Synopses & Reviews
To understand timely issues such as natural disasters and environmental challenges–and to evaluate solutions to related problems–the average citizen needs a basic awareness of the scientific principles that influence our planet. This trusted book makes an often-complex subject accessible to readers with a strong focus on readability and illustrations. Offers a meaningful, non-technical survey that is informative and up to date for learning basic principles and concepts. Includes a revised and expanded GEODe Earth CD-ROM. Updates and revises art and illustrations to include dozens of new high-quality, photographs carefully selected to aid understanding and add realism. Provides a wealth of new special-interest boxes, including "Earth as a System," "People and the Environment," and "Understanding Earth." A useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about Earth's geology.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 An Introduction to Geology
Chapter 2 Plate Tectonics: A Scientific Revolution Unfolds
Chapter 3 Matter and Minerals Chapter 4 Igneous Rocks
Chapter 5 Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity
Chapter 6 Weathering and Soil
Chapter 7 Sedimentary Rocks
Chapter 8 Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks Chapter 9 Geologic Time
Chapter 10 Crustal Deformation
Chapter 11 Earthquakes
Chapter 12 Earth’s Interior
Chapter 13 Divergent Boundaries: Origin and Evolution of the Ocean Floor
Chapter 14 Convergent Boundaries: Mountain Building and the Evolution of the Continents
Chapter 15 Mass Wasting: The Work of Gravity
Chapter 16 Running Water
Chapter 17 Groundwater
Chapter 18 Glaciers and Glaciation
Chapter 19 Deserts and Winds
Chapter 20 Shorelines
Chapter 21 Global Climate Change
Chapter 22 Earth’s Evolution Through Geologic Time
Chapter 23 Energy and Mineral ResourcesChapter 24 Planetary Geology