Science of Earth Systems

By Stephen Butz - First Edition

To meet the challenges of the future, the scientific community has recognized the importance of uniting efforts in understanding and caring for Earth and its systems.

Science of Earth's Systems explains how scientists have found it necessary to share their research across disciplines to try and comprehend Earth's complexities, and how they are being affected by human activities.

It brings together the interactions that occur in the living and non-living world, and provides readers with a solid understanding of the processes that take place on and around Earth and the synergies that exist between them.

Topics covered include the role of science and technology in society; matter and energy; astronomy; geology; meteorology; oceanography; biology; environmental science; and much more.

With colorful photo references, charts and tables, to help illustrate the subjects, this text is an valuable resource for learners of science in the twenty-first century.

Features:

• Clear, accessible descriptions help readers understand the complexities of the Earth and its systems
• Full-color photos, tables, charts, and artwork beautifully illustrate scientific concepts
• Correlates the sciences to show the interrelationship of processes that take place on and around the earth
• Perfect for students of earth science, environmental science, and general science.

Contents:

Unit 1:
The Foundations of Science.
The Foundations of Technology.
The Foundations of Science.
The Process of Scientific Inquiry.
The Properties of Matter.
The Properties of Energy.
Scientific Measurement.

Unit 2:
The Evolution of Planet Earth.
The Structure of the Universe.
The Formation and Structure of the Solar System.
The Evolution of Planet Earth.

Unit 3:
The Lithosphere.
The Earth's Interior.
Plate Tectonics.
Earthquakes and Volcanoes.
Minerals.
Formation and Classification of Rocks.
The Rock Cycle.
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition.
Soils.
Mineral Resources.
Soil Conservation.

Unit 4:
The Atmosphere.
Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere.
Insolation.
Temperature.
Atmospheric Pressure.
Humidity.
Wind.
Clouds and Precipitation.
Air Masses and Fronts.
Storms.
Weather Forecasting.

Unit 5:
The Hydrosphere.
Distribution of Water on Earth.
Properties of the Water Molecule.
The Hydrologic Cycle.
Circulation of the World's Oceans.
Zones of Life in the Ocean.
The Classification of Lakes.
Flowing Surface Water.
Groundwater Flow and Distribution.
Glaciers.
Pollution of the Hydrosphere.

Unit 6:
The Biosphere.
Ecological Systems.
World Biomes.
Aquatic Ecosystems.
Energy Flow Within Living Systems.
Biological Succession.
Classification of the Living World.

Unit 7:
Climate Change.
Acid Precipitation.
El Nino, La Nina Southern Oscillation.
Ozone Deletion.
Global Warming.

648 Pages - 8-1/2 x 11 in.