ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY uses the combined expertise of three respected geographers to help bridge the gap between scientific theory, practical application, and the human-environmental interface. The text emphasizes three essential themes to demonstrate the major roles for the discipline--Geography as a Physical Science, Geography as the Spatial Science, and Geography as Environmental Science. With a renewed focus on examining relationships and processes among systems, the text helps students understand how the various systems interrelate like never before. The eighth edition features Physical GeographyNow? the first assessment-driven and student-centered online learning solution created specifically for this course. Physical GeographyNow? uses a series of chapter-specific diagnostic tests to build a personalized learning plan for each student, allowing students to focus their study time on specific areas of weaknesses. Each personalized learning plan directs students to specific chapter sections and concept-driven multimedia tutorials designed to augment their understanding.