Overview

Divided into chapters that concentrate on particular aspects of the deserts, their geology, life forms, history and future, this book describes the hostile and extreme environments that cover more than a seventh of the world's surface. Lavish photographs capture the stark beauty of each desert's colours and light; maps show the varying topography of different regions, and the enthralling text describes some of nature's most remarkable adaptations and humanity's most resourceful communities. The chapters are divided by spectacular picture essays that feature a detailed view of a particular region, such as California's Death Valley, portraying its landscape, natural life and human residents. Throughout the book, boxes highlight fascinating aspects of the story of the deserts, from how sand dunes are formed to how the sidewinder moves, from how the Bedouin cope with the desert to the cave-dwelling quartz miners of central Australia.

Full Product Details

9781579583101

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Reviews

<p>'An attractive book, written for the nonspecialist, that portrays nature with a wealth of simple maps, lovely photographs, and considerable basic introductory information... Both a browsing book and beginning reference book... Recommended for high-school, public, and undergraduate libraries.'-- Booklist/RBB<p>'Gorgeous color photographs, detailed maps, and clear and authoritative scientific explanations make this atlas both informative and captivating... A particular nice feature is that the geographical location and other details of each photograph are consistently provided.' -- SciTech Book News

An attractive, up-to-date resource... Color photos, clearly drawn maps, and sidebars enrich the text. This well-researched atlas offers more than just maps... Highly recommended. <br>- Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Best Reference Titles 2003 <br> An attractive book, written for the nonspecialist, that portrays nature with a wealth of simple maps, lovely photographs, and considerable basic introductory information... Both a browsing book and beginning reference book... Recommended for high-school, public, and undergraduate libraries. <br>- Booklist/RBB, January 2004 <br> A useful resource for students seeking either quick facts or thematic discussions... Liberally endowed with large, bright color photos, the topical sections begin with an analysis on how deserts form; close with an eye-opening look at why desertification has become a major environmental issue... Recommended.... <br>- School Library Journal <br> Provides a broad and comprehensive overview... Its layout and extensive illustrations make it especially attractive to the generalist browser and to students... Particularly suitable for public and school libraries. <br>- The Arid Lands Newsletter, November-December 2003 <br> Gorgeous color photographs, detailed maps, and clear and authoritative scientific explanations make this atlas both informative and captivating... A particular nice feature is that the geographical location and other details of each photograph are consistently provided. <br>- SciTech Book News, December 2003 <br>

'An attractive book, written for the nonspecialist, that portrays nature with a wealth of simple maps, lovely photographs, and considerable basic introductory information... Both a browsing book and beginning reference book... Recommended for high-school, public, and undergraduate libraries.'-- Booklist/RBB 'Gorgeous color photographs, detailed maps, and clear and authoritative scientific explanations make this atlas both informative and captivating... A particular nice feature is that the geographical location and other details of each photograph are consistently provided.' -- SciTech Book News

'An attractive book, written for the nonspecialist, that portrays nature with a wealth of simple maps, lovely photographs, and considerable basic introductory information... Both a browsing book and beginning reference book... Recommended for high-school, public, and undergraduate libraries.'-- Booklist/RBB 'Gorgeous color photographs, detailed maps, and clear and authoritative scientific explanations make this atlas both informative and captivating... A particular nice feature is that the geographical location and other details of each photograph are consistently provided.' -- SciTech Book News

Author Information

Nathaniel Harris

Tab Content 6

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