
Incoming shortwave radiation
51(1)
Atmospheric scattering and absorption
51(3)
The impact of clouds
54(1)
Shortwave radiation absorption at the Earth's surface, and albedo
54(3)
Longwave radiation from the Earth's surface
57(4)
Net radiation and its global distribution
61(5)
Sensible heat and temperature
61(3)
Heat flux to the sub-surface and impacts on seasonal and diurnal temperatures
64(2)
Chapter summary
66(1)
Key terms
67(1)
Internet sites of interest
67(1)
Suggestions for further reading
67(1)
Atmospheric Circulation
68(21)
Introduction
69(1)
Surface wind zones and pressure cells
70(2)
Upper tropospheric-lower stratospheric circulation and the jet streams
72(2)
Synoptic circulation brings weather variations
74(7)
Characteristics of high pressure systems
74(4)
Characteristics of low pressure systems
78(1)
Synoptic circulation patterns over Australia
79(1)
Winds associated with highs and lows
80(1)
Regional and local circulation
81(7)
Defining the appropriate climate scale
81(1)
Australian regional-scale circulation systems
82(1)
Foehn winds
82(1)
The southerly buster
82(1)
West coast trough
83(1)
Local wind environments
84(1)
Drainage, katabatic, and anabatic flows
84(1)
Sea and land breezes
84(3)
The morning glory in the Gulf of Carpentaria
87(1)
Chapter summary
88(1)
Key terms
88(1)
Internet sites of interest
88(1)
Suggestions for further reading
88(1)
Hydrologic Systems and Atmospheric Processes
89(28)
Introduction
90(1)
The hydrologic cycle
90(1)
Moisture in the atmosphere
91(3)
Cloud formation, convection, and instability
94(6)
Basic thermodynamics
94(2)
Lapse rates
96(1)
Determining atmospheric stability
97(1)
Trigger mechanisms
98(1)
Cloud droplet formation and growth
98(2)
Identifying cloud types
100(1)
Dew and fog
100(3)
Synoptic and regional precipitation
103(11)
Fronts and frontal theory
104(2)
Frontal life cycles in the Australian region
106(1)
The influence of upper tropospheric waves
107(1)
Squall lines
107(1)
Thunderstorms and their hazards
108(2)
Hail
110(1)
Downbursts and microbursts
111(1)
Tornadoes
111(3)
Precipitation in northern Australia
114(1)
Global precipitation distribution
114(1)
Chapter summary
115(1)
Key terms
115(1)
Internet sites of interest
115(1)
Suggestions for further reading
116(1)
Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions
117(21)
Introduction
118(1)
Ocean circulation and heat transport
118(2)
Ocean characteristics
120(3)
Physical characteristics
120(1)
Vertical structure
121(1)
Upwelling
122(1)
Deep ocean circulation
123(1)
The Ekman spiral
123(1)
The oceans and atmospheric instability
123(10)
The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)
123(1)
The Southern Oscillation and El Nino
124(4)
La Nina
128(2)
Tropical cyclones
130(1)
Incipient stage
130(1)
Mature stage
131(1)
Dissipation
132(1)
Geographical location and examples of damage
132(1)
Antarctic circumpolar lows
133(3)
Chapter summary
136(1)
Key terms
136(1)
Internet sites of interest
137(1)
Suggestions for further reading
137(1)
Climatic Environments
138(23)
Introduction
138(2)
Koppen's climatic environments
140(9)
Tropical rainy climates: A climates (Af, Am, Aw)
141(1)
The Australian monsoon
142(1)
Dry climates: B climates (BS, BW)
143(2)
Mid-latitude, warm winter climates: C climates (Cf, Cs, Cw)
145(1)
Mid-latitude, cold winter climates: D climates (Df, Dw)
146(1)
Polar climates: E climates (ET, EF)
147(1)
Highland climates: H climates
147(2)
Climate classification for Australia: a summary
149(1)
Climatic extremes
150(1)
Human interactions with climate
150(9)
