Table of Contents Last updated Save as PDF Page ID12762 1: Main Body1.1: Chapter 12: Physical Geography2.1: Introduction to Physical Geography2.2: Scientific and Geographic Inquiry2.3: Scientific Method2.4: Geographic Grid System2.5: Geospatial Technology2.6: Summary3: The Universe3.1: Introduction to the Universe3.10: Star Classification3.11: Measuring Distant Stars3.2: Video: The History of Our World in 18 Minutes3.3: Expanding Universe3.4: Formation of the Universe3.5: Dark Matter and Dark Energy3.6: Star Systems3.7: Types of Galaxies3.8: Milky Way Galaxy3.9: Star Energy4: Planet Earth4.1: Introduction to the Planet Earth4.10: Video: The Story of the Earth4.2: Earth as a Planetary Body4.3: Earth’s Motions4.4: Earth’s Surface Features4.5: Defining Rock Types4.6: The Rock Cycle4.7: Igneous Rocks4.8: Sedimentary Rocks4.9: Metamorphic Rock5: Plate Tectonics5.1: Introduction to Plate Tectonics5.2: Understanding Earth’s Interior5.3: The Composition and Structure of Earth5.4: Theory of Continental Drift5.5: Sea Floor Spreading5.6: Earth’s Tectonic Plates5.7: Tectonic Plate Boundaries5.8: Earth’s Changing Surface5.9: Plate Tectonics Theory6: Tectonic Forces6.1: Introduction to Tectonic Forces6.10: Magma Composition6.11: Predicting Volcanic Eruptions6.12: Types of Volcanoes6.13: Volcanic Landforms and Geothermal Activity6.14: Hazards and Benefits of Volcanic Activity6.2: Causes and Types of Tectonic Stress6.3: Geologic Structures6.4: Causes of Earthquakes6.5: Earthquake Zones6.6: Seismic Waves6.7: Annual Earthquakes6.8: Earthquake Prediction6.9: Where Volcanoes Are Located7: Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition7.1: Introduction to Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition7.10: Wave Action and Erosion7.11: Transport of Particles by Wind7.12: Formation and Movement of Glaciers7.13: Climate Change and Glacial Loss7.2: Weathering Processes7.3: Influences on Weathering7.4: Factors that Influence Mass Wasting7.5: Types of Mass Wasting7.6: Limiting Mass Wasting Potential7.7: Subsidence7.8: Erosion and Deposition by Streams7.9: Ground Water Erosion and Deposition8: Earth’s Fresh Water8.1: Introduction to Earth’s Fresh Water8.2: Distribution of Earth’s Water8.3: Streams and Rivers8.4: Divides8.5: Wetlands8.6: Floods8.7: Groundwater9: Oceans and Coastal Environments9.1: Introduction to Oceans and Coastal Environments9.10: Studying the Seafloor9.11: Ocean Resources9.12: Types of Ocean Organisms9.13: Interactions Among Ocean Organisms9.14: Oceanic Zone9.15: Hydrothermal Vents9.2: Significance of the Oceans9.3: Layers of the Ocean9.4: Waves9.5: Tidal Waves9.6: Surface Currents9.7: Shape of the Ocean Basin9.8: Local and Surface Currents9.9: Deep Currents10: The Atmosphere10.1: Introduction to the Atmosphere10.10: The Polar Front and Jet Streams10.2: Significance of the Atmosphere10.3: Atmospheric Gasses10.4: Layers of the Atmosphere10.5: Atmospheric Energy, Temperature, and Heat10.6: Energy from the Sun10.7: Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere10.8: Atmospheric Movements and Flow10.9: Global Atmospheric Circulations11: Weather Processes and Systems11.1: Introduction to Weather Processes and Systems11.2: Weather and Atmospheric Water11.3: Air Masses11.4: Weather Front11.5: Thunderstorms11.6: Tornadoes11.7: Cyclones11.8: Collecting Weather Data12: Climate Systems and Change12.1: Introduction to Climate Systems and Change12.10: Climate Change in Earth History12.11: Short-term Climate Changes12.12: Causes of Long-term Climate Change12.13: Anthropogenic Climate Change12.2: Controls of Climate12.3: Climate Zones and Biomes12.4: Tropical Moist Climates (Group A)12.5: Dry Climates (Group B)12.6: Moist Subtropical Mid-latitude (Group C)12.7: Humid Continental (Group D)12.8: Polar Climates (Group E)12.9: Hightland Climates (Group H)Back MatterIndexGlossary