A Quick Introduction to Glaciers and Glacial Landscapes

A Quick Introduction to Glaciers and Glacial Landscapes

Author: Peter Knight

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2015-03-29

Total Pages: 76

ISBN-13: 9781508985129

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The study of glaciers is important not only for explaining how landscapes are created, but also for understanding global issues such as climate change and sea-level rise. This book examines the characteristics of glaciers, explores how they shape the landscape, and explains their role in the unfolding drama of global environmental change. It also considers the impact of glaciers on human activity, and the potential impact of humans on the future growth or melting of the world's ice. The aim of the book is to provide a quick, straightforward introduction to glaciers and glacial landscapes. It is intended for people who have very little background knowledge in the subject, and is pitched very much at an introductory level. Given the importance of glaciers in the global environmental system it is surprising that they come and go in the teaching syllabus. For a few years, lots of students are studying glaciers at school, then for a few years nobody is doing glaciers and everybody is studying rivers instead. Teachers who perhaps did not study glaciers at university suddenly find that a curriculum change at school leaves them having to teach glaciers to their own students. Students at university find that they have to deal with glaciers at degree level even though they never studied them at school. University lecturers find that the students just enrolled on what was intended as a degree-level glaciers module have no background at all in the subject. And members of the general public who just want to find out a little bit about glaciers discover that the only books available are either coffee-table books with no real information or advanced texts intended for people who already have some expertise. This little book throws itself into that picture with the aim of helping all those readers!


Book Synopsis A Quick Introduction to Glaciers and Glacial Landscapes by : Peter Knight

Download or read book A Quick Introduction to Glaciers and Glacial Landscapes written by Peter Knight and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2015-03-29 with total page 76 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The study of glaciers is important not only for explaining how landscapes are created, but also for understanding global issues such as climate change and sea-level rise. This book examines the characteristics of glaciers, explores how they shape the landscape, and explains their role in the unfolding drama of global environmental change. It also considers the impact of glaciers on human activity, and the potential impact of humans on the future growth or melting of the world's ice. The aim of the book is to provide a quick, straightforward introduction to glaciers and glacial landscapes. It is intended for people who have very little background knowledge in the subject, and is pitched very much at an introductory level. Given the importance of glaciers in the global environmental system it is surprising that they come and go in the teaching syllabus. For a few years, lots of students are studying glaciers at school, then for a few years nobody is doing glaciers and everybody is studying rivers instead. Teachers who perhaps did not study glaciers at university suddenly find that a curriculum change at school leaves them having to teach glaciers to their own students. Students at university find that they have to deal with glaciers at degree level even though they never studied them at school. University lecturers find that the students just enrolled on what was intended as a degree-level glaciers module have no background at all in the subject. And members of the general public who just want to find out a little bit about glaciers discover that the only books available are either coffee-table books with no real information or advanced texts intended for people who already have some expertise. This little book throws itself into that picture with the aim of helping all those readers!


Glaciation: a Very Short Introduction

Glaciation: a Very Short Introduction

Author: David J. A. Evans

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2018-10-11

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 0198745850

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Vast, majestic, and often stunningly beautiful, glaciers lock up some 10% of the world's freshwater. These great bodies of ice play an important part in the Earth system, carving landscapes and influencing climate on regional and hemispheric scales, as well as having a significant impact on global sea level. Throughout time, the Earth has experienced various major glaciations in its deep history, long before the ice ages of the Quaternary, and the observed effects of climate change on glaciers have recently brought them to the forefront of public attention. This Very Short Introduction offers an overview of glaciers and ice sheets as systems, considering the role of geomorphology and sedimentology in studying them, and their impacts on our planet in terms of erosional and depositional processes. Looking at our glaciers today, and their ongoing processes, David Evans considers the extent to which we can use this knowledge in reconstructing and interpreting ancient glacial landscapes. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Book Synopsis Glaciation: a Very Short Introduction by : David J. A. Evans

Download or read book Glaciation: a Very Short Introduction written by David J. A. Evans and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2018-10-11 with total page 201 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vast, majestic, and often stunningly beautiful, glaciers lock up some 10% of the world's freshwater. These great bodies of ice play an important part in the Earth system, carving landscapes and influencing climate on regional and hemispheric scales, as well as having a significant impact on global sea level. Throughout time, the Earth has experienced various major glaciations in its deep history, long before the ice ages of the Quaternary, and the observed effects of climate change on glaciers have recently brought them to the forefront of public attention. This Very Short Introduction offers an overview of glaciers and ice sheets as systems, considering the role of geomorphology and sedimentology in studying them, and their impacts on our planet in terms of erosional and depositional processes. Looking at our glaciers today, and their ongoing processes, David Evans considers the extent to which we can use this knowledge in reconstructing and interpreting ancient glacial landscapes. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Glaciers and glacial landscapes

