Earth Systems: Processes and Issues Book

Collecting the insightful teaching experiences of an internationally respected group of researchers and lecturers, this undergraduate textbook will impact the future development of environmental studies and earth system science. Integrating the principles of the natural sciences, engineering, and economics as they pertain to the global environment, Earth Systems: Processes and Issues explains the complex couplings and feedback mechanisms linking the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. This volume uniquely combines topics in the physical and life sciences with engineering environmental systems, regional case studies, and the economic implications of environmental public policy decisions. Fully integrated, it is an ideal textbook for a wide range of courses dealing with environmental issues, including earth and atmospheric science, environmental science, biological science, oceanography, geography, civil engineering, and social science. Each chapter includes a reading list of the most important references, and problem sets will encourage students to explore the subject further.