Plate Tectonics: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geology
Cover of the book Plate Tectonics: A Very Short Introduction by Peter Molnar, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peter Molnar ISBN: 9780191043963
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: March 26, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Peter Molnar
ISBN: 9780191043963
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: March 26, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

The 1960s revealed a new and revolutionary idea in geological thought: that the continents drift with respect to one another. After having been dismissed for decades as absurd, the concept gradually became part of geology's basic principles. We now know that the Earth's crust and upper mantle consist of a small number of rigid plates that move, and there are significant boundaries between pairs of plates, usually known as earthquake belts. Plate tectonics now explains much of the structure and phenomena we see today: how oceans form, widen, and disappear; why earthquakes and volcanoes are found in distinct zones which follow plate boundaries; how the great mountain ranges of the world were built. The impact of plate tectonics is studied closely as these processes continue: the Himalaya continues to grow, the Atlantic is widening, and new oceans are forming. In this Very Short Introduction Peter Molnar provides a succinct and authoritative account of the nature and mechanisms of plate tectonics and its impact on our understanding of Earth. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The 1960s revealed a new and revolutionary idea in geological thought: that the continents drift with respect to one another. After having been dismissed for decades as absurd, the concept gradually became part of geology's basic principles. We now know that the Earth's crust and upper mantle consist of a small number of rigid plates that move, and there are significant boundaries between pairs of plates, usually known as earthquake belts. Plate tectonics now explains much of the structure and phenomena we see today: how oceans form, widen, and disappear; why earthquakes and volcanoes are found in distinct zones which follow plate boundaries; how the great mountain ranges of the world were built. The impact of plate tectonics is studied closely as these processes continue: the Himalaya continues to grow, the Atlantic is widening, and new oceans are forming. In this Very Short Introduction Peter Molnar provides a succinct and authoritative account of the nature and mechanisms of plate tectonics and its impact on our understanding of Earth. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Oscar Wilde and Classical Antiquity by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Archipelagic English by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Gleeson on the International Regulation of Banking by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Counter-Terrorism Networks in the European Union by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book European Pain Management by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book The Economics, Regulation, and Systemic Risk of Insurance Markets by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Empty Representations by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book The Baptized Muse by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book The Dharmasutras by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book International Economic Law and Governance by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Blackstone's Guide to the Anti-Terrorism Legislation by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Ruth by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book Baumgarten and Kant on Metaphysics by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book The Charter of the United Nations by Peter Molnar
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the Georgian Theatre 1737-1832 by Peter Molnar
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy