Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology

This 12th edition of Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, like its predecessors, is a college-level text that is intended to be a meaningful, nontechnical survey for students taking their first course in geology. In addition to being informative and up-to-date, a major goal of Earth is to meet the need for a readable and user-friendly text, a book that is a highly usable tool for students learning the basic principles and concepts of geology.

Earth is a very small part of a vast universe, but it is our home. It provides the resources that support our modern society and the ingredients necessary to maintain life. Knowledge of our physical environment is critical to our well-being and vital to our survival. A basic geology course can help a person gain such an understanding, and can also take advantage of the interest and curiosity many of us have about our planet—its landscapes and the processes that create and alter our physical environment.

While the 12th edition of Earth addresses numerous topical issues, it’s important to emphasize that the primary focus remains consistent with earlier editions: promoting student comprehension of fundamental principles.  As much as  possible, we have attempted to provide the reader with a sense of the observational techniques and reasoning processes that constitute the science of geology.

Learning Objective-driven textbook, using augmented reality to bring geology to life

With its strong readability and engaging, instructive illustrations, this trusted bestseller returns with a hybrid and streamlined focus on core principles. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology maintains a learning objective-driven approach throughout each chapter: The text provides students with a structured learning path, tied to learning objectives with opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding at the end of each section. The authors’ emphasis on currency and relevance includes the latest thinking in the field, particularly in the dynamic area of plate tectonics.

The Twelfth Edition, Pearson Science’s first augmented reality, hybrid textbook, uses the Bounce Pages image recognition app (FREE on both iOS and Android stores) to connect students’ digital devices to the print textbook, enhancing their reading and learning experience.

Mastering Geology^™ not included. Students, if Mastering Geology is a recommended/mandatory component of the course, please ask your instructor for the correct ISBN and course ID. Mastering Geology should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.

Mastering Geology is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment program designed to work with this text to engage students and improve results. Interactive, self-paced tutorials provide individualized coaching to help students stay on track. With a wide range of activities available, students can actively learn, understand, and retain even the most difficult concepts.