Earth is a place of great physical and cultural diversity, yet people know little about it. Physical geography deals with the spatial and temporal characteristics and relationships of all phenomena within the physical environment. A systematic study of physical geography is of immense help in understanding the numerous environmental challenges of the contemporary period. The book is aimed to explain the spatial dimensions of the earth’s natural systems and their processes.

Thoroughly revised with three new chapters and over eighty new maps and diagrams, this updated fifth edition of bestselling introductory textbook is well suited to the curriculum of established physical geography courses. The text includes many special features that are intended to enhance and clarify students’ understanding and mastery of the subject. Throughout, the scientific ideas and processes are explained in a simple manner supported by a range of illustrative material including maps, diagrams and photographs. It is hoped that the book will fulfill the needs of the candidates who prepare themselves for the Indian Administrative Services and for the National Eligibility Test (NET) as well as to those who are interested in the subject of Physical Geography.

• The Universe

• The Solar System

• Origin of the Earth

• Geological History of the Earth

• Basic Concepts of Geomorphology

• Interior of the Earth

• Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

• Theory of Isostasy

• Crustal Formation and Deformation Processes

• Rocks

• Volcanoes

• Earthquakes

• Mountains, Plateaus and Plains

• Lakes

• Geomorphic Processes

• Fluvial Processes: Rivers and Related Landforms

• Drainage Patterns

• Cycle of Erosion

• Planation of Surfaces

• Glaciers and Glacial Landforms

• Aeolian Landforms

• Groundwater Landforms

• Work of Sea Waves and Coastal Landforms

• Climatology

• Global Energy and Temperatures

• Atmospheric Pressure and Circulation

• The Monsoon

• Local Winds

• Humidity, Clouds and Precipitation

• Air Masses, Fronts and Cyclones

• Hydrologic Cycle and Water Resources

• Classification of Climates

• Climatic Change

• Applied Climatology

• Soils

• Ecosystems and Biomes

• Configuration of the Oceans

• Oceans: Temperature and Salinity

• Ocean Deposits

• Ocean Currents and Tides

• Coral Reefs and Atolls

• Catastrophes and Natural Hazards

• Environmental Degradation and Management