Physical geography

Author: Chen Xiaogui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-04-01
Features: This book applies the ideas and methods of systems science to elaborate on the research object of physical geography—the Earth's surface system and its subsystems, including their composition, structure, function, spatial characteristics, temporal dynamics, as well as the basic processes, driving forces, and fundamental laws of interaction among the subsystems. The book contains nearly 400,000 words and is divided into 13 chapters, with main content including: physical geography and general systems theory; energy flow in the Earth's surface system; material cycles in the Earth's surface system; the holistic characteristics of the Earth's surface system. Additionally, the book emphasizes drawing on concepts and achievements from physics, chemistry, and ecology to explain the mechanisms of various natural phenomena and processes in the Earth's surface system, reflecting the development trends and interdisciplinary nature of modern physical geography. For the convenience of further in-depth study, some content is printed in smaller font for optional reading. References and discussion questions are provided at the end of each chapter. This book can serve as a foundational textbook for undergraduate students in disciplines such as geography, environmental science, ecology, agriculture, forestry, and urban planning. It can also be used as a teaching reference for related fields like atmospheric science, geology, geophysics, and oceanography (suitable for a 4-credit course with a total of 72 teaching hours).