Instant download (Test Bank) Environmental Geology An Earth Systems Approach 2nd Edition by Dorothy Merritts pdf, docx, kindle format all chapters after payment.1429237430,9781429237437
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ISBN 10: 1429237430
ISBN 13: 9781429237437
Author: Merritts, Dorothy
Emphasizing the interconnected nature of environmental geology and the multidimensional processes of the Earth, this highly anticipated new edition of Merritt’s classic text provides a balanced approach to environmental issues and builds an informed student understanding with case studies, conceptual explanations, and relevant presentation of material. By far the most concise book for its course, it remains the only textbook to use an earth systems approach to exploring how the Earth works, the human impact on the environment, and the characteristics of different natural hazards.
Table of contents:
Part I: Introduction
CHAPTER 1 Dynamic Earth Systems
Part II: Solid Earth Systems and Geologic time
CHAPTER 2 Plate tectonics: Solid Earth in Motion
CHAPTER 3 Earthquakes: their Causes, Hazards, and risks
CHAPTER 4 Earth Materials: Elements, Minerals, and rocks
CHAPTER 5 Volcanoes
CHAPTER 6 Geologic time, Environmental Change, and Earth System Cycles
Part III: Earth’s Surface System
CHAPTER 7 the Biosphere
CHAPTER 8 Soil and Weathering Systems
Part IV: Fluid Earth Systems
CHAPTER 9 Earth’s Surface Water
CHAPTER 10 the Groundwater System
CHAPTER 11 the atmospheric System
CHAPTER 12 the Ocean and Coastal System
Part V: Energy, Changing Earth, and Human-Earth Interactions
CHAPTER 13 Energy
CHAPTER 14 Understanding Climatic and Environmental Change
CHAPTER 15 Humans and the Whole Earth System: Living in the anthropocene
Appendix
Glossary
References
Index
Contents
Letter from the authors
Preface
Part I: Introduction
CHAPTER 1 Dynamic Earth Systems
Earth System Science
The Concept of Systems
Types of Systems
System Behavior
Feedbacks in Earth Systems
Earth’s Environmental Systems
The Geosphere: Earth’s Metallic Interior and Rocky Outer Shell
The Pedosphere: Where Soils Form
The Hydrosphere: Earth’s Distinguishing Characteristic
The Atmosphere: Earth’s Envelope of Gases
The Biosphere: Where Life Exists
Earth’s Energy System
States of Energy
Sources of Energy
Energy Budget of Earth
Human Consumption of Energy
Human Population and Earth System Boundaries
Human Population Growth
Resources and Sustainable Development
Pollution, Wastes, and Environmental Impact
Natural Disasters, Hazards, and Risks
The Anthropocene and Planetary Boundaries
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
Part II: Solid Earth Systems and Geologic Time
CHAPTER 2 Plate tectonics: Solid Earth in Motion
Introduction
BOX 2-1 Global and Environmental Change: Plate Tectonics and the Evolution of Species
An Early Conundrum and the Scientific Method
Science, Pseudoscience, and the Scientific Method
Plate Properties and Motions
Divergent Plate Boundaries, Spreading Ridges, and Normal Faults
Convergent Plate Boundaries, Subduction Zones, and Reverse Faults
Transform Plate Boundaries and Strike-Slip Faults
Piecing the Theory Together
Paleomagnetism and Proof of Continental Drift
Magnetic Reversals and the Magnetic Polarity Timescale
Paleomagnetism and Seafloor Spreading
More Evidence in Support of the Theory
BOX 2-2 Emerging Research: Drilling into a Subduction Zone: The NanTroSEIZE Project
The Driver of Plate Tectonics
BOX 2-3 Emerging Research: Our Evolving Understanding of the Hawaiian Hot Spot
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 3 Earthquakes: their Causes, Hazards, and Risks
Introduction
The Buildup and Release of Seismic Energy
Fault Behavior
Seismic Sources and Waves
Locating Earthquake Epicenters
BOX 3-1 Geologist’s Toolbox: Imaging Earth’s Interior
Tectonic Loading and the Earthquake Cycle
Assessing Earthquake hazards
Earthquake Moment Magnitude
Earthquake Intensity
Looking for Earthquakes in the Geologic Record
BOX 3-2 Case Study: Magnitude Versus Intensity: The 2010 Haiti and Chile Events
The Potential for Future Earthquakes
BOX 3-3 Emerging Research: The Parkfield Earthquake and the Difficulties of Prediction
Minimizing the Risks from Earthquakes
BOX 3-4 Earth Science and Public Policy: Earthquakes and Legislation
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 4 Earth Materials: Elements, Minerals, and Rocks
Introduction
Minerals: Building Blocks of the Lithosphere
Crystallization and Mineral Structure
Major Mineral Groups
BOX 4-1 Geologist’s Toolbox: Soft Crystals and Hard Science in the Cave of Crystals, Mexico
Mineral Properties: Hardness and Cleavage
Rocks and the Rock Cycle
Igneous Rocks
Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
The Rock Cycle
