Modern Physical Geology

by Thompson, Graham R.; Turk, Jonathan

• ISBN13: 9780030052224
• ISBN10: 003005222X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-08-15
• Publisher: Brooks Cole

Summary

The primary purpose of this text is to provide introductory geology students - who have had little or no science background - with a better understanding and appreciation of geology. Thompson & Turk's MODERN PHYSICAL GEOLOGY, Second Edition, stands out through its early coverage of plate tectonics (Chapter 2), the inclusion of special topic areas, and its beautiful design and writing style. It offers a complete overview of all topics in physical geology, including the most recent developments and research in areas of climate change and environmental issues.

Table of Contents

UNIT I THE EARTH: ITS ORIGIN, INTERNAL PROCESSES, AND MINERALS	1	(64)
Geology and the Earth	2	(16)
Plate Tectonics: A First Look	18	(22)
Minerals	40	(25)
UNIT II ROCKS	65	(124)
Igneous Rocks	66	(20)
Plutons and Volcanoes	86	(24)
Weathering and Soil	110	(22)
Sedimentary Rocks	132	(20)
Metamorphic Rocks	152	(16)
Geologic Time: A Story in the Rocks	168	(21)
UNIT III AN ACTIVE EARTH	189	(80)
Earthquakes and the Earth's Structure	190	(30)
Ocean Basins	220	(24)
Geologic Structures, Mountain Ranges, and Continents	244	(25)
UNIT IV SURFACE PROCESSES	269	(147)
Mass Wasting	270	(16)
Fresh Water: Streams and Lakes	286	(32)
Fresh Water: Ground Water and Wetlands	318	(28)
Deserts	346	(20)
Glaciers and Ice Ages	366	(24)
Coastlines	390	(26)
UNIT V SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGY	416	(80)
Geologic Resources	418	(28)
Geology and Climate Change	446	(25)
The Geological Evolution of North America	471	(25)
Plants and Their Moons	496