For much of the twentieth century, science has been divided into unique, highly specialized disciplines that have attempted to unlock the workings of nature. Until recently, each of these branches of science have remained virtually isolated from one another. Not only has this scientific isolation existed at the higher academic levels, but it is also standard practice in much of the secondary school science curriculum. Today, because of the changes that are being made by humankind on the Earth, scientists in these separate academic disciplines are finding it necessary to collaborate with one another on a unprecedented scale. It has now become necessary for them to share their research to try to understand the Earth's complex systems, and how those systems are being affected by human activity.

How do the systems of the Earth interrelate? How are they affected by human activities? Science of Earth Systems brings together research from across scientific disciplines to provide a thorough understanding of the processes of the Earths systems and how they interact. With clear,easy-to-read text and full-color photos, tables, charts, and illustrations, this book offers an accessible glimpse into the complexities oft he Earth and its systems. Topics covered include the role of science and technology in society, matter and energy, astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography,biology, environmental science, and much more.

Preface

Unit 1:The Foundations of Science

Chapter 1: Technology, Science,and Scientific Measurement

Chapter 2: Matter and Energy

Unit 2: The Exosphere

Chapter 3: The Earth as a Planet

Chapter 4: The Moon, Earth's

Closest Neighbor

Chapter 5: The Life of Stars

Chapter 6: The Solar System and its Place in the Universe

Unit 3：The Lithosphere

Chapter 7: The Earth's Interior

Chapter 8: Plate Tectonics

Chapter 9: Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Chapter 10: Minerals, Rocks,and Mineral Resources

Chapter 11: Weathering, Erosion,and Deposition

Chapter 13: The Earth's Geologic

History

Unit 4 The Atmosphere

Chapter 14: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere

Chapter 15: Insolation

Chapter 16: Atmospheric Temperature and Pressure

Chapter 17: Humidity, Clouds,and Precipitation

Chapter 18: Wind, Air?Classes,and Fronts

Chapter 19: Storras and Weather Forecasting

Chapter 20: Global Climate Change

Chapter 21: Acid Precipitation and Deposition

Chapter 22: Ozone Depletion

Unit 5 The Hydrosphere

Chapter 23: Earth, The Water Planet

Chapter 24: The Hydrologic Cycle

Chapter 25: Oceanography

Chapter 26: Fresh Surface Water and Groundwater

Chapter 27: Glaciers

Chapter 28: Pollution of the Hydrosphere

Chapter 29: El Niuo and the Southern Oscillation

Chapter 30: Coral Bleaching

Unit 6: The Biosphere

Chapter 31: Ecological Systems

Chapter 32: World Biomes and Marine Ecosystems

Chapter 33: The Flow of Energy and Matter Through Ecosystems

Chapter 34: Biological Succession

Chapter 35: Classification of the Living World

Glossary

Index