Earth Systems: Processes and Issues

Copertina anteriore
W. G. Ernst
CUP Archive, 13 mar 2000 - 576 pagine
Earth Systems: Processes and Issues is the ideal textbook for introductory courses in earth systems science and environmental science. Integrating the principles of the natural sciences, engineering, and economics as they pertain to the global environment, it explains the complex couplings and feedback mechanisms linking the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. An impressive group of internationally respected researchers and lecturers have brought together a vast wealth of teaching experience to produce this fully integrated environmental textbook. It has been designed for the wide range of courses at the first-year university level which touch upon environmental issues: in earth and atmospheric science, environmental science, biological science, oceanography, geography, civil engineering, and social science. Each chapter includes a reading list of the most important references, and problem sets will encourage students to explore the subject further. This text will favorably influence the future development of environmental studies and earth system science.
 

Sommario

Why Study Earth Systems Science?
5
Geologic Biologic and Political
26
The Earths Place in the Solar System
45
Earth Materials and the Internal Constitution of the Planet
59
The Surface of the Earth
102
Interface between the Geosphere
119
THE HYDROSPHERE
130
DeepSea and Global Ocean Circulation
169
Possible Consequences of Rapid Global Change
315
Population and the Environment
329
Assets and Liabilities
346
Energy Resources and the Environment
373
Prediction and Risk
402
Steps from Environmental Science to Effective Policy
425
Global Effects of Local Changes
446
Agriculture and Global Change
462

Chemical Oceanography
182
Atmosphere Composition Mixing and Ozone Destruction
197
Atmosphere Motions and the Greenhouse Effect
215
Can We Forecast Climate Future without Knowing Climate Past?
230
Result of Speciation and Extinction
255
Carbon Sulfur and Nitrogen
278
The Jasper Ridge
297
A United States Case Study
476
Valuing Nature
492
The Life Support System Toward Earth Sense
506
Synthesis of Earth Systems and Global Change
519
Glossary
533
Index
559
Copyright

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