Earth Science

This five-volume set expands heavily upon the original articles of Magill's Survey of Science: Earth Science Series (1990) as well as that publication's one-volume supplement published in 1998. It comprises 495 lengthy essays on basic topics in geology, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, environmental science, paleontology, and planetology, and is designed to provide an introduction to the Earth's physical features and dynamic processes, as well as those of the solar system in which it resides. Volume I ( The Physics and Chemistry of the Earth ), discusses the planet's structure from crust to core, including its dynamics and physical processes and the explorations geologists are undertaking. Volume II ( The Earth's Surface and History ) surveys structures and surface features, from continents and mountains to fold belts, glaciers, and volcanoes, as well as the geological history that gave rise to these structures and life-forms. Volume III ( Earth Materials and Earth Resources ) covers rocks. Volume IV ( Weather, Water and Atmosphere ) examines Earth as a living planet and considers many processes that shape, change, and threaten to deteriorate the environment. Volume V ( Planetology and Earth from Space ) considers the world from the perspective and in the context of space. All entries begin with ready-reference top matter, including a summary statement as to the topic's importance and a listing of principal terms and definitions. Each volume contains alphabetical and categorized lists of contents, and some b&w photographs. Edited by James A. Woodhead of Occidental College. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)