Glaciers and glacial landscapes

Author: Peter G. Knight

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9781843770978

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Book Synopsis Glaciers and glacial landscapes by : Peter G. Knight

Download or read book Glaciers and glacial landscapes written by Peter G. Knight and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Glacial Geology

Glacial Geology

Author: Matthew M. Bennett

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-09-20

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 1119966698

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The new Second Edition of Glacial Geology provides a modern, comprehensive summary of glacial geology and geomorphology. It is has been thoroughly revised and updated from the original First Edition. This book will appeal to all students interested in the landforms and sediments that make up glacial landscapes. The aim of the book is to outline glacial landforms and sediments and to provide the reader with the tools required to interpret glacial landscapes. It describes how glaciers work and how the processes of glacial erosion and deposition which operate within them are recorded in the glacial landscape. The Second Edition is presented in the same clear and concise format as the First Edition, providing detailed explanations that are not cluttered with unnecessary detail. Additions include a new chapter on Glaciations around the Globe, demonstrating the range of glacial environments present on Earth today and a new chapter on Palaeoglaciology, explaining how glacial landforms and sediments are used in ice-sheet reconstructions. Like the original book, text boxes are used throughout to explain key concepts and to introduce students to case study material from the glacial literature. Newly updated sections on Further Reading are also included at the end of each chapter to point the reader towards key references. The book is illustrated throughout with colour photographs and illustrations.


Book Synopsis Glacial Geology by : Matthew M. Bennett

Download or read book Glacial Geology written by Matthew M. Bennett and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-09-20 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The new Second Edition of Glacial Geology provides a modern, comprehensive summary of glacial geology and geomorphology. It is has been thoroughly revised and updated from the original First Edition. This book will appeal to all students interested in the landforms and sediments that make up glacial landscapes. The aim of the book is to outline glacial landforms and sediments and to provide the reader with the tools required to interpret glacial landscapes. It describes how glaciers work and how the processes of glacial erosion and deposition which operate within them are recorded in the glacial landscape. The Second Edition is presented in the same clear and concise format as the First Edition, providing detailed explanations that are not cluttered with unnecessary detail. Additions include a new chapter on Glaciations around the Globe, demonstrating the range of glacial environments present on Earth today and a new chapter on Palaeoglaciology, explaining how glacial landforms and sediments are used in ice-sheet reconstructions. Like the original book, text boxes are used throughout to explain key concepts and to introduce students to case study material from the glacial literature. Newly updated sections on Further Reading are also included at the end of each chapter to point the reader towards key references. The book is illustrated throughout with colour photographs and illustrations.


Himalayan Glaciers

Himalayan Glaciers

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2012-11-29

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 0309261015

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Scientific evidence shows that most glaciers in South Asia's Hindu Kush Himalayan region are retreating, but the consequences for the region's water supply are unclear, this report finds. The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is the location of several of Asia's great river systems, which provide water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses for about 1.5 billion people. Recent studies show that at lower elevations, glacial retreat is unlikely to cause significant changes in water availability over the next several decades, but other factors, including groundwater depletion and increasing human water use, could have a greater impact. Higher elevation areas could experience altered water flow in some river basins if current rates of glacial retreat continue, but shifts in the location, intensity, and variability of rain and snow due to climate change will likely have a greater impact on regional water supplies. Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security makes recommendations and sets guidelines for the future of climate change and water security in the Himalayan Region. This report emphasizes that social changes, such as changing patterns of water use and water management decisions, are likely to have at least as much of an impact on water demand as environmental factors do on water supply. Water scarcity will likely affect the rural and urban poor most severely, as these groups have the least capacity to move to new locations as needed. It is predicted that the region will become increasingly urbanized as cities expand to absorb migrants in search of economic opportunities. As living standards and populations rise, water use will likely increase-for example, as more people have diets rich in meat, more water will be needed for agricultural use. The effects of future climate change could further exacerbate water stress. Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security explains that changes in the availability of water resources could play an increasing role in political tensions, especially if existing water management institutions do not better account for the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region. To effectively respond to the effects of climate change, water management systems will need to take into account the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region. This means it will be important to expand research and monitoring programs to gather more detailed, consistent, and accurate data on demographics, water supply, demand, and scarcity.


