Earth as an Evolving Planetary System (Fourth Edition)

Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Fourth Edition, examines the various subsystems that play a role in the evolution of the Earth, including subsystems in the crust, mantle, core, atmosphere, oceans, and life. This new edition includes over 100 new pages of material, data, and images. New topics include a new chapter on orogens and orogenic crust, as well as expanded coverage of oceanic topics. The Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, crustal and mantle evolution, the supercontinent cycle, great events in Earth history, and the Earth in comparison to other planets are also covered. Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Fourth Edition is a key reference for students and researchers in the Earth and planetary scientists, especially for geologists, geophysicists, and geochemists. Presents comprehensive coverage of the Earth's history that is relevant for both students and teachers Includes an important new chapter on Orogens and Orogenic Crust and expanded coverage of oceanographic topics (i.e., oceanic and hybrid crusts, oceanic lithosphere, and water in the deep mantle) Contains informative field images of different geological structures and processes from around the world to accompany the relevant concepts in the text