Making of the Earth: Geological Forces That Shape Our Planet (Living Earth) - Hardcover

Erickson, Jon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816042764 ISBN 13: 9780816042760

Publisher: Facts on File, 2000

Synopsis

Describes how the surface of the Earth is constantly changing through geologic forces, including plate tectonics, erosion, and catastrophic collapse, and discusses how different landscapes are carved by weathering agents.

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Reviews

Erickson brings his signature clarity and liveliness to this well-illustrated overview of geomorphology, the branch of geology that focuses on landforms, the structures that endow the earth with its myriad landscapes. The point Erickson focuses on most emphatically is the fact that the earth is continually evolving. A work in progress, the planet moves in many ways, including the slow and steady forces of erosion and sedimentation, slides and slumps, mass wasting, lahars (mudflow initiated by volcanic eruptions), and the extreme of liquefaction. Erickson traces the earth's metamorphosis from the formation of the continents on into our own geologic time, vividly explaining the forces that create mountains, glaciers, canyons and valleys, volcanoes, deserts, tundra and permafrost, moraines and drumlins, monoliths and arches, and rivers and barrier reefs. Erickson also analyzes various soils, rocks, and ice, elucidating the role water and climate play in sculpting the ever-volatile and spectacularly varied Earth. Charts, maps, photographs, a glossary, and bibliography make this enjoyable read an extremely useful resource. Donna Seaman
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Edition details

• Publisher: Facts on File
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0816042764
• ISBN 13: 9780816042760
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 257