The Earth A Very Short Introduction

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The Earth: A Very Short Introduction

Martin Redfern
The Earth A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Martin Redfern
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2003-06-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191577741

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The Earth: A Very Short Introduction by Martin Redfern Pdf

For generations, the ground beneath the feet of our ancestors seemed solid and unchanging. Around 30 years ago, two things happened that were to revolutionize the understanding of our home planet. First, geologists realized that the continents themselves were drifting across the surface of the globe and that oceans were being created and destroyed. Secondly, pictures of the entire planet were returned from space. As the astronomer Fred Hoyle had predicted, this 'let loose an idea as powerful as any in history'. Suddenly, the Earth began to be viewed as a single entity; a dynamic, interacting whole, controlled by complex processes we scarcely understood. It began to seem less solid. As one astronaut put it, 'a blue jewel on black velvet; small, fragile and touchingly alone'. Geologists at last were able to see the whole as well as the detail; the wood as well as the trees. This book brings their account up to date with the latest understanding of the processes that govern our planet. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Earth System Science: A Very Short Introduction

Tim Lenton
Earth System Science A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Tim Lenton
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2016-02-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191028960

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Earth System Science: A Very Short Introduction by Tim Lenton Pdf

When humanity first glimpsed planet Earth from space, the unity of the system that supports humankind entered the popular consciousness. The concept of the Earth's atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, soil, and rocks operating as a closely interacting system has rapidly gained ground in science. This new field, involving geographers, geologists, biologists, oceanographers, and atmospheric physicists, is known as Earth System Science. In this Very Short Introduction, Tim Lenton considers how a world in which humans could evolve was created; how, as a species, we are now reshaping that world; and what a sustainable future for humanity within the Earth System might look like. Drawing on elements of geology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, Lenton asks whether Earth System Science can help guide us onto a sustainable course before we alter the Earth system to the point where we destroy ourselves and our current civilisation. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Geology: A Very Short Introduction

Jan Zalasiewicz
Geology A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Jan Zalasiewicz
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2018-07-16
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780192526632

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Geology: A Very Short Introduction by Jan Zalasiewicz Pdf

Ranging across the 4.6 billion year history of the planet, geology is the subject that encompasses almost all that we see around us, in one way or another, and also much that we cannot see, beneath our feet, and on other planets. The fruits of geology provide most of the materials that give us shelter, and most of the energy that drives our modern lives. Within the study of geology lie some of the clues to the extraordinary impact our species is going to play out on the planet, in centuries and millennia to come. In this Very Short Introduction Jan Zalasiewicz gives a brief introduction to the fascinating field of geology. Describing how the science developed from its early beginnings, he looks at some of the key discoveries that have transformed it, before delving into its various subfields, such as sedimentology, tectonics, and stratigraphy. Analysing the geological foundations of the Earth, Zalasiewicz explains the interlocking studies of tectonics, geophysics, and igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry; and describes how rocks are dated by radiometric dating. Considering the role and importance of geology in the finding and exploitation of resources (including fracking), he also discusses its place in environmental issues, such as foundations for urban structures and sites for landfill, and in tackling issues associated with climate change. Zalasiewicz concludes by discussing the exciting future and frontiers of the field, such as the exploration of the geology of Mars. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Anthropocene: A Very Short Introduction

Erle C. Ellis
Anthropocene A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Erle C. Ellis
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2018-02-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780192511386

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Anthropocene: A Very Short Introduction by Erle C. Ellis Pdf

The proposal that the impact of humanity on the planet has left a distinct footprint, even on the scale of geological time, has recently gained much ground. Global climate change, shifting global cycles of the weather, widespread pollution, radioactive fallout, plastic accumulation, species invasions, the mass extinction of species - these are just some of the many indicators that we will leave a lasting record in rock, the scientific basis for recognizing new time intervals in Earth's history. The Anthropocene, as the proposed new epoch has been named, is regularly in the news. Even with such robust evidence, the proposal to formally recognize our current time as the Anthropocene remains controversial both inside and outside the scholarly world, kindling intense debates. The reason is clear. The Anthropocene represents far more than just another interval of geologic time. Instead, the Anthropocene has emerged as a powerful new narrative, a concept through which age-old questions about the meaning of nature and even the nature of humanity are being revisited and radically revised. This Very Short Introduction explains the science behind the Anthropocene and the many proposals about when to mark its beginning: the nuclear tests of the 1950s? The beginnings of agriculture? The origins of humans as a species? Erle Ellis considers the many ways that the Anthropocene's "evolving paradigm" is reshaping the sciences, stimulating the humanities, and foregrounding the politics of life on a planet transformed by humans. The Anthropocene remains a work in progress. Is this the story of an unprecedented planetary disaster? Or of newfound wisdom and redemption? Ellis offers an insightful discussion of our role in shaping the planet, and how this will influence our future on many fronts. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Atmosphere

