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Geomorphological processes
.~ppliedGeogrop~~(1981). C 198 I Butterwonhs
151
I. 151-153
Book reviews Studies
in Physical Geography*
Derbyshire. E., Gregory, K. J. and Hails, J. R. Geomorphologicalprocesses. Dawson. 1979. 256 pp. f 12.50 cloth.
Folkestone:
Geomorphological processes is the first book in a series entitled Sludies in Physical Geography. It is presented as an introductory text for first- and second-year geography students. It also provides a summary of basic principles relevant to other books in the series; as a consequence it is likely to be read by a range of non-specialists. As its title implies it is concerned primarily with dynamic aspects of the landscape rather than landforms. Its choice of topics is limited, the main chapters dealing with drainage basins, coasts, wind action and glacial and periglacial (cryonival) processes. There is little, therefore, on slopes, while the chapter on aeolian processes is relatively short; hence it is not an encyclopaedic book. and will not satisfy the reader looking for a general outline of physical geography. Indeed, most geography students are likely to find that they need to consult more basic texts to fill in points of background, much of which is assumed here. In addition, it will be necessary to refer to more specialist texts for matters of detail; these are listed at the end of each chapter. The value of the book, however, lies in the fact that it is almost certain to stimulate the reader to such research. It is well structured. attractively produced (although some of the photographs could be better) and highly readable. Throughout, the text is mildly philosophical, and this is a fascinating feature. Many of the concepts are introduced by reference to the development of ideas and the nature of geomorphological inquiry, and this serves two useful functions: it illustrates the changing framework of the subject and helps link more traditional ideas to modern concepts. In the first chapter it also claims to be systems oriented, and, to its credit, it achieves this unobtrusively; it applies rather than preaches the systems concept. As a result, the jargon and self-righteousness that so often accompany the systems approach are kept to a minimum. In the same way, the text incorporates relevant mathematical principles in a manner. and at a level, which most students should find manageable and useful. It seems to lack data at times--concrete, quantitative examples-but then this is not a reference book. It is a text that is designed to be read sequentially. as a whole. That it is possible to do so with enjoyment, and rewardingly is an indication of its value. D. J. Briggs Department of Geography, Unicersity of Shefield Gregory, Dawson,
K. J. and Walling, D. E. Man and environmental processes. 1979. 300 pp. f12.50 cloth.
Folkestone:
In 1922, Sherlock wrote Man as a geological agent as one of the earliest studies of human interference with the environment. It was followed in 1956 by a vast reference book edited by Thomas entitled Man’s role in changing the face of the earth. The scale of human * Since these reviews were commissioned been acquired by Butterworths.
rights to the series Smdies
in Physical
Geography
have
151
I. 151-153
Book reviews Studies
in Physical Geography*
Derbyshire. E., Gregory, K. J. and Hails, J. R. Geomorphologicalprocesses. Dawson. 1979. 256 pp. f 12.50 cloth.
Folkestone:
Geomorphological processes is the first book in a series entitled Sludies in Physical Geography. It is presented as an introductory text for first- and second-year geography students. It also provides a summary of basic principles relevant to other books in the series; as a consequence it is likely to be read by a range of non-specialists. As its title implies it is concerned primarily with dynamic aspects of the landscape rather than landforms. Its choice of topics is limited, the main chapters dealing with drainage basins, coasts, wind action and glacial and periglacial (cryonival) processes. There is little, therefore, on slopes, while the chapter on aeolian processes is relatively short; hence it is not an encyclopaedic book. and will not satisfy the reader looking for a general outline of physical geography. Indeed, most geography students are likely to find that they need to consult more basic texts to fill in points of background, much of which is assumed here. In addition, it will be necessary to refer to more specialist texts for matters of detail; these are listed at the end of each chapter. The value of the book, however, lies in the fact that it is almost certain to stimulate the reader to such research. It is well structured. attractively produced (although some of the photographs could be better) and highly readable. Throughout, the text is mildly philosophical, and this is a fascinating feature. Many of the concepts are introduced by reference to the development of ideas and the nature of geomorphological inquiry, and this serves two useful functions: it illustrates the changing framework of the subject and helps link more traditional ideas to modern concepts. In the first chapter it also claims to be systems oriented, and, to its credit, it achieves this unobtrusively; it applies rather than preaches the systems concept. As a result, the jargon and self-righteousness that so often accompany the systems approach are kept to a minimum. In the same way, the text incorporates relevant mathematical principles in a manner. and at a level, which most students should find manageable and useful. It seems to lack data at times--concrete, quantitative examples-but then this is not a reference book. It is a text that is designed to be read sequentially. as a whole. That it is possible to do so with enjoyment, and rewardingly is an indication of its value. D. J. Briggs Department of Geography, Unicersity of Shefield Gregory, Dawson,
K. J. and Walling, D. E. Man and environmental processes. 1979. 300 pp. f12.50 cloth.
Folkestone:
In 1922, Sherlock wrote Man as a geological agent as one of the earliest studies of human interference with the environment. It was followed in 1956 by a vast reference book edited by Thomas entitled Man’s role in changing the face of the earth. The scale of human * Since these reviews were commissioned been acquired by Butterworths.
rights to the series Smdies
in Physical
Geography
have