Essentials of Geology

by Chernicoff, Stanley; Whitney, Donna

• ISBN13: 9780136157434
• ISBN10: 0136157432
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-01-02
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

Adapted from the bestselling Geology, Essentials of Geology offers a streamlined, approachable examination of the core concepts of physical geology. It retains the popular features of the larger work, including the authors’ uncluttered prose, compelling stories, annotated illustrations, and “Geology at a Glance” features. Features the latest discoveries and up-to-date examples of exciting geological processes, including Earth systems interactions, discoveries on Mars, recent volcanic eruptions, and more."Geology at a Glance”features graphically organize chapter contents to increase readers’ understanding and retention of material. A detailed introduction to the theory of plate tectonics establishes the unifying theory of geology and s the stage for discussions of ocean and continent formation. For those interested in learning more about physical geology.

Table of Contents

I. Forming the Earth

1. A First Look at Planet Earth – Its Origins, Systems, and Tectonic Plates

2. Minerals

3. Igneous Rocks and Processes

4. Volcanoes and Volcanism

5. Weathering – The Breakdown of Rocks

6. Sedimentary Processes, Environments, and Rocks

7. Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks

8. Telling Time Geologically

II. Shaping the Earth’s Crust 

9. Earth Structures – Folds, Faults, and Fabrics

10. Earthquakes

11. The Earth’s Interior – What’s Going on Down There?

12. Plate Tectonics and the Formation of the Earth’s Oceans

13. Continental Tectonics and the Formation of the Earth’s Continents

III. Sculpting the Earth’s Surface

14. Mass Movement

15. Streams and Floods

16. Groundwater

17. Glaciers and Ice Ages

18. Deserts and the Work of Winds

19. Shores and Coastal Processes

20. Human Use of the Earth’s Resources

Appendices

Glossary

Photo Credit

Index