In-depth, comprehensive coverage of the Earth's solid phase with more than 50% new & revised material. This one-volume Encyclopedia provides a comprehensive treatment of the geological sciences & of the essential materials, processes, compositions, & physical characteristics of the solid part of the Earth's system. It includes both theoretical & practical information on such topics as mineralogy, petrology, historical & surficial geology, geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, & soil science. A vital source of information for professionals, educators, & students, this updated Second Edition includes 520 alphabetically arranged articles, 650 halftones & line drawings, cross-references to related topics, & a 4500-entry analytical index.

Contains 560 alphabetically arranged articles on the geological sciences. Includes maps, tables, graphs, and diagrams.

Alphabetically arranged entries provide a comprehensive overview of the field of earth science, offering information on key figures, theories, discoveries, advances, terms, and concepts.

This reference work now includes 250 articles - many of them new to this volume - in all major environmental subjects of broad interest: from rainforests to hazardous waste and sewage treatment. It offers a complete overview of current environmental problems and the solutions needed to ultimately protect and preserve our environment. Numerous photographs, diagrams, charts, graphs, and line drawings supplement the text.

Includes more than 8,000 essential terms and definitions in the earth sciences, this complete and handy source for the latest terminology covers the fields of climatology, geochemistry, geodesy, geography, hydrology, oceanography, and palaeontology.