The Tropics (Extreme Environments)

This volume introduces students to the humid tropics, a lush region defined by climate and conditions of temperature and moisture. Insightful text tells how, under natural conditions, the tropical world supports a rich rainforest ecosystem, while tropical areas with poor soils generally support an economy based on low-yield, shifting cultivation. Students will learn about intriguing high civilizations of antiquity, and about the Europeans who later colonized most of these environs. The Tropics explains that although the region suffers from political instability and poverty, its problems are not insurmountable--the tropics can prosper if stability and economic development can be achieved.

Charles F. Gritzner is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography at South Dakota State University in Brookings. In 2010, he retired from teaching after a 50-year career during which he taught more than 70 different courses. Dr. Gritzner has served as both president and executive director of the National Council for Geographic Education and received the Council's highest honor, the George J. Miller Award for Distinguished Service to Geographic Education, as well as numerous other national teaching, service, and research recognitions from the NCGE, the Association of American Geographers, and other organizations.