The physical environment: introductory ideas and concepts - Fundamentals of the Physical Environment - page 21

and equally are themselves affected by the limitations and opportunities which the
physical environment presents. These interactions make up what is termed the field of
environmental management . All too easily people trigger changes in environmental
systems more far-reaching and destructive than was intended. Mostly this is not due to
malice, but because people simply do not understand all the ramifications of their actions.
We shall study many examples in the rest of the topic. In almost every case the lesson
will be the same. If ever we are to manage the physical environment without damaging it,
we need to understand the physical, chemical and biological processes working in
different physical environments, how environmental systems function as a whole, how
they change and how they respond to external conditions. In this sense the overall aim of
this topic is to improve our understanding of such difficult matters, and in so doing bring
benefits to human society. As Trudgill (2001) has emphasized, foolproof predictions of
environmental futures may be an unattainable goal, but by a better understanding of
environmental processes and environmental systems, we shall be better prepared to
manage the physical environment sympathetically and to respond to foreseen and
unforeseen environmental change.
FURTHER READING
Chorley, R. J. (1971) Physical Geography: a systems approach , London: Prentice Hall.
Chorley, R. J., Schumm, S. A., and Sugden, D. E. (1984) Geomorphology , London: Methuen.
Ernst, W. G, ed. (2000) Earth Systems: processes and issues , Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Hack, J. T. (1957) Studies of Longitudinal Stream Profiles in Virginia and Maryland . US
Geological Survey Professional Paper 294B. Reston VA: US Geological Survey.
Howard, A. J., and Macklin, M. G., eds (1998) The Quaternary of the Eastern Yorkshire Dales:
field guide , London: Quaternary Research Association.
Jacobson, M. C., Charleson, R. J., Rodhe, H., and Orians, G. H., eds (2000) Earth System Science:
from biogeochemical cycles to global change , San Diego, CA and London: Academic Press.
Renwick, W. H. (1992) 'Equilibrium, disequilibrium and nonequilibrium landforms in the
landscape', Geomorphology 5, 265-76.
Richards, K. S. (1982) Forms and Processes in Alluvial Channels , London: Methuen.