Earth systems : processes and issues / edited by W.G. Ernst.

Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2000.

x, 566 pages : illustrations, maps ; 29 cm

Why study Earth systems science? / Stephen H. Schneider -- Physical geography / Donald Kennedy -- Time scales : geologic, biologic, and political -- Earth's place in the solar system -- Earth materials, and the internal constitution of the planet -- Drifting continents, sea-floor spreading, and plate tectonics / W.G. Ernst -- Fluvial landforms : the surface of the Earth / Keith Loague -- Chemical weathering and soils : interface between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere / Mark J. Johnsson -- Hydrologic cycle / Patricia A. Maurice -- Atmosphere-ocean coupling and surface circulation of the ocean -- Deep-sea and global ocean circulation / James C. Ingle, Jr. -- Chemical oceanography / Peter G. Brewer -- Atmosphere composition, mixing, and ozone destruction -- Atmosphere motions and the greenhouse effect / Robert Chatfield -- Can we forecast climate future without knowing climate past? ; Can we predict climate change accurately? / Stephen H. Schneider -- Biodiversity : result of speciation and extinction -- Evolution : adaptation and environmental change / Carol L. Boggs and Joan Roughgarden -- Global biogeochemical cycles : cardon, sulfur, and nitrogen / Isaac R. Kaplan and Julie K. Bartley -- Global change and the terrestrial carbon cycle : the Jasper Ridge CO² experiment / Christopher B. Field and Nona Chiariello -- Ecology : possible consequences of rapid global change / Terry L. Root -- Population and the environment / Susan E. Alexander and Paul R. Ehrlich.

Mineral resources : assets and liabilities / Marco T. Einaudi -- Energy resources and the environment / Jane Woodward, Christopher Place, and Kathryn Arbeit -- Natural hazards : prediction and risk / W.G. Ernst -- Steps from environmental science to effective policy ; Confronting the prospect of global climate change : carbon taxes and other domestic policy options / Lawrence H. Goulder -- Land use : global effects and local changes / Edward A.G. Schuur and Pamela A. Matson -- Agriculture and global change / Rosamond L. Naylor -- Water allocation and protection : a United States case study / Barton H. Thompson, Jr. -- Valuing nature / Lawrence H. Goulder and Donald Kennedy -- Life support system-- toward Earth sense / W.S. Fyfe -- Synthesis of Earth systems and global change / W.G. Ernst.

Includes bibliographical references and index.