Introduction to Earth Science

As the often unnoticed architect of a region's landscapes and terrains, climate shapes the way life and societies develop in any given area. Reflecting the aggregate weather patterns of a place, climate can vary drastically around the globe and can itself be impacted by human actions. The classification systems that have been developed to comprehend the different types of climatic activity and the incredible range of effects it can have on the planet are the subjects of this insightful volume.

It may be hard to believe that the Earth, with all the complexity and biodiversity we observe today, originated in a cloud of gas and dust. Yet much of the plant and animal life that seems so common now evolved relatively recently on the timeline of Earth's long history. The Earth's remarkable origins are chronicled in this insightful volume, which also examines the prehistoric organisms-from bacteria to dinosaurs-that populated the planet long before humans arrived.

Together, minerals, rocks, and fossils communicate much about Earth's history. Much more than ornaments on a landscape, minerals and rocks are significant components of the planet's foundation, while fossils contain clues as to the various life forms that once inhabited the planet. Readers are invited to take a closer look at the materials that have, in many ways, facilitated life, and to explore the types and categories of minerals, rocks, and fossils alike.

Some of the planet's most destructive forces-including earthquakes and volcanic activity-are caused by the same factors that helped shape much of the Earth as it is today. Plate tectonics, or movement of the Earth's outer layers, can occur in a number of different ways and produce a range of results, some minor and others far more considerable or devastating. Distinct maps, interesting sidebars, and annotated illustrations of the Earth's layers are included in this volume, which details the motion of the planet and the nature and study of both earthquakes and volcanoes.

Contained in the immensity and depths of the Earth's oceans, many of the planet's species and resources thrive far away from the reaches of human civilization. With expanses that have yet to be discovered and enormous reservoirs of untapped potential, oceans provide fodder for all manners of research. This informative volume describes the features and properties of the bodies of water that make up 70 percent of the world's surface as well as the various branches of oceanography dedicated to studying all aspects of the ocean and its life forms.

From the food available at the local store to the clothes we choose to wear every day, weather determines many of the major decisions we make and the actions we pursue. While we may not be able to control the weather, understanding the factors that cause a hurricane or allow us to plant certain crops, for example, can help us better prepare for both natural disasters and our daily lives. Detailed illustrations and photographs, interesting sidebars, and the topical narrative of this volume examine the conditions associated with different types of weather and the methods used to measure and forecast weather data.

Perhaps the most prominent elements in the patchwork pattern formed by Earth's regions and ecosystems are its deserts, grasslands, and rainforests. Though vastly different from one another and often separated by thousands of miles, these biomes are all life-sustaining components of a larger environmental network. This volume examines each of these captivating regions in turn as well as the various species that thrive within them. Vivid images provide colorful glimpses of the vistas and organisms that comprise each biome.

The sub-zero temperatures and glacial conditions to which the polar regions of the Earth are often subject would make it difficult for many of us to survive there for long periods of time. Yet life is present in both the Arctic and Antarctic, and the lure of discovering new territories and resources has attracted both researchers and explorers to these icy expanses. Readers will journey alongside some of the early expeditions and will learn about the conditions and life that comprise the polar ecosystems.