A climate of arctic severity prevailed in Britain throughout much of the last two million years, resulting in the widespread formation of a great range of periglacial landforms and deposits. Many of these features provide key evidence for understanding the evolution of the present landscape and reconstructing former climate. Appreciation of the significance of periglacial deposits and structures is also important in many engineering operations and in understanding the development of present-day soils. This book, first published in 1994, provides a synthesis of theory in periglacial geomorphology and applies this to the study of periglacial phenomena in Great Britain. The first part of the book introduces the chronological and environmental background to periglaciation in Britain. The second and third parts deal respectively with the periglaciation of lowland Britain and upland Britain. The book concludes by considering the implications of periglacial phenomena for environmental reconstruction.

From reviews of the first edition: 'excellent new volume ! in one volume the authors have attempted to bring together virtually all the evidence available for periglacial activity in Britain. This is no small task, yet they have achieved their aims impressively ! It is well written, beautifully illustrated and well produced. It will definitely be the basic reference for periglacial courses for years to come.' Geological Magazine 'Throughout the text is well written, clear, and the descriptions are well-referenced. Moreover, the textbook is well illustrated with many diagrams and photographs of good quality ! will become a basic reference work for UK based geomorphologists and Quaternary scientists' Journal of Quaternary Science '! an excellent book which I heartily recommend to anyone interested in glacial and periglacial geomorphology, Quaternary environmental change, or the landscape of western Europe ! one of the lasting joys of this book is that it is clearly and elegantly written.' Raoul Miller, Arctic and Alpine Research 'Two of Great Britain's most respected and productive periglacial geomorphologists have joined forces to create a volume that will undoubtedly become essential reading for both students undertkaing a periglacial module as part of their undergraduate course and those engaged in research into the processes, landforms and sediments that are regarded as characteristic of Britain's periglacial heritage ! Overall the book is well written (i.e. it is easy to read and understand)' Dr. Peter Wilson, Quaternary Newsletter 'This volume is not a dry recitation of old process cliches, nor is it a dull compendium of the existing literature...the reader is provided with a thoughtful, up-to-date review of knowledge ! and an assessment of the general state of periglacial process geomorphology.' Colin E. Thorn, Journal of Ecological Education