Table of Contents

1. Essentials of Geography

PART I: The Energy-Atmosphere System
2. Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere
3. Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures
4. Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations

PART II: Water, Weather, and Climate Systems
5. Atmospheric Water and Weather
6. Water Resources
7. Climate Systems and Climate Change

PART III: Earth's Changing Landscape Systems
8. The Dynamic Planet
9. Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
10. Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement
11. River Systems and Landforms
12. Wind Processes and Desert Landscapes
13. The Oceans, Coastal Processes, and Landforms
14. Glacial and Periglacial Landscapes

PART IV: Biogeography Systems
15. The Geography of Soils
16. Ecosystems and Biomes
17. Earth and the Human Denominator

Appendix A Maps in this Text and Topographic Maps
Appendix B The Koppen Climate Classification System
Appendix C Common Conversions

About the Author

Robert W. Christopherson attended California State University-Chico for undergraduate work and received his Masters in Geography from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He joined the American River College faculty in 1970, where he founded the geography program. From 1970 to 1999 he taught such courses as physical and cultural geography, weather and climate, humans and the environment, and humans in the urban environment, and is currently Professor Emeritus.

Robert Christopherson is the recipient of numerous awards, including: the Patrons Chair and Student Association Teacher of the Year Awards at his college, the 1999 Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award from the National Council for Geographic Education, the 1998 Textbook Award for Geosystems, 3/E from the Text and Academic Authors Association, the California Geographical Society's 1997 Outstanding Educator Award, and, most recently, the 2005 President's Award and 2005 Textbook Award for Elemental Geosystems, 4/E from the Text and Academic Authors Association.

Robert presented in seminar, television and radio, and research papers on topics such as the physical geography of the polar regions, global climate change, energy issues, and environmental awareness. He and his professional photographer wife completed five polar expeditions; they attended the 2004 Arctic Climate Impact Symposium in Reykjavik, Iceland to gain photo and video coverage as well as research for Geosystems and Elemental Geosystems. Robert's wife has provided more than 300 exclusive photos for each of these texts.