Synopses & Reviews
The Third Edition of Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science treats earth science from a systems perspective, showing how the four spheres (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere) are interrelated. In this edition, significant emphasis is placed on cycling of materials and energy, and interactions among the spheres. The text also places much clearer emphasis on basic science, which can be seen in the reorganization of topics into Energy and Matter chapters, as well as a new "The Basics" feature in each chapter. This edition is also more systematic about documenting human impacts on the various spheres of the Earth system.
Synopsis
The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Sciences, 3rd Edition is an innovative text for the earth systems science course. It treats earth science from a systems perspective, now showing the five spheres and how they are interrelated. There are many photos and figures in the text to develop a strong understanding of the material presented. This along with the new media for instructors makes this a strong text for any earth systems science course.
Table of Contents
Part I. The Earth System: Our Place in Space
1. The Earth System
2. Matter
3. Energy
4. The Solar System
Part II. The Geosphere: Earth Beneath Our Feet
5. The Dynamic Geosphere
6. Earthquakes and Volcanoes
7. The Rock Cycle
Part III. The Hydrosphere: Earth's Blanket of Water and Ice
8. The Hydrologic Cycle
9. The Frozen Hydrosphere
10. The World Ocean
Part IV. The Atmosphere: Earth's Gaseous Envelope
11. The Atmosphere
12. Wind and Weather Systems
13. The Climate System
Part V. The Biosphere: Life on Earth
14. Life, Death, and Evolution
15. Energy and Matter in Life Systems
16. Earth's Major Ecosystems
17. Habitat, Interactions, and Diversity
Part VI. The Anthrosphere: Humans and the Future of Earth
18. Earth's Resources
19. The Changing Earth System