An introduction to our dynamic planet

This is the first undergraduate textbook to fully integrate results from geophysics, geochemistry, and petrology to describe the structure, composition, and dynamic processes that operate throughout the solid Earth. It presents an Earth system science approach to studies of the Earth's interior and develops a global view of solid Earth cycles to explain geodynamic and plate tectonic processes. This book initially explores the formation and evolution of the early Earth, then considers the operative forces for plate tectonic movements at the Earth's surface, and finally discusses global cycles within the deep Earth and their effect on the surface environment. Interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, and their influence at and beneath the Earth's surface are examined in detail. This textbook thus provides a concise yet extensive coverage of the solid Earth. Written for intermediate undergraduates, it includes a wealth of features to support student learning at this level. Integrates the geophysics, geochemistry and petrology of the Earth to explain plate tectonics and geodynamics for the first time at the intermediate undergraduate level. Allows courses on the solid Earth to be taught from an Earth systems perspective for the first time. Includes review questions and answers, over 50 quantitative student exercises, set-aside focus boxes, chapter summaries and learning outcomes, glossary, and a supporting website with figures, further exercises, and solutions.

1. An introduction to the structure and composition of the Earth, 2. The earth Earth, 3. Plate tectonics, 4. Processes at constructive plate boundaries, 5. Processes at destructive plate boundaries, 6. Processes during continental collision, 7. The deep mantle and global cycles, 8. The continental crust, Answers to questions, Appendices, Further reading, Glossary, Index.