Earth Science 12e

Earth Science 12e †

The twelfth edition of Earth Science offers a user-friendly overview of our physical environment with balanced, up-to-date coverage of geology, oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology for the undergraduate student with little background in science. The emphasis is on readability, with clear example-driven explanations. The twelfth edition takes full advantage of the subject’s visual appeal, with discussions reinforced by incredible color photos and superb illustrations by Earth science illustrator and geologist Dennis Tasa.

Design -- A bold new design integrates photography and illustrations with a more creative impact to hold student interest and visually extend the story of geology.
GEODe: Earth Science -- Updated for this edition of Earth Science, and now on DVD, GEODe: Earth Science presents a number of updates including new modules on atmospheric science and oceanography.
For a more logical progression of topics and to make the book even more reader friendly, coverage of plate tectonics now precedes earthquakes and Earth’s interior.
Chapter 20 is now titled “World Climates and Global Climate Change." The revision reflects the latest from the 2007 reports of IPCC as well as new material and graphics relating to climate change.
The ever strong section on astronomy has been completely revised, updated, and substantially rewritten for the most up to date and readable treatment.

UNIT 1: EARTH MATERIALS
- 2. Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks
- 3. Rocks: Materials of the Solid Earth
UNIT 2: SCULPTURING EARTH’S SURFACE
- 4. Weathering, Soil, and Mass Wasting
- 5. Running Water and Groundwater
- 6. Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind
UNIT 3: FORCES WITHIN
- 7. Plate Tectonics: A Scientific Theory Unfolds
- 8. Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior
- 9. Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity
- 10. Mountain Building
UNIT 4: DECIPHERING EARTH’S HISTORY
- 11. Geologic History
- 12. Earth's Evolution through Geologic Time
UNIT 5: THE GLOBAL OCEAN
- 13. The Ocean Floor
- 14. Ocean Water and Ocean Life
- 15. The Dynamic Ocean
UNIT 6: EARTH'S DYNAMIC ATMOSPHERE
- 16. The Atmosphere: Composition, Structure, and Temperature
- 17. Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
- 18. Air Pressure and Wind
- 19. Weather Patterns and Severe Storms
- 20. World Climates and Global Climate Change
UNIT 7: EARTH’S PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE
- 21. Origin of Modern Astronomy
- 22. Touring Our Solar System
- 23. Light, Astronomical Observations, and the Sun
- 24. Beyond Our Solar System