An introduction to environmental study. The book offers those studying or interested in the environment, an understanding of natural environments and the way they function. It covers the breadth of the environmental sciences, providing concise, non-technical explanations of physical processes and systems and the effects of human activities. In this second edition the scientific background to major environmental issues is clearly explained. These include global warming, genetically modified foods, desertification, acid rain, deforestation, human population growth, depleting resources and nuclear power generation. There are also descriptions of the 10 major biomes. Special text features include: accessible, engaging text; illustrations and explanatory diagrams throughout; boxed case studies, concepts and definitions; section summaries; a glossary with key words highlighted in the text; extensive cross-referencing and topic integration; annotated further reading lists and links to web sites.