The Earth: Its Birth and Growth

by Minoru Ozima , Jun Korenaga , Qing-Zhu Yin

• ISBN13: 9780521760256
• ISBN10: 0521760259
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

A clear understanding of the Earth's past evolution can provide the key to its possible future development. The Earth: Its Birth and Growth explores the evolution of the Earth over 4.6 billion years using basic reasoning and simple illustrations to help explain the underlying physical and chemical principles and major processes involved. Fully updated and revised, this rigorous but accessible second edition includes three completely new chapters. It incorporates exciting developments in isotope geology, placing results within a wider framework of Earth evolution and plate tectonics. Some background in physics and chemistry is assumed, but basic theories and processes are explained concisely in self-contained sections. Key research papers and review articles are fully referenced. This book is ideal as supplementary reading for undergraduate and graduate students in isotope geochemistry, geodynamics, plate tectonics and planetary science. It also provides an enjoyable overview of Earth's evolution for professional scientists and general readers.

Table of Contents

Preface to the second edition

Preface to the first edition

Heat from within: energy supporting the dynamic Earth

At the time of Earth's birth

Formation of the layered structure of Earth

Time scale of Earth's evolution

Plate tectonics evolution

Evolution of the mantle

Origin of the atmosphere and oceans

Isotopes as DNA of nature

Earth's magnetism

Moon: a looking glass to mirror the ancient Earth

The past and future of the evolving Earth

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.