Landforms from the air / Формы рельефа с воздуха

The photographs in this book cover all the main topics of geomorphology: rivers, glaciation, coasts, deserts, chalk and limestone, coral and volcanoes. However, all the pictures on one topic are not grouped together but are arranged so that pictures of landforms which look similar but have different origins are side by side, or at least close together. This demonstrates one purpose of this book, the recognition of landforms by familiarity with clear photographs of them.
To this end, each photograph has a set of exercises which provide the minimum information in words but which direct the student to observe, record and learn everything about the landform which is to be found in the picture. Much practical work of drawing sketches, diagrams, cross-sections, tracings and sketch maps is involved in order to direct attention to significant details. Generally the exercises are arranged in this order (/) recognition, (ii) description, (in) explanation, where this is possible from the photograph, and (/V) comparison with other landforms. Moreover, many exercises place emphasis not only on structure and process but also on stage, drawing attention to past landscapes and possible future landscapes in the area.
This book alone cannot be a complete course in geomorphology, and therefore the student is directed to other works in instances where important information is not to be gained from the photographs. More immediate, and equally important, is the assumption that not everyone will be able to tackle every question without any help. The pictures and exercises are presented in such a way as to get classwork started, with each student actively engaged; then the teacher can, and must, spend his or her time guiding and helping in the work. <...>