Includes bibliographical references (p. [285]-319) and index.
"Deserts and Desert Environments focuses on geomorphic systems, providing a comprehensive introduction to the physical, biological, temporal, and human components of drylands. The breadth of coverage and accessible style make Deserts and Desert Environments ideal for introductory students of desert systems or desert geomorpholoqy, as well as a useful reference for scientists and environmental professionals."--BOOK JACKET.
Introduction: defining the desert system -- Deserts of the world -- The climatic framework -- The hydrologic framework -- Lake systems: past and present -- Weathering processes and hillslope systems -- Desert soils and geomorphic surfaces -- Water as a geomorphic agent -- Aeolian processes -- Landforms of aeolian erosion and desert dust -- Plant communities and their geomorphic impacts -- Animal communities -- Desertification and the human dimension.