Landform and Terrain, the Physical Geography of Landscape

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The word "terrain" refers to the surface characteristics of the ground that surrounds us. Terrain forms the skeleton of our landscape underlining our homes and gardens and ultimately giving us our food, clothing, and building materials. We see it daily on our way to work. We view it from the plane window as we travel abroad. We seek its charms when on holiday - the trails we walk, the beaches we lie on, and the mountain views that entrance us. The object of this book is to explain the reasons for the forms and variations of terrain so that we may have a fuller understanding and appreciation of its practical values and charms. These fascinate the rambler, cyclist, and climber but also to the driver and casual visitor. The title of this book is Landform and Terrain: the Physical Geography of Landscape. These terms have related and somewhat overlapping meanings. We use the term terrain for the bare surface of the ground, not including vegetation cover. By landform we mean the combination of terrain and vegetation which is dependent on climate, the actions of water and often of human activity. Landscape refers to the overall character geographical area which may include several different types of terrain and landform. Our aim has been to bring together geology, soil, climate and hydrology in such a way as to give the observer an overall view of the landscape he or she sees around them. Full illustrated. Colin Mitchell was the son of a landscape painter. After a year at Harvard and Oxford he worked as a soil surveyor in Sudan, Iraq, and Pakistan, obtaining a doctorate in terrain studies from Cambridge. An FAO consultant in China, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. He is author of the booksTerrain Evaluation and Landscape, Walks in Sussex and joint author of Phytogeomorphology. His special interest is encouraging everyone, and especially young people, to study and understand the landscapes around them.