The Earth: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geology, Technology
Cover of the book The Earth: A Very Short Introduction by Martin Redfern, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Martin Redfern ISBN: 9780191577741
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: June 26, 2003
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Martin Redfern
ISBN: 9780191577741
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: June 26, 2003
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

For generations, the ground beneath the feet of our ancestors seemed solid and unchanging. Around 30 years ago, two things happened that were to revolutionize the understanding of our home planet. First, geologists realized that the continents themselves were drifting across the surface of the globe and that oceans were being created and destroyed. Secondly, pictures of the entire planet were returned from space. As the astronomer Fred Hoyle had predicted, this 'let loose an idea as powerful as any in history'. Suddenly, the Earth began to be viewed as a single entity; a dynamic, interacting whole, controlled by complex processes we scarcely understood. It began to seem less solid. As one astronaut put it, 'a blue jewel on black velvet; small, fragile and touchingly alone'. Geologists at last were able to see the whole as well as the detail; the wood as well as the trees. This book brings their account up to date with the latest understanding of the processes that govern our planet. 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

For generations, the ground beneath the feet of our ancestors seemed solid and unchanging. Around 30 years ago, two things happened that were to revolutionize the understanding of our home planet. First, geologists realized that the continents themselves were drifting across the surface of the globe and that oceans were being created and destroyed. Secondly, pictures of the entire planet were returned from space. As the astronomer Fred Hoyle had predicted, this 'let loose an idea as powerful as any in history'. Suddenly, the Earth began to be viewed as a single entity; a dynamic, interacting whole, controlled by complex processes we scarcely understood. It began to seem less solid. As one astronaut put it, 'a blue jewel on black velvet; small, fragile and touchingly alone'. Geologists at last were able to see the whole as well as the detail; the wood as well as the trees. This book brings their account up to date with the latest understanding of the processes that govern our planet. 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 Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals : A Commentary by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Measuring International Authority by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The Struggle for Order by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The Mind in Nature by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The Triumph of the Dark by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Organizational Paradox by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Hellenistic Lives by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Petroleum Contracts and International Law by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The Making of the Abrahamic Religions in Late Antiquity by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Schlechtriem & Schwenzer: Commentary on the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Practice by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book The Anatomy of Dance Discourse by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Taking Care of Business by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Access to Language and Cognitive Development by Martin Redfern
Cover of the book Religious Pluralism and Islamic Law by Martin Redfern
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