Natural Landscapes of the United States

By Pirkle-Yoho and et al pirkle,e.c.

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0840335865
• ISBN13: 9780840335869
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: kendall,hunt
• Weight: 2.44 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent and enjoyable text!

This book was assigned in one of my favorite undergrad classes, which had the unassuming title "Intermediate Physical Geography." It wasn't so much a 'science' class, however, as a class on what you might call 'geography appreciation'. A great class, and a great book, for 'armchair geographers'. Fittingly, this is not strictly a scientific 'textbook'. Physiography is a descriptive exercise, more akin to what used to be called natural history, than to related disciplines like geology. "Natural Landscapes of the United States" reads to me like a sort of field guide, introducing the reader to the variety of American physical landscapes on a continental scale. The authors divide the United States into 20-some different physiographic regions, identified by their relatively homogeneous tectonic origins, bedrock, climate, and vegetation. (These divisions are generally accepted by 'physiographers'.) Each chapter on these regions is brief, covering the basic identifying features. The book also comes with a map (mine seems to have disappeared) illustrating the division of the country. My only real criticism is that the book is not as well illustrated as it could be. Fortunately, my teacher was well stocked with slides, and provided the necessary supporting photographic detail that the book lacked. Even without color illustrations, however, this book makes a worthwhile addition to any naturalist's or traveler's shelf.

A Splendid brief Physiography of the US

This book is for those who want the general picture without too much detail and jargon. Part I gives the general reader the needed brief background in geology, climate, and vegetation. Part II gives brief but adequate descriptions of the natural or physiographic regions of the US and includes sites of interest.