Applied Geography The Formulation Of A New Ecological Science

Dedicated since ancient times to the study of interactions between Life processes and the environmental influences of our Earth-world home, and recognized by Charles Darwin as 'the Queen of Sciences', Geography has provided an epistemological store of knowledge relating to past human experiences, whether propitious or doleful in nature. This pool of wisdom recorded in the Language of Geographical connectivity, could be of great potential value in guiding decisions, and the formulation of remedial strategies required to redress the pernicious effects of human cupidity and reckless exploitation of human and physical resources. But, the discipline of Geography has become an isolated and fractured science, at a time when it could be called upon to counter the destructive effects of systemic problems, such as climate change. The world is at a crossroads, reeling in shock from the traumatic effects of war, clouded with anxiety about the future.

Applied Geography offers an invaluable introduction to useful research in physical, environmental and human geography and provides a new focus and reference point for investigating and understanding problem-orientated research. Forty-nine leading experts in the field introduce and explore research which crosses the traditional boundary between physical and human geography. A wide range of key issues and contemporary debates are within the books main sections, which cover: natural and environmental hazards environmental change and management challenges of the human environment techniques of spatial analysis Applied geography is the application of geographic knowledge and skills to identify the nature and causes of social, economic and environmental problems and inform policies which lead to their resolution.

Applied geography, a new frontier in geographic discipline, distinguishes itself from other branches of geography through the application of geographical knowledge and its techniques in solving practical problems of the land and the environment. Explorations in Applied Geography is a felicitation volume in honour of Professor L.R. Singh, Department of Geography, University of Allahabad, who has established his international credentials as a leading exponent of Applied Geography. He considers public policy to be one of the applications of applied geographic principles, since many problems facing society today have a geographical dimension. To Professor L.R. Singh, Applied Geography is the strategy of the trinity of men, space and resources which need to be harmonized in advancing human well-being. This volume, contributed by geographers of eminence within the country and from other parts of the globe, focuses on the following thrust areas: • Natural and environmental hazards • Environmental change and management • Challenges of the human environment • Application of techniques of spatial analysis In a nutshell, the book emphasizes the important proactive role that the Applied Geography must play in the formulation of public policies and programmes for sustainable human development. This comprehensive and classic compendium will not only be useful to post-graduate students in geography but also provide new vistas in geographic research.

This handbook is recognition of the need to better integrate physical and human geography. It combines a collection of work and research within the new field of Critical Physical Geography, which gives critical attention to relations of social power with deep knowledge of a particular field of biophysical science. Critical Physical Geography research accords careful attention to biophysical landscapes and the power relations that have increasingly come to shape them, and to the politics of environmental science and the role of biophysical inquiry in promoting social and environmental justice. The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Physical Geography lays out the scope and guiding principles of Critical Physical Geography research. It presents a carefully selected set of empirical work, demonstrating the range and intellectual strength of existing integrative work in geography research. This handbook is the first of its kind to cover this emerging discipline and will be of significant interest to students and academics across the fields of geography, the environment and sustainability.

"Covers a broad range of subjects that undergraduates in the discipline should be familiar and comfortable with upon graduation. From chapters on the scientific method and fundamental research concepts, to experimental design, sampling and statistical analysis, the text offers an excellent introduction to the key concepts of geographical research. The content is applicable for students at the beginning of their studies right through to planning and conducting dissertations. The book has also been of particular support in designing my level 1 and 2 tutorials which cover similar ground to several of the chapters." - Joseph Mallalieu, School of Geography, Leeds University "Montello and Sutton is one of the best texts I've used in seminars on research methodology. The text offers a clear balance of quantitative vs. qualitative and physical vs. human which I've found particularly valuable. The chapters on research ethics, scientific communication, information technologies and data visualization are excellent." - Kenneth E. Foote, Department of Geography, University of Colorado at Boulder This is a broad and integrative introduction to the conduct and interpretation of scientific research, covering both geography and environmental studies. Written for undergraduate and postgraduate students, it: Explains both the conceptual and the technical aspects of research, as well as all phases of the research process Combines approaches in physical geography and environmental science, human geography and human-environment relations, and geographic and environmental information techniques (such as GIS, cartography, and remote sensing) Combines natural and social scientific approaches common to subjects in geography and environmental studies Includes case studies of actual research projects to demonstrate the breadth of approaches taken It will be core reading for students studying scientific research methods in geography, environmental studies and related disciplines such as planning and earth science.

A New Ecology presents an ecosystem theory based on the following ecosystem properties: physical openness, ontic openness, directionality, connectivity, a complex dynamic for growth and development, and a complex dynamic response to disturbances. Each of these properties is developed in detail to show that these basic and characteristic properties can be applied to explain a wide spectrum of ecological obsevations and convections. It is also shown that the properties have application for environmental management and for assessment of ecosystem health. * Demonstrates an ecosystem theory that can be applied to explain ecological observations and rules * Presents an ecosystem theory based upon a systems approach * Discusses an ecosystem theory that is based on a few basic properties that are characteristic for ecosystmes

Applied Geography, A World Perspective reviews progress in applied geography in different regions of the world. It does this through the eyes of an international panel of highly regarded academic practitioners. The book offers new prospects on the use of established approaches and explores exciting new territories. Together, the contributors provide a comprehensive picture of applied geography today. This book is of relevance to faculty and graduate students in the fields of geography, planning, public policy, regional science and other related social and behavioural sciences.