How Does Earth Work: Physical Geology and the Process of Science (Paperback)

~ Gary Smith (Author), Aurora Pun (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

It’s about how we know what we know. How Does Earth Work?  covers the traditional breadth of introductory geology topics, but takes the non-traditional and highly effective approach of emphasizing conceptual learning of process rather than rote memorization of facts. Questions drive the development of the concepts:  As with science itself, there are no answers without first asking questions.  As a result, the concepts are introduced and developed in context ("If this is true, then why...?”), which facilitates deeper exploration of and linking between concepts. Illustrations bear much of the weight of explanation; they are as simple as possible, thoughtfully annotated, and paired wherever possible with photos of the concept manifest in nature.


Why Geology? Minerals: Building Blocks of the Planet; Rocks and Rock-Forming Processes; Formation of Magma and Igneous Rocks; Formation of Sediment and Sedimentary Rocks; Formation of Metamorphic Rocks; Earth Materials as Time Keepers; Journey to the Center of Earth; Making Earth; Motion Inside Earth; Deformation of Rocks; Global Tectonics — Plates and Plumes; Tectonics and Surface Relief; Soil Formation and Landscape Stability; Mass Movement: Landscapes in Motion; Streams: Flowing Water Shapes the Landscape; Water Flowing Underground; Glaciers: Sculptors of Continents, Recorders of Climate Change; Shorelines: Changing Landscapes Where Land Meets Sea; Wind: A Global Geologic Process.


A comprehensive reference for geology professionals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 708 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; annotated edition edition (July 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130341290
• ISBN-13: 978-0130341297
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,547 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great content - not a durable book, though, February 1, 2006

By	Thomas Hochmann (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

Okay, let me get a few things out of the way up front. First off, I generally hate textbooks. I've been in college 6 years and counting, and it's fair to say that most textbooks (regardless of subject) are written and edited in a very clueless fashion. Second, though I have many personal interests in the realm of science (quantum mechanics, string theory, and so on), it's often a major chore to study 100-level science at a university. Doubly so if it's a scientific subject you have no interest in - which in my case would be geology.

Back to the topic at hand, this book counters all of what I just said. This is an outstanding textbook by any standard. I'd even recommend it for non-students who have an interest in geology and earth science. Combined with a good instructor, this book makes an excellent resource and a surprisingly enjoyable read. I had virtually no personal interest in geology going into the class, but this book communicates a good deal of practical knowledge as well as just plain interesting trivia.

I do have some issues with the book in a physical sense. Content-wise, /How Does Earth Work/ is fantastic. But the design of the book is troublesome. It's large, unwieldy, and the cover is very flimsy. A book this size should really be hardcover, because the glossy pages are just too vulnerable to folds and tears even with careful use. I take good care of my books, and don't just randomly slop them into my backpack. Even with all my efforts to keep the book in tact, it already has minor creases in the cover, bent corners on pages, and other slight damage. This is after just two weeks of class, folks.

The book looks great, with all the color photos and such... But the physical design of it is not at all realistic for college use. Make peace with the fact that you're not going to be able to re-sell this book for near new price at the end of the semester. Beyond that, /How Does Earth Work/ is a great resource, and one of the very few college books I'd highly recommend to students and non-students alike.

5.0 out of 5 stars geology book, June 7, 2009

By	Lynnae A. Mcnamee (cedar falls, IA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is very helpful and interesting. I ordered it used and it arrived on time and in almost perfect condition.

4.0 out of 5 stars Basic Geology Explained, June 25, 2008

By	Marguerite Oriorden "labrador reader" (Sarasota FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A good overview of basic geology, with plenty of illustrations and charts. Although well written, it assumes some prior knowledge of chemistry and physics, but then at times becomes oddly "dumbed-down."
Still, it is thorough and fascinating and should be a required subject for all high school students.