An up-to-date and comprehensive exploration of how the Earth works.

New technology has permitted us to penetrate deep into the interior of our planet and effectively X-ray its internal structure. With this technology comes an increased awareness of how our planet is continually changing and a fresh awareness of how fragile it is. Designed for introductory courses in Physical or Introductory Geology found in departments of Geology, Earth Science, or Physical Science, Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology helps students understand Earth's dynamic geologic systems with their many interdependent and interconnected components. It provides comprehensive coverage of the two major energy systems of Earth: the plate tectonic system and the hydrologic cycle. The text fulfills the needs of professors with current content and a striking illustration package, while exposing students to the global view of Earth and teaching them to look at the world as geologists do.

The book is divided in four parts. In Part it presents Earth's materials and how they are created by geologic systems. In Part II, it discusses the hydrologic system by examining subsystems chapter by chapter. Plate tectonics is the theme of Part III, with separate chapters on divergent, transform, and convergent boundaries, as well as mantle plumes-the subsystems of the tectonic system. In Part IV, the book looks back and applies the principles learned to see how Earth's resources formed and just how different Earth is when compared with other planets. Special attention was focused on the illustrations so that the student can more fully experience the excitement and satisfaction of visualizing and understanding geology.