Earth: The Making of a Planet - Hardcover

Roy A. Gallant

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0761450122 ISBN 13: 9780761450122

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corp/Ccb, 1998

Synopsis

Explores an array of scientific topics, including the "Big Bang" theory, the recent Mars mission, and the exploration of Pathfinder, while reviewing a range of scientific topics including physical geography, oceanography, and astronomy.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-This systematic history of the Earth begins with the measureless instant of the Big Bang, and ends with the sun's extinction billions of years from now (one hopes). In between, it covers a wide range of topics, from planetary formation to the structure and behavior of our planet's core, crust, oceans, and atmosphere. The findings of last year's Pathfinder mission to the surface of Mars as well as strong warnings about the effects of global warming and ozone depletion are also included. Though the material is generally up-to-date and reflects current thinking, there is no mention of El Ni?o in the section on ocean currents; furthermore, information about Olympus Mons is contradicted in a nearby caption, and there are confusing references to illustrations that are either elsewhere in the book or nonexistent. The authors describe phenomena and physical characteristics at length, but include only an occasional drab gray-and-white photo or under-labeled diagram. Despite some useful individual features, such as a chapter on what the study of Mars can teach us about our planet's history, and the generous selection of URLs at the back, careless mistakes and substandard illustrations make this an additional purchase at best, behind N. J. Clifford's Incredible Earth (DK, 1996) or Sally Ride and Tam O'Shaughnessy's Third Planet (Crown, 1994).
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 7^-10. This book, focusing on the planet Earth, begins with the big bang and the formation of stars and planets. Individual chapters discuss, among other topics, the formation of our planet's landforms, seas, and moon; its rocks and minerals; the interior and atmosphere; waves, currents, tides, and the ocean floor; and Earth's future. Appendixes include an extensive glossary, a bibliography, and a list of Web sites. Black-and-white diagrams and photographs appear throughout the book. Although the writing is clear and competent, the book's lackluster format may discourage readers. Still, a useful resource for researching aspects of geology. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corp/Ccb
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0761450122
• ISBN 13: 9780761450122
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 160