Rock and Mineral Resources
Industrialization and Mineral Resources
Critical Minerals
Ore Deposits and Ore Minerals
Types of Ore Deposits
BOX 4-2 Case Study: Rare Earth Elements: Not Rare, But Hard to Get
Depletion and Recycling of Mineral Resources
Environmental Impacts of Mining
Environmental Regulation of Mining
Metal Cycling Through Earth Systems: Copper Case Study
BOX 4-3 Case Study: Butte, MontanaŠFrom Boom Town to Superfund Site
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 5 Volcanoes
Introduction
Volcanic Eruptions
How Volcanoes Erupt
Magma Types and Eruptive Styles
Shield Volcanoes, Stratovolcanoes, and Cinder Cones
Craters, Calderas, and Climate
Volcanic Hazards
Volcanic Ash
BOX 5-1 Earth Science and Public Policy: Creating Artificial Volcanic Eruptions to Counter Global Wa
Volcanic Gases
Tsunamis from Volcanic Eruptions
Active, Dormant, and Extinct Volcanoes
The Volcanic Explosivity Index
Determining Volcanic Threat Levels
BOX 5-2 Earth Science and Public Policy: The Prediction Challenge
Minimizing the Risks from Volcanic Eruptions
The Lahars of Mount Rainier
BOX 5-3 Earth Science and Public Policy: Volcano Databases and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers
Stopping the Lava on Mount Etna
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 6 Geologic Time, Environmental Change, and Earth System Cycles
Introduction
Scales of Time and Earth System Cycles
Time and Earth System Cycles
Measuring Time: Relative and Absolute Age Dating
BOX 6-1 Global and Environmental Change: One Billion Years of Rock Cycling Revealed in the Grand Can
Fossils, Evolution, and Relative Geologic Time
Radioactivity and Absolute Geologic Time
Radiometric Dating
BOX 6-2 Geologist’s Toolbox: How Is the Rate of Radioactive Decay Used to Date EarthMaterials?
BOX 6-3 Geologist’s Toolbox: Family History: Radiometric Dating and the Tempo of Human Evolution
Global Change over Different Scales of Time
Global Change over Historic Time Scales
Global Change over Short Geologic Time Scales
BOX 6-4 Geologist’s Toolbox: How Do Scientists Date Ice Cores?
Global Change over Long Geologic Time Scales
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
Part III: Earth’s Surface System
CHAPTER 7 the Biosphere
Introduction
Biosphere Structure and Functioning
Energy for Life: Photosynthesis and Respiration
Nutrients and Biogeochemical Cycles
Trophic Levels and Food Chains
Competition and Cooperation
Population Growth and Carrying Capacity
BOX 7-1 Case Study: The Guano Era in Peruvian History
Biomes, Habitats, and Ecological Niches
Biodiversity
BOX 7-2 Emerging Research: Anthropogenic Biomes: Humanity’s Imprint on the Biosphere
BOX 7-3 Case Study: Consequences of Wolf Reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park
Ecosystem Services
Environmental Goods
Pollination of Crops and Native Vegetation
Water Purification
Human Impacts on the Biosphere
Human Population Growth
Human Impacts on Biogeochemical Cycles
Habitat Fragmentation
Exotic Species
Extinctions and Loss of Biodiversity
BOX 7-4 Earth Science and Public Policy: Detergent Phosphates: From Good Housekeeping Necessity to E
Restoration Ecology
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 8 Soil and Weathering Systems
Introduction
The Pedosphere: A Geomembrane to other Earth Systems
Physical Weathering
Chemical Weathering
BOX 8-1 Global and Environmental Change: Tectonic Uplift, Rock Weathering, and Long-Term Climate Cha
BOx 8-2 Geologist’s Toolbox: The Unusual Properties of Clay Minerals
Biological Processes and Their Role in Weathering
Soil Profiles and Soil-Forming Factors
The Interaction of Earth Systems to Form Soil
Cycling of Nitrogen Among the Atmosphere, Biosphere, and Pedosphere
Pedosphere Resources: Soils, Clays, and Mineral Ores
The Fertile Soil
BOX 8-3 Earth Science and Public Policy: Population-Supporting Capacities and Soil
Clay, Laterite, and Mineral Ores
Soil Erosion Hazards, Land Degradation, and Soil Conservation
Soil Erosion: A Quiet Crisis
BOX 8-4 Case Study: Droughts, Land Degradation, and the American “Dust Bowl”
Soil Erosion by Water
Land Degradation and Desertification
Assessing Soil Erosion
Soil Conservation Practices
Mass Movement Hazards and their Mitigation
The Roles of Gravity and Water in Mass Movement
Types of Mass Movement
Causes and Prevention of Mass Movement
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
Part IV: Fluid Earth Systems
CHAPTER 9 Earth’s Surface Water
Introduction
The Hydrologic Cycle
Surface Water Distribution
Hydrologic Budgets
BOX 9-1 Earth Science and Public Policy: Surface Water Use in the Colorado River Basin and Long-Term
Drainage Basins and Streams
Drainage Networks and Base-Level Controls
What Happens When It Rains?