Urban climates
150(4)
The urban heat island
154(2)
Wind flows in cities
156(1)
Urban impacts on fog and precipitation
157(1)
Climate environments and their impacts on humans
157(2)
Chapter summary
159(1)
Key terms
160(1)
Internet sites of interest
160(1)
Suggestions for further reading
160(1)
PART 3 The Surface of the Earth
161(128)
The Development of the Landscape
163(25)
Introduction
164(1)
Nature of the lithosphere and morphology of its surface
164(7)
Igneous rocks
164(2)
Sedimentary rocks
166(4)
Metamorphic rocks
170(1)
Structures affecting continental surfaces
171(4)
Faulting
171(2)
Folding
173(1)
Joint patterns and bedding planes
174(1)
Microfissures
175(1)
Weathering and sediment production
175(9)
Physical weathering
176(3)
Chemical weathering
179(3)
Biological weathering
182(1)
Mineral weathering sequence
182(2)
Slope processes
184(2)
Rock falls
184(1)
Soil creep
185(1)
Landslides and mass movement
185(1)
Slope change over time
186(1)
Chapter summary
186(1)
Key terms
187(1)
Internet sites of interest
187(1)
Suggestions for further reading
187(1)
Landscapes, Sediments, and Soil Development
188(27)
Introduction
189(1)
The lithosphere and the landscape
189(5)
Multi-lithology landscapes
189(1)
Landscape development
190(4)
Landscapes and the inheritance factor
194(1)
Climate and landforms
194(4)
Arid landscapes
194(1)
Humid temperate landscapes
195(1)
Climate and time
195(1)
Landforms
196(2)
Soils
198(15)
Soil properties
198(1)
Horizonation
198(1)
Soil texture
198(1)
Soil structure
199(1)
Organic matter
200(1)
Soil colour
201(1)
Permeability
202(1)
pH
203(1)
Soil forming factors
203(1)
Parent material
203(1)
Climate
204(1)
Organisms
204(1)
Relief
204(1)
Time
205(1)
Soil forming processes
205(1)
Additions
205(1)
Losses
205(1)
Transferral
206(1)
Transformations
206(1)
Patterns of distribution of soil types
206(4)
Soils and landscapes
210(1)
Soil landscape mapping
211(1)
Soils: a dynamic part of changing landscapes
212(1)
Chapter summary
213(1)
Key terms
213(1)
Internet sites of interest
214(1)
Suggestions for further reading
214(1)
Water in the Landscape
215(27)
Processes of landscape change
216(1)
Slopewash or surface wash
216(4)
Sheet, rill and gully erosion
217(1)
Rates of erosion
217(1)
Fire and erosion rates
218(2)
Water erosion and gullying
220(3)
Water and river systems
223(6)
In-channel flow and mechanisms of sediment transport
223(2)
Drainage patterns
225(2)
Rivers in humid and arid Australia
227(1)
Streams and sediment deposition
228(1)
Glacial and periglacial processes and landforms
229(4)
Quaternary glaciations and effects in Australia
230(2)
Ice movement as a sculpting agent in landscapes
232(1)
Glacial and periglacial landforms
233(1)
Groundwater and salt in the landscape
233(3)
Groundwater and salinisation
234(2)
Human-induced accelerated erosion
236(4)
Urban development, transport, and mining
236(4)
Chapter summary
240(1)
Key terms
241(1)
Internet sites of interest
241(1)
Suggestions for further reading
241(1)
Aeolian Landforms
242(22)
Introduction
243(1)
Aeolian processes
243(2)
Distribution of aeolian landforms
245(3)
Erosional aeolian landforms
248(3)
Stone pavements
248(1)
Yardangs
249(1)
Deflation basins/playas
249(1)
Ventifacts
249(2)
Depositional aeolian landforms
251(4)
Sand dunes
252(3)
Linked erosional and depositional systems
255(2)
Dust storms, arid lands, and desertification
257(5)
Chapter summary
262(1)
Key terms
263(1)
Internet sites of interest
263(1)
Suggestions for further reading
263(1)
Coastal Landforms
264(25)
Introduction
265(1)
Coastline morphology
265(9)
