Physical Geology, 16th edition, is the latest refinement of a classic introductory text that has helped countless students learn basic physical geology concepts for over 25 years. Students taking introductory physical geology to fulfill a science elective, as well as those contemplating a career in geology, will appreciate the accessible writing style and depth of coverage in Physical Geology. Hundreds of carefully rendered illustrations and accompanying photographs correlate perfectly with the chapter descriptions to help readers quickly grasp new geologic concepts. Numerous chapter learning tools and a website further assist students in their study of physical geology.
Chapter 1: Introducing Geology, the Essentials of Plate Tectonics, and Other Important Concepts Chapter 2: Atoms, Elements and Minerals Chapter 3: Igneous Rocks, the Origin and Evolution of Magma, and Intrusive Activity Chapter 4: Volcanism and Extrusive Rocks Chapter 5: Weathering and Soil Chapter 6: Sediment and Sedimentary Rocks Chapter 7: Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks Chapter 8: Time and Geology Chapter 9: Mass Wasting Chapter 10: Streams and Floods Chapter 11: Ground Water Chapter 12: Glaciers and Glaciation Chapter 13: Deserts and Wind Action Chapter 14: Waves, Beaches, and Coasts Chapter 15: Geologic Structures Chapter 16: Earthquakes Chapter 17: Earth’s Interior and Geophysical Properties Chapter 18: The Sea Floor Chapter 19: Plate Tectonics—The Unifying Theory Chapter 20: Mountain Belts and the Continental Crust Chapter 21: Global Climate Change Chapter 22: Resources Chapter 23: The Earth’s Companions Appendix A: Identification of Minerals Appendix B: Identification of Rocks Appendix C: The Elements Most Significant to Geology Appendix D: Periodic Table of Elements Appendix E: Selected Conversion Factors Appendix F: Rock Symbols Appendix G: Commonly Used Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots