How Does Earth Work? Physical Geology and the Process of Science / Edition 2

by Gary Smith

Overview

With its unconventional yet highly effective approach, How Does Earth Work? demonstrates the process of science as a vehicle for investigating physical geology. Smith and Pun connect readers to the evidence behind the facts, instead of reproducing known facts—sparking interest in how science is practiced and how we know what we know. Like geology detectives, readers learn to think through the scientific process and uncover evidence that explains Earth’s mysteries. Chapters open with an essay that places a curious investigator in a realistic field or lab setting to observe and ask questions about geological phenomena. Integrated real-world connections link topics to issues of societal concern or relevant experience to increase appreciation of the value of discovering science; and annotated illustrations with thoughtful descriptions help readers observe the hypotheses presented.
KEY TOPICS: Why Study Earth? Minerals: Building Blocks of the Planet; Rocks and Rock-Forming Processes; Formation of Magma and Igneous Rocks; Formation of Sediment and Sedimentary Rocks; Formation of Metamorphic Rocks; Earth Materials as Time Keepers; Journey to the Center of Earth; Making Earth; Motion Inside Earth; Deformation of Rocks; Global Tectonics: Plates and Plumes; Tectonics and Surface Relief; Soil Formation and Landscape Stability; Mass Movements: Landscapes in Motion; Streams: Flowing Water Shapes the Landscape; Water Flowing Underground; Glaciers: Cold-Climate Sculptors of Continents; Shorelines: Changing Landscapes Where Land Meets Sea; Wind: A Global Geologic Process; Global Warming: Real-time Change in the Earth System.
MARKET : An interesting reference for anyone interested in learning more about Earth’s processes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900136003686
Publication date:	01/21/2009
Pages:	640
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 10.80(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Gary A. Smith is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico and Fellow of the Geological Society of America. He has an undergraduate geology degree with a specialty in geophysics from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. in geology from Oregon State University. Gary has strong interests in science education through his membership in the National Association of Geoscience Teachers and the National Science Teachers Association, and as Director of the Office of Support for Effective Teaching, the faculty development center at the University of New Mexico.

Aurora Pun is a Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico. She holds an undergraduate degree in paleontology from the University of California, Berkeley and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from the University of New Mexico, Institute of Meteoritics. Aurora has taught physical geology for over 14 years. Also a member of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, Aurora has taught a course for teachers on developing inquiry-based K-12 curricula in the earth and space sciences.

Table of Contents

1. Why Study Earth?
2. Minerals: Building Blocks of the Planet
3. Rocks and Rock-Forming Processes
4. Formation of Magma and Igneous Rocks
5. Formation of Sediment and Sedimentary Rocks
6. Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
7. Earth Materials as Time Keepers
8. Journey to the Center of Earth
9. Making Earth
10. Motion Inside Earth
11. Deformation of Rocks
12. Global Tectonics: Plates and Plumes
13. Tectonics and Surface Relief
14. Soil Formation and Landscape Stability
15. Mass Movements: Landscapes in Motion
16. Streams: Flowing Water Shapes the Landscape
17. Water Flowing Underground
18. Glaciers: Cold-Climate Sculptors of Continents
19. Shorelines: Changing Landscapes Where Land Meets Sea
20. Wind: A Global Geologic Process
21. Global Warming: Real-time Change in the Earth System