Coral reefs
266(1)
Landward factors
266(3)
Seaward factors
269(1)
Waves
269(3)
Tides
272(1)
Ocean currents
273(1)
Sediment movement
273(1)
Erosion and rocky coasts
274(5)
Cliffs and processes of cliff retreat
274(3)
Shore platforms
277(2)
Depositional systems and beaches
279(8)
Size of beach sediments
279(3)
Beach types
282(1)
Reflective
282(1)
Dissipative
282(1)
Intermediate
282(2)
Shoreline dunes
284(3)
Chapter summary
287(1)
Key terms
288(1)
Internet sites of interest
288(1)
Suggestions for further reading
288(1)
PART 4 The Biosphere
289(102)
Historical Biogeography
291(45)
Introduction
292(1)
The first ninety per cent of Earth's history
292(2)
Life on land
294(6)
The first flowering plants
295(5)
Reconstructing past floras
300(9)
The development of vegetation in the Tertiary
302(3)
The Pliocene
305(2)
The great oscillations of the Quaternary
307(2)
Evolution and spread of humans
309(1)
Rise of Agriculture, of sorts, in Australia
310(5)
Extinction during the prehistoric period
311(4)
Population changes in prehistoric Australia
315(1)
The transition from the prehistoric to historic period
315(13)
Introductions of new species
315(1)
Clearing the land and extinctions
316(9)
Urban bushland
325(1)
Salt and nutrient impacts
326(1)
Clearing and invasion
327(1)
Introductions of fauna
328(3)
A summary of the last 50 million years
331(1)
The biogeographic elements
332(1)
Chapter summary
333(1)
Key terms
334(1)
Internet sites of interest
334(1)
Suggestions for further reading
335(1)
Ecological Biogeography
336(26)
A definition of species
337(1)
The big picture: climate
337(2)
The matter of soil
339(1)
Small-scale factors
340(2)
The basis of species-environment interaction
342(3)
Surviving catastrophe and environmental change: the role of dispersal
345(4)
Range and vicariance
349(1)
Population dynamics
349(3)
Adapting to fire
352(2)
Adapting to unreliable rainfall
354(1)
Function, adaptation and form
354(6)
Chapter summary
360(1)
Key terms
361(1)
Internet sites of interest
361(1)
Suggestions for further reading
361(1)
Communities and Ecosystems
362(29)
Introduction
362(2)
Composition of a community
364(1)
Description of communities
364(11)
Energy flow
367(5)
Material flow
372(2)
Material cycles
374(1)
Dynamics of communities and ecosystems
375(7)
Measuring land cover change
378(3)
A role for pollen analysis
381(1)
Measuring human impact on vegetation systems
381(1)
Managing native vegetation
382(7)
The big picture in conservation: a national park system
383(6)
Chapter summary
389(1)
Key terms
390(1)
Internet sites of interest
390(1)
Suggestions for further reading
390(1)
PART 5 Looking Towards the Future
391(19)
Current Trends in Environmental Systems
393(17)
Introduction
394(1)
Atmospheric change
394(4)
Global warming
394(2)
Climate change and agriculture
396(1)
Urban atmospheres
397(1)
Hydrospheric change
398(3)
Rising sea level
398(3)
Water quality
401(1)
Biospheric change
401(1)
Human health
402(1)
Trends in sustainable development
403(3)
Natural disasters
406(2)
Chapter summary
408(1)
Internet sites of interest
408(1)
Suggestions for further reading
408(2)
Appendix: Field Maps: A Key Tool for Geography and Environmental Science 410(3)
Glossary 413(9)
Sources for Figures and Tables 422(2)
References 424(4)
Index 428
Howard Bridgmen is with the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle in Australia. Deidre Dragovich is with the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney in Australia. John Dodson is with the Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation in Australia.