The Periglacial Environment, Third Edition, provides
an authoritative overview of the worlda??s cold, non-glacial
environments. Emphasis is placed upon the North American and
Eurasian polar lowlands, but examples are also drawn from
Antarctica, the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau, and the northern
mid-latitudes. First published in 1976 and subsequently revised in
1996, the text has been the international standard
forA over 30 years.
The Third Edition continues to be a personal interpretation of
the frost-induced conditions, geomorphic processes, and landforms
that typify periglacial environments. The text is divided into four
parts. Part One discusses the periglacial concept and its
interactions with geomorphology, geocryology and Quaternary
science. It also outlines the range and variability of periglacial
climates and the degree to whichA landscapes are in
geomorphic equilibrium with prevailing periglacial conditions. Part
Two describes present-day terrain that is either underlain by
permafrost or experiencing intense frost action. The roles played
by cryogenic weathering, ground ice, mass wasting, running water,
wind action, snow and ice, and coastal processes are systematically
analysed. Part Three summarizes evidence for the existence of
periglacial conditions during the cold periods of the Pleistocene,
with special reference to the mid-latitudes of Europe and North
America. Part Four illustrates the geotechnical problems associated
with human activity and resource development in periglacial
environments, and discusses the potential impact of global climate
change in the northern high latitudes.


This excellent textbook is an invaluable resource for second and
third year undergraduate students of Physical Geography, Geology,
Environmental Science and Earth Science. The Periglacial
Environment, Third Edition is also anA informative
reading for professionals, researchers and lecturers working and
teaching in the field.