Paul I. Palmer
The Atmosphere Book PDF

Author : Paul I. Palmer
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 153 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2017
Category : Atmosphere
ISBN : 9780198722038

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The Atmosphere by Paul I. Palmer Pdf

In this Very Short introduction Paul Palmer looks at the structure and basic physics and chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere, comparing it to the atmospheres of other planets, particularly our neighbours, Venus and Mars. Palmer looks at the effects of pollutants and climate change, and what may happen to our atmosphere in the future.

Earth System Science

Timothy Lenton
Earth System Science Book PDF

Author : Timothy Lenton
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 169 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2016
Category : Earth sciences
ISBN : 9780198718871

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Earth System Science by Timothy Lenton Pdf

The concept of the Earth's atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, soil, and rocks operating as a closely interacting system has rapidly gained ground in science. This new field, involving geographers, geologists, biologists, oceanographers, and atmospheric physicists, is known as Earth system science. This introductory text considers how a world in which humans could evolve was created; how, as a species, we are now reshaping that world; and what a sustainable future for humanity within the Earth system might look like. Drawing on elements of geology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, it also asks whether Earth system science can help guide us onto a sustainable course before we alter the Earth system to the point where we destroy ourselves and our current civilisation.

Terrorism

Charles Townshend
Terrorism Book PDF

Author : Charles Townshend
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 185 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2018
Category : Electronic books
ISBN : 9780198809098

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Terrorism by Charles Townshend Pdf

"Is terrorism crime or war? Can there be a 'war against terrorism'? In this fully updated edition, Charles Townshend unravels the questions at the heart of the problem of terrorism - its causes, methods, effects, and limitations - suggesting that it must be understood as a political strategy whose threat can be rationally grasped and answered"--Publisher's description.

Climate: A Very Short Introduction

Mark Maslin
Climate A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Mark Maslin
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 177 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2013-06-27
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780199641130

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Climate: A Very Short Introduction by Mark Maslin Pdf

In this Very Short Introduction, Mark Maslin looks at all aspects of climate, from the physical and chemical factors that drive it and how climate differs from weather, to how climate has affected human settlements and the cyclic features of it. He ends with a look at climate change and our current approaches to solving it.

Oceans: A Very Short Introduction

Dorrik Stow
Oceans A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Dorrik Stow
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 152 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2017-07-20
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191024290

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Oceans: A Very Short Introduction by Dorrik Stow Pdf

The importance of the oceans to life on Earth cannot be overstated. Liquid water covers more than 70% of our planet's surface and, in past geological time, has spread over 85%. Life on Earth began in the oceans over 3.5 billion years ago and remained there for the great majority of that time. Today the seas still provide 99% of habitable living space, the largest repository of biomass, and holds the greatest number of undiscovered species on the planet. Our oceans are vital for the regulation of climate, and with global warming and decreasing land area, they have become increasingly important as the source of food, energy in the form of oil and gas, and for their mineral wealth. Oceans also form a key part of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements critical to life. Nutrients in upwelling areas are spread by ocean currents, and the plankton of the seas supports a wealth of wildlife. In this Very Short Introduction Dorrik Stow analyses these most important components of our blue planet and considers their relationship with, and exploitation by, humans. He shows how the oceans are an essential resource to our overpopulated world, and discusses why exploration and greater scientific understanding of the oceans, their chemistry, and their mineral wealth are now a high priority. Stow also explores what we know of how oceans originate, and evolve and change; the shape of the seafloor and nature of its cover; the physical processes that stir the waters and mix such a rich chemical broth; and the inseparable link between oceans and climate. As polar ice melts and sea-levels rise, countless millions who have made their homes on low-lying lands close to the sea are threatened. As scientific exploration of the seas gathers pace, the new knowledge gained of the ocean-Earth systems and their interaction with the human environment is vital to our understanding of how we can preserve these ultimately fragile environments. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction

