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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Print Price: $185.99

Format:
Paperback
768 pp.
8.5" x 11"

ISBN-13:
9780199965557

Copyright Year:
2016

Imprint: OUP US


Physical Geology Today

Damian Nance and Brendan Murphy

This text presents a clear and conceptual understanding of how Earth works, emphasizing the role of tectonic plates throughout. Using clear, focused, and engaging prose, the authors discuss connections between concepts, processes, and principles in a straightforward manner. The text introduces themes using stunning overview graphics at the beginning of each chapter and features hundreds of meticulously developed figures throughout in order to illustrate ongoing processes and changes over time.

PART I: THE SOLID EARTH
1. Foundations of Modern Geology
2. Plate Tectonics
3. Minerals
4. Origin and Evolution of Igneous Rocks
5. Weathering and Soils
6. Sedimentation and Sedimentary Rocks
7. Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks
PART II: EVOLUTION OF THE SOLID EARTH
8. Geologic Time
9. Plates and Plate Boundaries
10. Deformation and Mountain Building
11. Earthquakes and Earth's Interior
PART III: SCULPTING THE SOLID EARTH
12. Mass Wasting
13. Running Water
14. Groundwater
15. Glaciers and Glaciation
16. Deserts and Winds
17. Coastlines and Coastal Processes
PART IV: EARTH'S RESOURCES
18. Mineral Deposits and Industrial Materials
19. Energy Resources
PART V: EARTH AND BEYOND
20. Physical Geology and Climate Change
21. The Planets

Companion Website
For Instructors
OUP Animation Series
- Animations of central concepts in physical geology
Review Questions
For each unit:
- Computer-graded review questions that can be assigned as homework or used by students for self-review
Test Generator
- Test questions and testing software for creating and administering tests
PowerPoint Slides
For each unit:
- Lecture outline slides
- Digital images and animations from the text
For Students
Student Study Guide
- Learning Objectives
- Review Quizzes
- Curated Exercises
- Key Term Flash Cards
E-book ISBN 9780190218799

Damian Nance is Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences at Ohio University.

Brendan Murphy is Professor of Earth Sciences at St. Francis Xavier University.

Special Features

  • Plate tectonics is discussed throughout each chapter and elaborated on in a unique end-of-chapter discussion.
  • Stresses the interdependence of Earth's systems, helping students identify and understand the ways in which geology is constantly occurring around them.
  • A highly developed art program, including large chapter-opening graphics, helps contextualize the material and orient students to the topics covered throughout.
  • Focuses on change over time, highlighting the dynamism of Earth's processes in relation to the depth of time those processes require.
  • Living on Earth vignettes highlight the many intersections between students' lives and the environment-such as the food chain and predicting earthquakes.
  • Science Refresher boxes review key scientific concepts that are critical to understanding the topic at hand, such as settling velocities, wave refraction, and the physics of global warming.
  • The In Depth feature gives instructors the flexibility to expand upon select themes by providing additional background on special topics relevant to each chapter--such as mass wasting on the moon and Mars and the role of oxidation in Earth's history.
  • In-Line review questions at the end of each section address key concepts to help ensure students' understanding before moving forward.