Book Synopsis Himalayan Glaciers by : National Research Council

Download or read book Himalayan Glaciers written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2012-11-29 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientific evidence shows that most glaciers in South Asia's Hindu Kush Himalayan region are retreating, but the consequences for the region's water supply are unclear, this report finds. The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is the location of several of Asia's great river systems, which provide water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses for about 1.5 billion people. Recent studies show that at lower elevations, glacial retreat is unlikely to cause significant changes in water availability over the next several decades, but other factors, including groundwater depletion and increasing human water use, could have a greater impact. Higher elevation areas could experience altered water flow in some river basins if current rates of glacial retreat continue, but shifts in the location, intensity, and variability of rain and snow due to climate change will likely have a greater impact on regional water supplies. Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security makes recommendations and sets guidelines for the future of climate change and water security in the Himalayan Region. This report emphasizes that social changes, such as changing patterns of water use and water management decisions, are likely to have at least as much of an impact on water demand as environmental factors do on water supply. Water scarcity will likely affect the rural and urban poor most severely, as these groups have the least capacity to move to new locations as needed. It is predicted that the region will become increasingly urbanized as cities expand to absorb migrants in search of economic opportunities. As living standards and populations rise, water use will likely increase-for example, as more people have diets rich in meat, more water will be needed for agricultural use. The effects of future climate change could further exacerbate water stress. Himalayan Glaciers: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Water Security explains that changes in the availability of water resources could play an increasing role in political tensions, especially if existing water management institutions do not better account for the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region. To effectively respond to the effects of climate change, water management systems will need to take into account the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region. This means it will be important to expand research and monitoring programs to gather more detailed, consistent, and accurate data on demographics, water supply, demand, and scarcity.


The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction

The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Jamie Woodward

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2014-01-30

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 0191664642

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The study of the Quaternary ice age has revolutionized ideas about Earth system change and the pace of landscape and ecosystem dynamics. The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction looks at evidence from the continents, the oceans, and the ice core records, and the human stories behind it all. Jamie Woodward examines the remarkable environmental shifts that took place during the Great Ice Age of the Quaternary Period. He explores the evolution of ideas, evaluates the contributions of the leading players in the great debates, and presents some of the ingenious methods that have been used to retrieve information about the recent geological past. In an era of warming climate, the study of the ice age past is now more important than ever. This book examines the wonders of the Quaternary ice age - to show how ice age landscapes and ecosystems were repeatedly and rapidly transformed as plants, animals, and humans reorganized their worlds. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Book Synopsis The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction by : Jamie Woodward

Download or read book The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction written by Jamie Woodward and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2014-01-30 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The study of the Quaternary ice age has revolutionized ideas about Earth system change and the pace of landscape and ecosystem dynamics. The Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction looks at evidence from the continents, the oceans, and the ice core records, and the human stories behind it all. Jamie Woodward examines the remarkable environmental shifts that took place during the Great Ice Age of the Quaternary Period. He explores the evolution of ideas, evaluates the contributions of the leading players in the great debates, and presents some of the ingenious methods that have been used to retrieve information about the recent geological past. In an era of warming climate, the study of the ice age past is now more important than ever. This book examines the wonders of the Quaternary ice age - to show how ice age landscapes and ecosystems were repeatedly and rapidly transformed as plants, animals, and humans reorganized their worlds. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Glacial Geology

Glacial Geology

Author: Matthew R. Bennett

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13:

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Glacial Geology: Ice Sheets and Landforms provides a modern, comprehensive summary of glacial geology. It is presented in a clear and concise format, which is not cluttered with unnecessary detail. During the Late Cenozoic period much of the northern hemisphere was extensively glaciated. This had a profound effect on the nature of the landscape. In order to understand this landscape one must be able to identify and interpret the glacial landforms and sediments from which it is composed. These landforms and sediments tell a unique part of the story of the Cenozoic Ice Age. This book is about these landforms and sediments and provides the reader with the tools with which to interpret them. It shows how glaciers work and how the processes of glacial erosion and deposition which operate within them are recorded in the glacial landscape.


Book Synopsis Glacial Geology by : Matthew R. Bennett

Download or read book Glacial Geology written by Matthew R. Bennett and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 1996 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Glacial Geology: Ice Sheets and Landforms provides a modern, comprehensive summary of glacial geology. It is presented in a clear and concise format, which is not cluttered with unnecessary detail. During the Late Cenozoic period much of the northern hemisphere was extensively glaciated. This had a profound effect on the nature of the landscape. In order to understand this landscape one must be able to identify and interpret the glacial landforms and sediments from which it is composed. These landforms and sediments tell a unique part of the story of the Cenozoic Ice Age. This book is about these landforms and sediments and provides the reader with the tools with which to interpret them. It shows how glaciers work and how the processes of glacial erosion and deposition which operate within them are recorded in the glacial landscape.


