World atlas of physical geography

Summary

J. V. Filipov describes the World Atlas of Physical Geography as the second volume of the World Atlas published in 1954. His account specifies a 50 × 33 cm atlas with 246 maps and 20 pages of explanatory text, organized into projected sections on the world, continents, and USSR, with scales ranging from 1:60,000,000 to 1:10,000,000. These sections proceed from general observations to particulars, covering relief, geology, tectonics, minerals, Quaternary deposits, geomorphology, climate, inland waters, soils, agricultural distribution, vegetation, fauna, and physical-geographical regions. Compilation combines original investigations with the synthesis and systematization of source data. The State Geodesical and Cartographical Survey, USSR Academy of Sciences, Hydrometeorological Service, and Ministry of Geology and of Conservation of Mineral Wealth participate. Filipov expects the atlas to provide an authoritative reference for geographers and other specialists and to outline directions for further work in physical geography.