Ebook: The periglacial environment

The Periglacial Environment, Third Edition, provides an authoritative overview of the world⠙s cold, non-glacial environments. Emphasis is placed upon the North American and Eurasian polar lowlands, but examples are also drawn from Antarctica, the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau, and the northern mid-latitudes. First published in 1976 and subsequently revised in 1996, the text has been the international standard for over 30 years. The Third Edition continues to be a personal interpretation of the frost-induced conditions, geomorphic processes, and landforms that typify periglacial environments. The text is divided into four parts. Part One discusses the periglacial concept and its interactions with geomorphology, geocryology and Quaternary science. It also outlines the range and variability of periglacial climates and the degree to which landscapes are in geomorphic equilibrium with prevailing periglacial conditions. Part Two describes present-day terrain that is either underlain by permafrost or experiencing intense frost action. The roles played by cryogenic weathering, ground ice, mass wasting, running water, wind action, snow and ice, and coastal processes are systematically analysed. Part Three summarizes evidence for the existence of periglacial conditions during the cold periods of the Pleistocene, with special reference to the mid-latitudes of Europe and North America. Part Four illustrates the geotechnical problems associated with human activity and resource development in periglacial environments, and discusses the potential impact of global climate change in the northern high latitudes. This excellent textbook is an invaluable resource for second and third year undergraduate students of Physical Geography, Geology, Environmental Science and Earth Science. The Periglacial Environment, Third Edition is also an informative reading for professionals, researchers and lecturers working and teaching in the field.

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Content:
Chapter 1 Introduction (pages 1–15): Hugh M. French
Chapter 2 Periglacial Landscapes? (pages 16–30): Hugh M. French
Chapter 3 Periglacial Climates (pages 31–46): Hugh M. French
Chapter 4 Cold?Climate Weathering (pages 47–82): Hugh M. French
Chapter 5 Permafrost (pages 83–115): Hugh M. French
Chapter 6 Surface Features of Permafrost (pages 116–152): Hugh M. French
Chapter 7 Ground Ice (pages 153–185): Hugh M. French
Chapter 8 Thermokarst (pages 186–215): Hugh M. French
Chapter 9 Hillslope Processes and Slope Evolution (pages 216–247): Hugh M. French
Chapter 10 Azonal Processes and Landforms (pages 248–279): Hugh M. French
Chapter 11 Quaternary Periglacial Conditions (pages 281–307): Hugh M. French
Chapter 12 Evidence for Past Permafrost (pages 308–325): Hugh M. French
Chapter 13 Periglacial Landscape Modification (pages 326–348): Hugh M. French
Chapter 14 Geotechnical and Engineering Aspects (pages 349–372): Hugh M. French
Chapter 15 Climate Change and Periglacial Environments (pages 373–387): Hugh M. French