This highly visual, non-technical survey emphasizes broad, up-to-date coverage of basic topics and principles in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy, giving readers a sense of the observational techniques and reasoning processes that characterize the field of earth science. First-rate illustrations and a thoroughly revised narrative reflect the latest research and schools of thought. New introductory section explores the concept of Earth as a system composed of many interacting subsystems. Includes 100+ pieces of new or revised art, plus expanded discussions of minerals, stream erosion, causes of floods, landslides, glaciers, folds and faults, volcanic hazards, global warming, and severe storms. Also features n ew findings and revealing photos from the 2004 Spirit rover expedition. For anyone interested in learning more about earth science.