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Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Third Edition, examines the various subsystems that play a role in the evolution of the Earth, including subsystems in the crust, mantle, core, atmosphere, oceans, and life. This third edition includes 30% new material and, for the first time, includes full color images in both the print and electronic versions. Topics in the great events chapters are now included in the beginning of Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, with the addition of a new feature of breakout boxes for each event.
The second half of Earth as an Evolving Planetary System now focuses on a better understanding of Earth's history by looking at the interactions of the subsystems over time. The Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, crustal and mantle evolution, the supercontinent cycle, great events in Earth history, and the Earth in comparison to other planets are also covered.
Preface
Chapter 1: Earth as a Planetary System
Abstract
Introduction
Structure of Earth
Plate Tectonics
Is the Earth Unique?
Interacting Earth Subsystems
Great Events in Earth History
Chapter 2: The Crust
Abstract
Introduction
Seismic Crustal Structure
Crustal Types
Continent Size
Heat Flow and Heat Production
Exhumation and Cratonization
Processes in the Continental Crust
Crustal Composition
Crustal Provinces and Terranes
Crustal Province and Terrane Boundaries
The United Plates of America
Chapter 3: Tectonic Settings
Abstract
Introduction
Ocean Ridges
Tectonic Settings Related to Mantle Plumes
Continental Rifts
Cratons and Passive Margins
Convergent Margins
Orogens
Uncertain Tectonic Settings
Mineral and Energy Deposits
Chapter 4: The Mantle
Abstract
Introduction
Seismic Structure of the Mantle
Mantle Tomography
Geoid and Density Anomalies
Temperature Distribution in the Mantle
The Lithosphere
The Asthenosphere
The Transition Zone
The Lower Mantle
Water in the Mantle
Plate Driving Forces
Mantle Plumes
Large Low S-wave Velocity Provinces
Mantle Geochemical Components
Convection in the Mantle
Chapter 5: The Core
Abstract
Introduction
Core Temperature
The Inner Core
Age of the Core
Generation of Earth's Magnetic Field
Origin of the Core
What the Future Holds
Chapter 6: Crustal and Mantle Evolution
Abstract
Introduction
The Hadean
Crustal Origin
How Continents Grow
Continental Growth Rates
Global Changes at the End of the Archean
Evolution of the Subcontinental Lithosphere
Earth's Thermal History
Chapter 7: The Supercontinent Cycle
Abstract
Introduction
Methods of Supercontinent Reconstruction
Assembly of Supercontinents
Breakup of Supercontinents
Archean Supercratons
The Story of Three Supercontinents
The Supercontinent Cycle
Plate Speeds Through Time
Supercontinent Lifetimes
LIP Events and the Supercontinent Cycle
Imprints of the Supercontinent Cycle on Earth History
Epilogue
Chapter 8: The Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
Abstract
The Modern Atmosphere
The Primitive Atmosphere
The Post-Collision Atmosphere
The Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Makes its Entrance
The Carbon Isotope Record
The Sulfur Isotope Record
Phanerozoic Atmospheric History
The Hydrosphere
Paleoclimates
Epilogue
Chapter 9: The Biosphere
Abstract
Introduction
The Role of Impacts
The RNA World
Hydrothermal Vents
The First Life
Evidence of Early Life
Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
Oxygenic Photosynthesis
The Tree of Life
The First Fossils
Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life
Appearance of Eukaryotes
Origin of Metazoans
Stromatolites
Neoproterozoic Multicellular Organisms
Evolution of Phanerozoic Life Forms
Biological Benchmarks
Mass Extinctions
Chapter 10: Comparative Planetary Evolution
Abstract
Introduction
Condensation and Accretion of the Planets
Members of the Solar System
Volcanism in the Solar System
Planetary Crusts
Plate Tectonics
Mineral Evolution
Evolution of the Atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars
The Habitable Zone
Comparative Planetary Evolution
Extrasolar Planets
References
Index
Kent Condie is professor of geochemistry at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM where he has taught since 1970. Prior to that time he was at Washington University in St. Louis, MO (1964-1970). The textbook Plate Tectonics and Crustal Evolution, which is widely used in upper division and graduate courses in the Earth Sciences, was first published in 1976 and has gone through four previous editions. In addition Condie has written a beginning historical geology textbook with coauthor Robert Sloan, Origin and Evolution of Earth (1998), an advanced textbook, Mantle Plumes and Their Record in Earth History (2001), and a research treatise, Archean Greenstone Belts (1981). His most recent book, written as an upper division/graduate textbook, is Earth as an Evolving Planetary System (2005; second edition 2011). He also has edited two books, Proterozoic Crustal Evolution (1992) and Archean Crustal Evolution (1994). His CD-ROM, Plate Tectonics and How the Earth Works is widely used in upper division Earth Science courses in the United States and Europe. Condie's research, primarily dealing with the origin and evolution of continents and the early history of the Earth, has over the years been sponsored chiefly by the U. S. National Science Foundation. He is author or co-author of over 750 articles published scientific journals.
