Over the past twenty years, geography as an academic discipline has become more and more reflective, asking the key questions 'What are we doing?' 'Why are we doing it?'. These questions have, so far, been more enthusiastically taken up by human geography rather than physical geography. Contemporary Meanings in Physical Geography aims to redress the balance. Written and edited by a distinguished group of physical geographers, Contemporary Meanings in Physical Geography comprises of a collection of international writer's thoughts which reveal personal motivations, and look at tensions in the worlds of meaning in which physical geography is involved. How are the meanings of the physical environment derived? Is the future of physical geography one where the only, or at least the dominant, meanings are framed in the contexts of environmental issues. Covering a diverse and lively selection of topics, the contributors of this book offer guides to the contemporary debates in the philosophy of physical geography, and introduce the reader to its wider cultural significance. This book is an essential companion to anyone studying, or with an interest in, physical geography.

This Fourth Edition of a well-established text on physical geography provides rigorous coverage of the topic at the undergraduate level. It includes a full-color art program and increased attention to environmental issues.

This authoritative text offers detailed and comprehensive explanations of all important natural systems and processes in physical geography. Fundamental processes and materials of inorganic earth systems are presented first, giving students a solid foundation from which to study the more complex organic systems covered later. The third edition provides an updated chapter on soils, a new section on remote sensing techniques and revised coverage of such topics as El Nino, acid rain, Sahel drought and rain forest destruction. More than 160 full-color photographs and maps are incorporated in the text, plus over 1,000 glossary entries.

Contemporary Human Geography is a beautifully crafted, modular springboard into essential human and cultural geography concepts, designed for the contemporary geography student. This brief, innovative text explores current human geography in the bold visual style that distinguishes Dorling Kindersley (DK) publications. Topics within each chapter are organized into modular, self-contained, two-page spreads. Together with the graphics, Rubenstein's efficient writing engages students, presenting information clearly without sacrificing the high-quality geography content essential to students and instructors.