Earth: Portrait Of A Planet

The First Edition of Earth: Portrait of a Planet revolutionized the study of geology by integrating traditional geological concepts with the most recent theoretical advances in geology, including theories of plate tectonics and earth systems science. Adopted at over 300 schools worldwide, this innovative text has quickly become the best-selling introductory text in the field. Retaining the core strengths of the First Edition, the Second Edition has been meticulously revised, adding engaging new material and learning tools. The text\'s popular art program has been significantly expanded, including new satellite photographs and eighteen new "What a Geologist Sees" illustrations. Additionally, the Second Edition features the most effective and current multimedia tools available for instructors and students.

Part I Our Island in Space Chapter 1 Cosmology and the Birth of Earth Chapter 2 Journey to the Center of the Earth Chapter 3 Drifting Continents and Spreading Seas Chapter 4 The Way the Earth Works: Plate Tectonics Part II Earth Materials Chapter 5 Patterns in Nature: Minerals Interlude A Rock Groups Chapter 6 Up from the Inferno: Magma and Igneous Rocks Chapter 7 A Surface Veneer: Sediments, Soils, and Sedimentary Rocks Chapter 8 Metamorphism: A Process of Change Interlude B The Rock Cycle Part III Tectonic Activity of a Dynamic Planet Chapter 9 The Wrath of Vulcan: Volcanic Eruptions Chapter 10 A Violent Pulse: Earthquakes Interlude C Seeing Inside the Earth Chapter 11 Crags, Cracks, and Crumples: Crustal Deformation and Mountain Building Part IV History before History Interlude D Memories of Past Life: Fossils and Evolution Chapter 12 Deep Time: How Old Is Old? Chapter 13 A Biography of Earth Part V Earth Resources Chapter 14 Squeezing Power from a Stone: Energy Resources Chapter 15 Riches in Rock: Mineral Resources Part VI Processes and Problems at the Earth\'s Surface Interlude E Ever-Changing Landscapes and the Hydrologic Cycle Chapter 16 Unsafe Ground: Landslides and Other Mass Movements Chapter 17 Streams and Floods: The Geology of Running Water Chapter 18 Restless Realm: Oceans and Coasts Chapter 19 A Hidden Reserve: Groundwater Chapter 20 An Envelope of Gas: Earth\'s Atmosphere and Climate Chapter 21 Dry Regions: The Geology of Deserts Chapter 22 Amazing Ice: Glaciers and Ice Ages Chapter 23 Global Change in the Earth System