Synopses & Reviews
In this sixth edition of
Understanding Earth, students are encouraged to
do what geologists do.
Understanding Earth is designed to bring the worldview of the working geologist to an audience not only new to this specific field, but in many cases to science in general.Students aren't merely presented with concepts and processes--they come to learn how we know what we know, and how that knowledge impacts their lives as citizens and helpful environmental stewards of the planet.
With new features, up-to-date research, brilliant new art, and standard-setting new media tools, the new edition more fully envelopes students in the real work and real-world impact of geology than ever.
Synopsis
More than any other introductory physical geology textbook, Understanding Earth invites students into the working world of professional geologists to experience. Like no other textbook, it involves students in the way geologists see the world and how they go about exploring it. With new features, up-to-date research, brillant new art, and standard-setting new media tools, the new edition more fully envelopes students in the real work and real-world impact of geology than ever.
Synopsis
More than any other introductory physical geology textbook, Understanding Earth is designed to bring the worldview of the working geologist to an audience not only new to this specific field, but in many cases to science in general. Students aren't merely presented with concepts and processes--they come to learn how we know what we know, and how that knowledge impacts their lives as citizens and consumers.
Table of Contents
Part I. The Modern Theory and Practice of Geology 1. The Earth System
2. Plate Tectonics: The Unifying Theory
Part II. Basic Geologic Processes
3. Earth Materials: Minerals and Rocks
4. Igneous Processes: Rocks Formed from Cooling Melts
5. Sedimentation: Rocks Formed by Surface Processes
6. Metamorphism: Modification of Rocks by Temperature and Pressure
7. Deformation: Modification of Rocks by Folding and Faulting
Part III. Earth and Planets Through Geologic Time
8. Reading the Rock Record
9. Early History of the Terrestrial Planets
10. Evolution of the Continents
11. Life Interacts with the Earth
Part IV. Internal Geosystems
12. Volcanoes
13. Earthquakes
14. Exploring Earth's Interior
Part V. Surficial Geosystems
15. The Climate System
16. Weathering, Soils, and Mass Wasting
17. Groundwater and the Hydrologic Cycle
18. Streams: Transport to the Oceans
19. Winds and Deserts
20. Oceans and Coastlines
21. Glaciers: The Work of Ice
22. Landscapes and Seascapes
Part VI. Earth Science and Society
23. The Human Impact on Earth's Environment