Urban Biophysical Environments

At present over 80 percent of Australia's population lives in urban areas. This percentage is likely to increase as cities expand in an attempt to keep up with the growth in population. Australia is not unique in this situation. Increasing urbanization is the prognosis for countries all over the globe. Despite their youth, Australian cities share many characteristics and problems with cities elsewhere, along with a localized set of difficulties that requires specific solutions. Urban development in Australia has had a major impact on surrounding biophysical environments, and this can sometimes adversely affect the health, welfare and lifestyle of urban residents. Urban Biophysical Environments provides an assessment of current and emerging environmental problems from a physical point of view. The authors take a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and managing the impact of cities on the atmosphere, climate, surface water and groundwater, soil, flora and fauna, and ecosystems of Australia. By emphasizing the depth and range of potential problems, this book makes an ideal text for students in environmental, geographical, or atmospheric sciences.

Howard Bridgman is Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Newcastle.

Robin Warner is Associate Professor of Geography at The University of Sydney.

John Dodson is Professor of Geography at The University of Western Australia.