Landscapes and Geomorphology: A Very Short Introduction

Landscapes and Geomorphology: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Andrew Goudie

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2010-08-26

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 0199565570

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Examining what landscape is, and how we use a range of ideas and techniques to study it, Andrew Goudie and Heather Viles demonstrate how geomorphologists have built on classic methods pioneered by some great 19th century scientists to examine our Earth.


Book Synopsis Landscapes and Geomorphology: A Very Short Introduction by : Andrew Goudie

Download or read book Landscapes and Geomorphology: A Very Short Introduction written by Andrew Goudie and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2010-08-26 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examining what landscape is, and how we use a range of ideas and techniques to study it, Andrew Goudie and Heather Viles demonstrate how geomorphologists have built on classic methods pioneered by some great 19th century scientists to examine our Earth.


Physical Geology

Physical Geology

Author: Steven Earle

Publisher:

Published: 2016-08-12

Total Pages: 628

ISBN-13: 9781537068824

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This is a discount Black and white version. Some images may be unclear, please see BCCampus website for the digital version.This book was born out of a 2014 meeting of earth science educators representing most of the universities and colleges in British Columbia, and nurtured by a widely shared frustration that many students are not thriving in courses because textbooks have become too expensive for them to buy. But the real inspiration comes from a fascination for the spectacular geology of western Canada and the many decades that the author spent exploring this region along with colleagues, students, family, and friends. My goal has been to provide an accessible and comprehensive guide to the important topics of geology, richly illustrated with examples from western Canada. Although this text is intended to complement a typical first-year course in physical geology, its contents could be applied to numerous other related courses.


Book Synopsis Physical Geology by : Steven Earle

Download or read book Physical Geology written by Steven Earle and published by . This book was released on 2016-08-12 with total page 628 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a discount Black and white version. Some images may be unclear, please see BCCampus website for the digital version.This book was born out of a 2014 meeting of earth science educators representing most of the universities and colleges in British Columbia, and nurtured by a widely shared frustration that many students are not thriving in courses because textbooks have become too expensive for them to buy. But the real inspiration comes from a fascination for the spectacular geology of western Canada and the many decades that the author spent exploring this region along with colleagues, students, family, and friends. My goal has been to provide an accessible and comprehensive guide to the important topics of geology, richly illustrated with examples from western Canada. Although this text is intended to complement a typical first-year course in physical geology, its contents could be applied to numerous other related courses.


Living Ice

Living Ice

Author: Robert P. Sharp

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1991-06-28

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 9780521407403

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Glaciers, so simple in chemical composition, are actually complex, vital entities. Far from being a passive chunk of ice, a glacier is a dynamic system, sensitive to its surroundings and constantly changing to adapt to its environment. An appreciation of the natural beauty of glaciers are created, how they behave, how they affect the environment and how they are eventually destroyed. Few people are untouched by glaciers. A significant part of the world's population inhabits areas formerly covered by glacial ice, which left its marks on the land. Today, glaciers are only found in select parts of the world, but by their influence on global sea level and climatic change, they could have a dramatic effect on modern humanity. Living Ice: Understanding Glaciers and Glaciation aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of glacial activity and products. It is written in a nontechnical and engaging style. The text is peppered with anecdotes and insights from one of the world's experts on glaciers and it is also liberally and thoughtfully illustrated by numerous stunning black and white and colour illustrations. It is suitable for anyone with a passing knowledge of earth science and an interest in the world of living ice.


Book Synopsis Living Ice by : Robert P. Sharp

Download or read book Living Ice written by Robert P. Sharp and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1991-06-28 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Glaciers, so simple in chemical composition, are actually complex, vital entities. Far from being a passive chunk of ice, a glacier is a dynamic system, sensitive to its surroundings and constantly changing to adapt to its environment. An appreciation of the natural beauty of glaciers are created, how they behave, how they affect the environment and how they are eventually destroyed. Few people are untouched by glaciers. A significant part of the world's population inhabits areas formerly covered by glacial ice, which left its marks on the land. Today, glaciers are only found in select parts of the world, but by their influence on global sea level and climatic change, they could have a dramatic effect on modern humanity. Living Ice: Understanding Glaciers and Glaciation aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of glacial activity and products. It is written in a nontechnical and engaging style. The text is peppered with anecdotes and insights from one of the world's experts on glaciers and it is also liberally and thoughtfully illustrated by numerous stunning black and white and colour illustrations. It is suitable for anyone with a passing knowledge of earth science and an interest in the world of living ice.