Introduction to Earth Science

This website is a"free" on-line textbook for an introductory course in earth science.

Content description: This course is an introduction to earth science and the processes affecting our physical environment.

The first part of the course is an examination of fundamental concepts important to understanding the science of astronomy and earth materials in our physical world. Geologic diagrams and maps are essential part of visualizing geologic phenomena.

Earth History and Evolution are reviewed are essential concepts relating to all other earth science topics

Plate Tectonics is the modern foundation for resolving the geologic history of regions, and is important to understanding natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

The Rock Cycle is a pathway to understanding how rocks form and how they change through geologic time. Processes involving igneous activity, surficial weathering, erosion, and deposition, and the consolidation of sediments back into solid material are examined.

Examination of surface environments is the focus of several chapter with focus on water (liquid and solid ice), or lack of it (deserts). A chapter on oceans and shorelines examines the physical environment where most humans live along coastlines.