Origin and Evolution of Earth: Principles of Historical Geology [Hardcover]

Kent Condie (Author), Robert Sloan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0134918207 | ISBN-13: 978-0134918204 | Publication Date: January 20, 1998 | Edition: 1st

Appropriate for one-semester courses in historical geology. This text assumes basic prerequisite coursework in physical geology.This exceptionally readable text gives students an in-depth and accurate picture of the complexities of Earth's history and life. The history of Earth is considered not only from the conventional surface approach but also from the perspective of Earth and its role as a member of the solar system. Plate tectonics is placed at a central position in the discussion of Earth's history.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Reflecting the tremendous change and factors affecting historical geology in the past 25 years (such as seafloor spreading, plate tectonics, and extensive research of other planets in our Solar System), this exceptionally readable book gives readers an in-depth and accurate picture of the complexities of the history of the Earth and life. Examines the Earth as a total system and attempts to show how the various subsystems are related and influence each other. Surveys important isotopic dating methods, compares planetary evolution, studies ancient climates, and delves into the origin and evolution of life. Shares new and exciting developments in the Earth Sciences, such as extraterrestrial impact and mass extinction of organisms, the origin of continents, rates of organic evolution, and the dating of very old rocks.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 498 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1st edition (January 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0134918207
• ISBN-13: 978-0134918204
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,880,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent review of historical geolgy, February 28, 2001

By 

William Alan Benson (Jenks, OK USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Origin and Evolution of Earth: Principles of Historical Geology (Hardcover)

As a practicing professional now 25yrs out of school I read this as a quick review of historical geology. Excellent organization with a highly accessible style. I especially appreciated the sections on the historical development of the North American Craton. As always, Condie's writings on plate tectonics and crustal evolution are authoritative.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic book for beginners, August 14, 2005

By 

Md Sirajul Islam (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Origin and Evolution of Earth: Principles of Historical Geology (Hardcover)

This is really a nice book for those beginners like to know the evolution of earth, moon and the atmosphere. Its clear explanation and step by step procedure helps understanding the phenomenon easily. First few chapters are fantastic, not only for geology students but general people to understand the evolution and formation of earth. However, I encourage the author to use color photographs in it's next edition.