Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology

by Dennis G. Tasa, Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens

To understand timely issues such as natural disasters and environmental challenges–and to evaluate solutions to related problems–the average citizen needs a basic awareness of the scientific principles that influence our planet. This trusted book makes an often-complex subject accessible to readers with a strong focus on readability and illustrations. Offers a meaningful, non-technical survey that is informative and up to date for learning basic principles and concepts. Includes a revised and expanded GEODe Earth CD-ROM. Updates and revises art and illustrations to include dozens of new high-quality, photographs carefully selected to aid understanding and add realism. Provides a wealth of new special-interest boxes, including "Earth as a System," "People and the Environment," and "Understanding Earth." A useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about Earth's geology.

Genres: Science, Geology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference, College, School

714 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Sissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geology was such a fun class! Great diagrams galore.

[Daniel Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very much an introductory geology textbook. Breadth vs depth, covers things I think anyone passingly familiar with pop-sci would already know, etc. but that was perfect for me. I could re-read it again a time or two, skip that stuff, and just focus on the mineral and rock types, their formation, faulting, etc. and get more out of this, which is always a good sign.

For my purposes, novice, lay-person, this was a great intro.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for my geology class. It was pretty good.

[Tami Latorre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy recomendado, el libro está muy completo y abarca diversos temas relacionados en cómo funciona la Tierra. Desde tectónica de placas a glaciares, mencionando además cómo se forman las costas y por qué se formaron así, explica brevemente las atmósferas y composición de otros planetas, volcanes, minerales, energías y muchas cosas más. La verdad se convirtió en uno de mis libros favoritos, ya que me ayudó bastante con un ramo qué cursé en la Universidad. Así que, si te gustaría saber cómo funciona el sistema Tierra léelo, No te arrepentirás.

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars.
Informative and full of pictures and helpful diagrams. Provides online resources that students should be able to access and is quite helpful. When it comes to purchasing this textbook for classes and such, I would recommend checking around for prices. If your class requires you to use MasteringGeology, check up on whether or not you can buy a cheap used copy and an access code for Mastering for cheaper than buying this bundle!

[Kurami Rocket · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for my Geology 101 course. It was very informative as an introduction to Geology. So you will really get a feel as to how it is to study and work in this field. However, this textbook was difficult to understand. I had to look up youtube videos and other sources of information to try and understand all this. Still, an informative and sometimes interesting read.

[Shannon]

DNF'd at page 302

I actually put this down in November of 2016, when I had to drop the class which it was for. I actually wouldn't mind finishing this, but I'm not going to put in the time or money to track down an old textbook when I can find something else on the subject that's easier and cheaper to access.

[Arpit Ranasaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good if you are interested in Earth Science. The concepts and the book is interesting so its not boring to read, and it covers almost all aspects of Earth and Space Science. I recommend it if you want to learn about the wondrous Earth.

[Trust]

is an excellent resource for both students and educators interested in the foundational concepts of geology. The textbook is well-regarded for its clarity, depth, and comprehensive coverage of key topics, including Earth materials, surface processes, plate tectonics, and geologic time.

[Iantony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This textbook encompasses all basic physical geology you need to survive Geology 101 class. It did help me survive my early years in college.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not wait for my physical geology unit! I learnt so much from this book.

[Ismail]

This book is an amazingly

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

El mejor libro para cualquier estudiante de geografía o geología

[Dasagamabu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro de Universidad de Geología. Muy instructivo.

[consuelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

vivan las rocas sedimentarias!!!

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is decent. In general, it gives very basic introductions that lack a lot of details. For example, on page 363 the upper layer of an ophilolite is described as "sediment" and "deep-sea sediment" instead of naming the characteristic chert, and on page 366 the author includes a map and discussion of the East Africa Rift without mentioning that the Gulf of Aden is the dead third arm of the rift zone. However, for the parts that it DOES cover, the book offers very simple explanations that somebody who is totally new to the subject can still understand.

[Mohammad AlEidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book. Read it throughout the semester as I was taking Physical Geology at the university. Makes things clarified and easily understood throughout great examples and the scan-able smart figure videos. Includes questions at the end of each section to make sure you're in-check with the information required.

[Jimyanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text covers a lot of material, and manages to do so quite thoroughly and even fairly readably. It is a useful textbook for any "Intro to Geology" class, and would even be useful for someone interested in exploring the subject on their own, outside of a classroom.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been over 25 years since I had a science class, but my love of learning never ends. My nephew William took this class and thought I might like this textbook because I love rocks. It was informative and easy to navigate. I even learned some new things.

[バリー · Rating 2 out of 5]

i already knew everything in the book.

[Stéphanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

it rocks.

[Tammy King Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far, my favorite of all of my geology texts - one that I still refer to often, and keep close at hand, now that my children are picking up rocks and poking in the dirt, too.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am taking Geology at Sierra College, and this is the text.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this was the edition I had, but I learned quite a bit about geology and it was fun.

[Jonathan]

None

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this text extremely helpful in my introductory level geology course. The book presents information at an accessible level and provides helpful visual aids to accompany the text.

[Chris Gager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selected to represent two different college courses, one at Metro State and one at CU. Date is approximate.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to Geology textbook with incredible illustrations!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not into geology, but this book was pretty informative.

[Sarahandus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This certainly fills in some of the gaps in my knowledge of geology. A few more reading and I may learn more, it's certainly all there.