Earth Science: Understanding Environmental Systems

by Spencer, Edgar W.

• ISBN13: 9780072341461
• ISBN10: 0072341467
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-07
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math

Summary

Earth Science: Understanding Environmental Systemsis intended for introductory courses in Earth Science and Earth Systems Science, which place emphasis on the systems approach to earth science with special attention to the impact these systems have on the environment. It is appropriate for non-science majors with no previous college science or mathematics courses.The primary goals of this book are to provide the background the general student needs to understand the way Earth works, how knowledge of Earth relates to the environmental issues confronting our society, and how scientists go about examining these issues.

Table of Contents

I Introduction to Earth System Science

Unit I Major Elements of the Earth System

1 The Building Blocks of Earth Materials

2 Minerals and the Rock Cycle

3 Earth Model - Core-Mantle System

4 Time and Change in Earth Systems

Unit II The Plate Tectonic System

5 Plate Tectonics and Mountain Building

6 Earthquakes

7 Volcanic Activity

Unit III Earth's Physical Climate System

Part 1 Oceans and Coasts

8 The Sea Floor and Marine Environments

9 Ocean Dynamics

10 Coasts and Coastal Environments

Part 2 The Atmosphere

11 Earth's Atmosphere

12 The Atmosphere in Motion

13 Climate - Past, Present, and Future

Part 3 The Land Surface

14 Introduction to Earth's Land Environments

15 Weathering and Soil Development

16 Mass Wasting - The Work of Gravity

17 The Role of the Wind

18 Streams

19 GroundWater

20 The Role of Ice in Earth Systems

Unit IV The Solar System and Its Place in the Universe

21 Earth's Neighbors in Space - The Solar System

22 Beyond the Solar System

Appendix A Units and Conversions

Appendix B Minerals

Appendix C Rock Identification

Appendix D Topographic and Geologic Maps

Appendix E Star Charts

Appendix F The Periodic Table of Elements

Appendix G Glossary