Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography, 11th edition

For courses in physical geography.

A practical introduction, from atmosphere to biosphere

Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography covers the essentials of physical geography by Earth systems topics as they occur naturally: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Known for meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and currency, the authors guide students through principles and concepts using real-world applications.

The 11th Edition updates content, clarifies and streamlines organization with numbered chapter sections, engages students with new Earth Systems Connections and Interactive Mapping learning activities, and features many new photos and illustrations.

Hallmark features of this title

• Geosystems Now chapter-opening case studies draw students into chapter concepts by discussing a related current application.
• Focus Study essays present in-depth discussions of key topics and include critical-thinking questions.
• GeoReports sections present interesting factoids, examples, applications and student action items related to the narrative.
• Geosystems in Action explore key chapter concepts and physical processes with a focus on visualization and structured active learning.
• The Human Denominator explores the interconnections between humans and Earth's physical environment and critical 21st-century issues.
• Key Learning Concepts Review at the end of each chapter reinforces the key learning concepts, providing summaries and key terms.

New and updated features of this title

• Revised Key Learning Objectives (formerly Key Learning Concepts) start each chapter to help students prioritize learning goals. Main section titles are now re-numbered for clarity (1.2, 1.3 etc.)
• New and updated Work It Out activities at the end of each section: These questions and exercises enable students to demonstrate their understanding and practice critical thinking, conceptual reasoning or quantitative reasoning.
• New Earth Systems Connections questions at the end of each chapter help students summarize the chapter-opening systems diagrams (a hallmark of this text). The new questions promote systems thinking as each chapter topic concludes.
• New Interactive Mapping activities at the end of each chapter explore topics using the new and expanded MapMaster 3 interactive maps in the Mastering Geography Student Study Area.
• 21 updated or new Focus Studies: This popular feature explores relevant applied topics in greater depth. 11 new Focus Study topics include Changes in Seasonal Patterns Affect Arctic Caribou (Ch. 2); U.S. Air Pollution Worsens with Climate Change (Ch. 3); Sliding Rocks on Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa (Ch.15); Antarctica’s Ice Shelves (Ch.17); and more.
• New and updated Geospatial Analysis exercises at the end of each chapter: These mini-lab activities encourage students to explore online science tools and data sets (from sources such as NASA, USGS, and NOAA) to perform critical geospatial data analysis.