The first textbook of its kind that addresses the issues of global change from a true Earth systems perspective, The Earth System offers a solid emphasis on lessons from Earth's history that may guide decision-making in the future. It is more rigorous and quantitative than traditional Earth science books, while remaining appropriate for non-science majors.
1. Introduction to Global Change. 2. Daisyworld: An Introduction to Systems. 3. Global Energy Balance: The Greenhouse Effect. 4. The Atmospheric Circulation System. 5. The Circulation of the Oceans. 6. Circulation of the Solid Earth: Plate tedtonics. 7. Recycling of the Elements: The Carbon Cycle. 8. Long-Term Climate Regulation. 9. The Chemical Environment: Evolution of the Atmosphere. 10. Biodiversity through Earth History. 11. Pleistocene Glaciation. 12. Short-Term Climate Variability. 13. Global Warming. 14. Ozone Depletion. 15. Human Threats to Biodiversity. 16. Climate Stability on Earth and Earthlike Planets. Appendix A. Units and Unit Conversions. Appendix B. Temperature Conversions. Appendix C. Periodic Table. Appendix D. Useful Facts. Glossary. Index.