ABSTRACT

This self-contained handbook provides a carefully researched, compact source of key earth science information and data, logically sorted by subject matter, and then cross-referenced. Appealing to both experts and non-experts alike, the book presents earth science and environmental science as closely intertwined. It includes tables of the global distributions of fossil fuels, contrasted by tables of the distribution of non-fossil energy sources. Concise explanations cover the subject matters of geology, geophysics, oceans, atmosphere with attention to environmental implications and resources.

section I|16 pages

Notation and Units

chapter 1|8 pages

Physical Units and Constants

chapter 2|6 pages

Some Shorthand Conventions

section II|22 pages

The Building Blocks

chapter 3|14 pages

Elements, Isotopes and Radioactivity

chapter 4|6 pages

The Solar System

section III|28 pages

Global Geophysics

chapter 5|26 pages

Whole Earth Properties

section IV|66 pages

Major Subdivisions of the Earth

chapter 6|6 pages

The Core

chapter 7|12 pages

The Mantle

chapter 8|10 pages

The Crust

chapter 9|10 pages

The Oceans

chapter 10|4 pages

Inland Salt Lakes

chapter 11|12 pages

Freshwater and Ice

chapter 12|10 pages

The Atmosphere

section V|46 pages

Geological Activity

chapter 13|8 pages

Tectonics

chapter 14|10 pages

Earthquakes

chapter 15|10 pages

Volcanism

chapter 16|4 pages

Tsunamis

chapter 18|4 pages

Geological Time and the Fossil Record

section VI|94 pages

Rocks and Minerals

chapter 19|28 pages

Mineral Types and Characteristics

chapter 20|20 pages

Rock Types and Occurrences

chapter 21|44 pages

Physical Properties of Minerals and Rocks

section VII|108 pages

Resources

chapter 22|46 pages

Elements as Resources

chapter 23|14 pages

Rocks and Minerals as Resources

chapter 24|24 pages

Fossil Fuels

chapter 25|14 pages

Energy Sources Alternative to Fossil Fuels