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  • Textbook
  • © 2009

Geomorphology of Desert Environments

  • The most comprehensive and up-to-date research-level treatment of desert geomorphology
  • A global perspective
  • Written by authoritative practitioners in the field
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (28 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XVIII
  2. Introduction

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Geomorphology of Desert Environments

      • Anthony J. Parsons, Athol D. Abrahams
      Pages 3-7
    3. Desert Ecogeomorphology

      • John Wainwright
      Pages 21-66
  3. Weathering

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 67-67
    2. Weathering Processes and Forms

      • B.J. Smith
      Pages 69-100
    3. Duricrusts

      • John C. Dixon, Sue J. McLaren
      Pages 123-151
    4. Desert Rock Coatings

      • Ronald I. Dorn
      Pages 153-186
  4. Hillslopes

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 187-187
    2. Rock Slopes

      • Alan D. Howard, Michael J. Selby
      Pages 189-232
    3. Rock-Mantled Slopes

      • Anthony J. Parsons, Athol D. Abrahams, Alan D. Howard
      Pages 233-263
    4. Badlands and Gullying

      • Alan D. Howard
      Pages 265-299
  5. Rivers

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 301-301
    2. Catchment and Channel Hydrology

      • John B. Thornes
      Pages 303-332
    3. Dryland Rivers: Processes and Forms

      • D. Mark Powell
      Pages 333-373
  6. Piedmonts

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 375-375
    2. Pediments in Arid Environments

      • John C. Dohrenwend, Anthony J. Parsons
      Pages 377-411
    3. Processes and Forms of Alluvial Fans

      • Terence C. Blair, John G. McPherson
      Pages 413-467

About this book

About one-third of the Earth’s land surface experiences a desert climate, and this area supports approximately 15% of the planet’s population. This percentage continues to grow, and with this growth comes the need to acquire and apply an understanding of desert geomorphology. Such an understanding is vital in managing scarce and fragile resources and in mitigating natural hazards.

This authoritative reference book is comprehensive in its coverage of the geomorphology of desert environments, and is arranged thematically. It begins with an overview of global deserts, proceeds through treatments of weathering, hillslopes, rivers, piedmonts, lake basins, and aeolian surfaces, and concludes with a discussion of the role of climatic change. Written by a team of international authors, all of whom are active in the field, the chapters cover the spectrum of desert geomorphology.

Editors and Affiliations

  • Dept. Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom S10 2TN

    Anthony J. Parsons

  • Dept. Geography, State University of New York, Buffalo, USA

    Athol D. Abrahams

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access