This text provides an unusually accessible introduction to key scientific principles for understanding how the environment 'works'. It has been designed and written specifically for geography and environmental studies students who have little or no scientific training, and for students with some scientific training but who require a ready reference to relevant scientific topics. The book will also meet the needs of teachers of geography and environmental studies who require a firmer grasp of those scientific principles which underpin their discipline. The authors, who have extensive experience of teaching students of geography, have written the book in as descriptive a way as possible, anticipating that it will be used principally on a 'self-study' basis. The book deals with basic scientific principles in 'bite-sized' chunks but in addition provides a more detailed coverage of relevant 'special topics', including biochemistry, water and silicate minerals. Extensive use is made of cross-referencing which guide the reader to sections which should be understood, and to sections which explore particular topics further.The authors, who teach in the Geography Department, University of Liverpool, each combine a scientific background with long experience of teaching students of geography and environmental studies. Ian Bradbury is a biologist by training with bachelors and masters degrees in agronomy and a PhD in ecology. John Boyle's undergraduate and postgraduate work was in the geological sciences. His subsequent work has focused on environmental chemistry, particularly in water bodies and their sediments. Andy Morse combined geography with physics as an undergraduate and then pursued doctoral research in atmospheric physics. His current interests include atmosphere-vegetation interactions and the effects of climate on health.