Practical Foundations of Physical Geography: (Routledge Revivals)

Originally published in 1981, this book combines specialist expertise with teaching insight to provide an active approach to physical geography in a data-response format and was aimed at A Level students. The whole spectrum of physical geography is covered in 35 self-contained topics. Each topic begins with a general introduction and is developed through the use of detailed examples. In all cases, emphasis has been placed on features and process that are familiar and accessible to students. The book is an eminently usable introduction to the study of the natural environment and man’s relationship with it.

Table of Contents:
Part A: Fluvial Processes in Humid Temperate Areas 1. Storm Rainfall and Its Relationship to Streamflow 2. Sources of Streamflow 3. The Simulation of a Streamflow Hydrograph 4. The Work of the Stream 5. Rivers and Floodplains 6. Hillslope Form 7. Contemporary Hillslope Processes 8. Valley Shapes Part B: Glacial and Periglacial Processes and Landforms 9. Periglacial Environments 10. Ice in Valleys 11. Glacial Deposition 12. The Ice Margin Part C: Coastal Processes and Landforms 13. The Nature of Waves and Breakers 14. The Causes of Beach Profile Variation 15. Longshore Variations in Coastal Geomorphology Part D: Tropical Processes and Landforms 16. Water in the Desert 17. Windforms and Processes 18. Landforms of Humid Tropical Weathering Part E: Wider Aspects of Landform Studies 19. Desert Landscapes: Fossil or Evolving? 20. The Evolution of Gordale Valley 21. The Quarternary 22. Man’s Impact on the Hydrological System 23. Man’s Impact on the Coastal Environment Part F: Meteorology and Climatology 24. Convection in the Air 25. The Weather Associated with the Passage of a Depression over Britain 26. Weather Records and Time 27. Temperatures and Cold Air Drainage in a Shallow Valley in Southern England 28. Windchill and Human Endurance Part G: Pedology 29. Soil Sequences 30. Land Evaluation 31. Soil Patterns From Air Photos 32. Soil Erosion in Britain Part H: Biogeography 33. Plant Succession 34. Vegetation Patterns in Grassland 35. The Effects of Management on Woodland Ecosystems.

About the Author :
Brian J. Knapp taught Geography at Leighton Park School in Reading for many years.

Review :
Original Review of Practical Foundations of Physical Geography: ‘This is a very well-produced ‘work-book’ intended to supplement A Level or university course in physical geography… It should prove an extremely valuable book for teachers and lecturers in that it provides in one volume a large amount of data in the form of statistics, maps, photographs and diagrams together with appropriate and tested exercises.’ R.B. Salmon, Scottish Geographical Magazine, Volume 98, Issue 1 (1982).