The Encyclopedia of Earth: A Complete Visual Guide [Definitive Illustrated Reference]

Allaby, Michael [General Editor]

ISBN 10: 0520254716 / ISBN 13: 9780520254718

Published by University of California Press, Berkeley & Los Angeles, 2008

About this Item

THE STORY OF A PLANET IN PICTURES A substantial and visually impressive reference work that presents the history, structure, and dynamic processes of Earth through hundreds of large-format color illustrations, maps, diagrams, satellite images, and scientific reconstructions. Produced with contributions from an international team of specialists, the volume was designed to make complex earth science accessible through visual presentation without sacrificing scientific rigor. From plate tectonics and ocean trenches to climate systems, polar environments, dinosaurs, minerals, volcanoes, and the evolution of life, the book captures Earth's interconnected systems on a global scale. The lavish illustrations and double-page spreads make it equally useful as a reference, educational resource, and browsing volume for anyone interested in geology, geography, natural history, paleontology, or environmental science. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Large-format hardcover. 10.75 inches tall. 608 pages with index. Profusely illustrated throughout in full color with photographs, satellite imagery, maps, diagrams, geological reconstructions, timelines, and scientific illustrations. Many dramatic double-page visual spreads. CONDITION: New - No Flaws or Blemishes; Gift Quality. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - Published during a period of growing public interest in climate science, biodiversity, and earth-system studies, the volume reflects the increasing use of satellite imaging, digital mapping, and advanced visualization techniques in scientific communication. It stands as an ambitious attempt to bring contemporary earth science to a broad readership through visual storytelling. Rather than functioning as a traditional encyclopedia of brief entries, this volume presents Earth as an integrated system. Geological history, oceanography, meteorology, ecology, paleontology, and planetary processes are woven together through richly illustrated thematic sections. Large-format imagery allows readers to visualize ocean-floor topography, glacial landscapes, volcanic systems, ancient ecosystems, and continental-scale geological formations with unusual clarity. SUBJECTS: Earth Sciences; Geology; Plate Tectonics; Oceanography; Paleontology; Dinosaurs; Climate Science; Volcanoes; Polar Regions; Natural History Illustration; Scientific Visualization; Environmental Studies; Natural History; Earth Science; Geology; Scientific Reference; Illustrated Reference.

Seller Inventory # 22135

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Encyclopedia of Earth: A Complete Visual Guide [Definitive Illustrated Reference]
• Publisher: University of California Press, Berkeley & Los Angeles
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0520254716
• ISBN 13: 9780520254718
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: New
• Dust Jacket Condition: New
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Seller catalogs:
  • NATURAL HISTORY
  • SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, TECHNOLOGY

About this title

Synopsis

This sumptuously illustrated, beautifully written encyclopedia, the best book available on the topic, presents the most up-to-date information about planet Earth in a style and format that will appeal to an extremely wide range of readers. With thousands of photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and maps and a text written by a team of international experts, it presents an impressive overview of our globe―beginning with the history of the universe and ending with today's conservation issues. A truly spectacular reference, The Encyclopedia of Earth offers new visual interpretations of many ideas, concepts, and facts, painting a fascinating picture of Earth today and across the ages.

The encyclopedia is divided into six sections that are designed for either browsing or in-depth study. Birth gives an overview of Earth's 4.6-billion-year history, including the evolution of life. Fire explains the inner workings of our dynamic planet, its structure, and the tectonic forces that have molded its landscape. Land surveys rocks, minerals, and habitats. Air covers weather, including extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Water tours the oceans, rivers, and lakes of the world. The final section, Humans, provides a compelling portrait of our relationship with Earth, and of how the natural world has shaped social and political developments.

Copub: Weldon Owen Publishing

The Encyclopedia of Earth features:

* Some of the world's finest landscape photography and hundreds of detailed illustrations and diagrams, cross sections, cutaways, maps, and charts

* Coverage of topics including volcanology, paleontology, geology, natural history, cosmology, and more

* Simple, easy-to-understand explanations of complex phenomena

* The most recent scientific information and conservation data

* "Fact files" providing information at readers' fingertips

* "Heritage Watch" boxes focusing on key conservation issues and World Heritage sites

About the Author

Michael Allaby is author of A Change in the Weather, A Chronology of Weather, and four volumes of the Biomes of the Weather series. Robert Coenraads, a leading gemologist, geologist, and geophysicist, is a lecturer at the Gemmological Association of Australia. Stephen Hutchinson is Senior Research Fellow at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom. Karen McGhee, a science writer and journalist, is a consulting author of the best-selling Encyclopedia of Animals (UC Press). John O'Byrne is Senior Lecturer and Director of Academic Programs at the University of Sydney School of Physics. Ken Rubin is Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Hawaii and at the Hawaii Center for Volcanology.