Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, Global Edition (12^th Ed.)

For all introductory physical geology courses.

Learning Objective-driven textbook, using augmented reality to bring geology to life

With its strong readability and engaging, instructive illustrations, this trusted bestseller returns with a hybrid and streamlined focus on core principles. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geologymaintains a learning objective-driven approach throughout each chapter: The text provides students with a structured learning path, tied to learning objectives with opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding at the end of each section. The authors? emphasis on currency and relevance includes the latest thinking in the field, particularly in the dynamic area of plate tectonics.

• 1. An Introduction to Geology 
• 2. Plate Tectonics: A Scientific Revolution Unfolds 
• 3. Matter and Minerals 
• 4. Magma, Igneous Rocks, and Intrusive Activity 
• 5. Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards 
• 6. Weathering and Soil 
• 7. Sedimentary Rocks 
• 8. Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks
• 9. Geologic Time 
• 10. Crustal Deformation 
• 11. Earthquakes and Earthquake Hazards 
• 12. Earth’s Interior 
• 13. Divergent Boundaries: Origin and Evolution of the Ocean Floor 
• 14. Convergent Boundaries: Origin of Mountains 
• 15. Mass Wasting: The Work of Gravity 
• 16. Running Water 
• 17. Groundwater 
• 18. Glaciers and Glaciation 
• 19. Deserts and Winds 
• 20. Shorelines 
• 21. Global Climate Change 
• 22. Earth’s Evolution Through Geologic Time
• 23. Energy and Mineral Resources 
• 24. Touring Our Solar System 
• Appendix A: Metric and English Units Compared

This title is a Pearson Global Edition. The Editorial team at Pearson has worked closely with educators around the world to include content which is especially relevant to students outside the United States.

Bringing the textbook to life

• NEW! Using augmented reality, Pearson’s BouncePages app launches engaging, interactive video and animations that bring the pages of Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology to life.
  • Students use their mobile device to scan a pre-tagged Pearson textbook figure, and an animation, video, or interactive illustrating the figure’s concept launches immediately. No slow Web sites or hard-to-remember logins required.
  • By scanning figures associated with the BouncePages icon, students are immediately connected to the digital world and can deepen their learning experience with the printed text.
  • Many of the pages also include hands-on practice opportunities for students to directly apply what they just learned.
  • There are also short URLs in the caption of each SmartFigure, ensuring that students who may not own or have a mobile device can access the digital learning objects.

Modular approach driven by Learning Objectives

• REVISED! Four-part learning path facilitates active learning, allowing students to focus on important ideas and pause to assess their progress at frequent intervals:
  • The chapter-opening Focus on Concepts lists the learning objectives for each chapter. Each section of the chapter is tied to a specific learning objective, providing students with a clear learning path to the chapter content. Each chapter section also concludes with Concept Checks, a feature that lists questions tied to the section’s learning objective, allowing students to monitor their grasp of significant facts and ideas. Giv