Geomorphology in deserts / Геоморфология пустынь

Here is an examination of the nature of landforms, soil and geomorphological processes in deserts. It is the first volume in English to attempt a review of the many important geomorphological aspects of dry lands - areas which cover almost a third of the Earth's land surface. The field is vast and contributions to its study are enormously varied. The authors provide some valuable generalizations, illuminate certain long-standing problems and establish baselines from which future research can proceed. They draw their material from their own research in several deserts and from the extensive literature on desert geomorphology in several languages. After considering the nature of and approaches to the study of desert environments (Part I), landforms, soils and contemporary processes are considered in the context of geomorphological systems at different scales. In Part II the nature of desert surface conditions - weathering forms and processes, soils, stone pavements and patterned ground - are discussed. In Part III several aspects of fluvial geomorphology are considered, notably drainage systems, slopes and channels, alluvial fans, pediments and playas. In Part IV attention is focussed on the aeolian landforms. There is a full and valuable bibliography, and 100 maps and diagrams together with 80 highly relevant plates complete a work that will be greatly welcomed by geographers