Described as craggy, rocky, or glacial, among a host of other descriptors, the Earth's geosphere-that is, its solid foundation-is subject to incredible variation. It is these permutations that inform the study of the geological sciences. This field involves not only the study of rocks, minerals, and landforms, but also that of glaciers, fossils, volcanoes, and other aspects of the Earth's surface. This sweeping volume examines the various branches...

The planet's natural dips and elevations, slopes and structures, stud the world's landscapes and enrich its panoramas. However, the Earth's landforms should not be viewed as anomalies in its topography; rather, they are often invaluable components of ecosystems and hold significant clues to the natural forces that fashion our environment. This comprehensive volume examines the various landforms-from mountains to caves to glaciers-that can be found...

Anyone who has marveled at the glimmer of a perfectly cut diamond, tended a garden, or consumed a nutritious meal has appreciated some of the many roles that minerals play in our lives. Present in many natural substances, minerals are highly structured entities, each with a unique chemical composition and set of properties. Accompanied by detailed tables, diagrams, and sidebars, this informative volume examines the various types of minerals and their...

Often concealing millennia worth of Earth's history, rocks seem to project an impression of durability and permanence that belies their transformation over time. Seen in all shapes and sizes and found in many of the planet's ecosystems, rocks have been subject to various natural forces that have affected such attributes as their elasticity, strength, and ductility (that is, their ability to be fashioned into a new form). The general properties as...

Young readers will be amazed to learn about what a gem is and how it is made. This title is informative yet simple. Big text and simple sentences combined with vibrant photographs will entertain readers and strengthen their reading skills. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Kids is a division of ABDO.

A basic introduction to minerals covers what they are, where they form, their crystal shapes, and the different types.--

Young readers will be amazed to learn about the different kinds of rocks, how they are made, and why they are important to humans. This title is informative yet simple. Big text and simple sentences combined with vibrant photographs will entertain readers and strengthen their reading skills. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Kids is a division of ABDO. --