Mark Maslin
Climate Change A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Mark Maslin
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 200 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2014-10-23
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191029110

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Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction by Mark Maslin Pdf

Climate change is still, arguably, the most critical and controversial issue facing the world in the twenty-first century. Previously published as Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction, the new edition is now Climate Change: A Very Short introduction, reflecting an important change in the terminology of the last decade. In the third edition, Mark Maslin includes crucial updates from the last few years, including the results of the 2013 IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, the effects of ocean acidification, and the impact of changes to global population and health. Exploring all of the key topics in the debate, Maslin makes sense of the complexities climate change involves, from political and social issues to environmental and scientific. Looking at its predicated impacts, he explores all of the controversies, and also explains the various proposed solutions. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction

Michael J. Benton
The History of Life A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Michael J. Benton
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 185 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2008-11-27
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780199226320

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The History of Life: A Very Short Introduction by Michael J. Benton Pdf

This Very Short Introduction presents a succinct and accessible guide to the key episodes in the story of life on earth - from the very origins of life four million years ago to the extraordinary diversity of species around the globe today.

Astrobiology: A Very Short Introduction

David C. Catling
Astrobiology A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : David C. Catling
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 161 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2013-10-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780199586455

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Astrobiology: A Very Short Introduction by David C. Catling Pdf

Examines the origins of life on Earth and the search for extraterrestrial life, through an understanding of the factors that have allowed life to exist on this planet and the commonalities on others that may enable life elsewhere.

Geography: A Very Short Introduction

John A. Matthews,David T. Herbert
Geography A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : John A. Matthews,David T. Herbert
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 200 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2008-05-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780191578687

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Geography: A Very Short Introduction by John A. Matthews,David T. Herbert Pdf

Modern Geography has come a long way from its historical roots in exploring foreign lands, and simply mapping and naming the regions of the world. Spanning both physical and human Geography, the discipline today is unique as a subject which can bridge the divide between the sciences and the humanities, and between the environment and our society. Using wide-ranging examples from global warming and oil, to urbanization and ethnicity, this Very Short Introduction paints a broad picture of the current state of Geography, its subject matter, concepts and methods, and its strengths and controversies. The book’s conclusion is no less than a manifesto for Geography’s future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Sun: A Very Short Introduction

Philip Judge
The Sun A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Philip Judge
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2020-04-23
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780192569004

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The Sun: A Very Short Introduction by Philip Judge Pdf

The Sun, as our nearest star, is of enormous importance for life on Earth - providing the warm radiation and light which allowed complex life to evolve. The Sun plays a key role in influencing our climate, whilst solar storms and high-energy events can threaten our communication infrastructure and satellites. This Very Short Introduction explores what we know about the Sun, its physics, its structure, origins, and future evolution. Philip Judge explains some of the remaining puzzles about the Sun that still confound us, using elementary physics, and mathematical concepts. Why does the Sun form spots? Why does it flare? As he shows, these and other nagging difficulties relate to the Sun's continually variable magnetism, which converts an otherwise dull star into a machine for flooding interplanetary space with variable radiation, high-energy particles and magnetic ejections. Throughout, Judge highlights the many reasons that the Sun is important, and why scientists engage in solar research. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Antarctic: A Very Short Introduction

Klaus Dodds
The Antarctic A Very Short Introduction Book PDF

Author : Klaus Dodds
Publisher : OUP Oxford
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 42,6 Mb
Release : 2012-07-26
Category : History
ISBN : 9780191633515

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The Antarctic: A Very Short Introduction by Klaus Dodds Pdf

The Antarctic is one the most hostile natural environments in the world. It is an extraordinary physical space, which changes significantly in shape and size with the passing of the seasons. Politically, it is unique as it contains one of the few areas of continental space not claimed by any nation-state. Scientifically, the continental ice sheet has provided us with vital evidence about the Earth's past climate. In this Very Short Introduction, Klaus Dodds provides a modern account of Antarctica, highlighting the main issues facing the continent today. Looking at how the Antarctic has been explored and represented in the last hundred years, Dodds considers the main exploratory and scientific achievements of the region. He explains how processes such as globalization mean that the Antarctic is increasingly involved in a wider circuit of ideas, goods, people, trade, and governance - all of which have an impact on the future of the region. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.