Richard Huggett, a retired university lecturer with a profound passion for science fact, fantasy, and fiction, boldly ventures into new narrative territory with his first foray into fiction. His writing is fueled by a deep-seated curiosity and a desire to explore imaginative realms, moving beyond his extensive academic background. This new direction allows him to craft compelling stories that capture the wonder of the unknown.
Presents definitions of terms that are fundamental to physical geography and its many branches, covering topics ranging from ecology to geomorphology. Containing informative tables, diagrams, and suggestions for further reading, this guide is suitable for those studying physical geography and related courses.
Focusing on the intricate relationship between climate and Earth's natural systems, this book addresses the significant impact of climate change on various subsystems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It highlights how these systems influence landscapes and are in turn affected by both natural and human-induced climatic changes. By providing comprehensive insights into these interconnected areas, it aims to bridge the knowledge gap for non-specialists and clarify complex scientific concepts related to global change.
The book explores the polarized views surrounding the systems approach, highlighting both its advocates who see it as a robust method for analysis and its critics who regard it as detrimental. It references a humorous take on the complexity of studies based on the number of variables involved. The author also addresses skepticism from a reviewer who dismissed the systems approach as unhelpful and misleading, specifically in relation to soil studies, while proposing a formal framework through dynamical systems theory.