Stream Stage, Discharge, and Hydrographs
Stream Channel Patterns and Processes
Floods
Flood Hazards
Flood Frequency Analysis
The U.S. National Flood Insurance Program
BOX 9-2 Case Study: The Geologic Record of Flooding in South Dakota’s Black Hills
Altered Streams
Dams
Dam Removal
Artificial Levees and Floodwalls
Channelization
Wetlands
Characteristics and Benefits of Wetlands
Protecting Wetlands
Managing and Restoring Streams and Wetlands
River Corridor and Wetland Restoration
BOX 9-3 Emerging Research: Stream and Wetland Restoration: What Is Natural?
Unchannelizing the Kissimmee River
Water Resources and Protection
Freshwater Use and Virtual Water
Surface Water Systems and Waste Disposal
The Clean Water Act and Watershed Management
Regulations to Protect Drinking Water
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
Droughts
Types of Droughts
Impacts of Droughts on Socioeconomic and Environmental Systems
Drought History and Global Warming
BOX 9-4 Case Study: Water Battles in Wet Places: Drought and the Tri-State Water Dispute
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 10 the Groundwater System
Introduction
Water in the Ground
The Water Table
Porosity and Groundwater Storage
Permeability and Groundwater Flow
Aquifers
BOX 10-1 Geologist’s Toolbox: Darcy’s Law and the Flow of Water and Contaminants in Rocks and Sedime
Natural Groundwater Chemistry
BOX 10-2 Earth Science and Public Policy: Saving Water in the Desert
Groundwater as a Resource
Global Distribution and Use
Groundwater Resource Management
BOX 10-3 Case Study: Water Resource Management in Los Angeles
Groundwater Hazards
Solution Caverns and Sinkholes
Land Subsidence from Groundwater Mining
BOX 10-4 Case Study: Dead Sea Sinkholes
Intrusion of Salt Water
Groundwater Pollution and its Cleanup
Types and Sources of Groundwater Pollution
Migration of Groundwater Pollutants
BOX 10-5 Case Study: Contaminant Plume at Cape Cod, Massachusetts
U.S. Laws Governing the Quality of Water Resources
Groundwater and Aquifer Restoration
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 11 The Atmospheric System
Introduction
The Atmosphere: An Envelope of Gases
Present Atmospheric Composition
BOX 11-1 Global and Environmental Change: The Intertwined Histories of Atmospheric Oxygen and Life
Atmospheric Structure
Atmospheric Circulation and Climate
The Greenhouse Effect
Differential Heating of Earth
BOX 11-2 Geologist’s Toolbox: Electromagnetic Radiation
Tropospheric Circulation
Climate Zones
Storms
Development of Air Masses and Frontal Weather Systems
Severe Weather
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
BOX 11-3 Geologist’s Toolbox: Clouds: Thor’s Anvil and Castles in the Air
Human Influence on Atmospheric Chemistry
Acid Rain
BOX 11-4 Case Study: The Destructive Power of Tornados
Smog
Ozone Depletion
Air Pollution and Environmental Management
Legislation
Cleanup Technologies
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 12 The Ocean and Coastal System
Introduction
The Ocean Basins
Features of the Seafloor
The Changing Ocean Basins
Coastlines
Sea Level Changes
Seawater Chemistry
The Salinity of Seawater
Nutrients in Seawater
Dissolved Gases and pH in Seawater
Ocean Structure and Circulation
Vertical Structure of the Oceans
Circulation in the Surface Mixed Layer
BOX 12-1 Global and Environmental Change: El Niño Climatic Events
Circulation in the Deep Ocean
Coastal Processes and the Hazards of Living by the Sea
Beaches and Waves
Tides
Coastal Erosion and Attempts to Control It
Controlling Cliff Erosion
Tsunamis
Human Impacts on the Seas
Waste Disposal and Polluted Runoff Along Continental Shelves
BOX 12-2 Earth Science and Public Policy: Who Owns the Seas?
Plastics in the Sea
BOX 12-3 Case Study: Chesapeake Bay and Population Growth
Ocean Acidification
Protecting the Oceans
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
Part V: Energy, Changing Earth, and Human-Earth Interactions
CHAPTER 13 Energy
Energy and Humans
Earth’s Energy System
States of Energy
Energy, Work, and Power
Sources of Energy
Earth’s Energy Cycle and Budget
Energy Transfers and Photosynthesis
Resources, Energy Currency, and End-Use Services
Petroleum: Crude Oil and Natural Gas
Origin of Petroleum
Finding, Extracting, and Refining Petroleum
Peak Oil and Gas: How Long Will Crude Oil and Natural Gas Last?
BOX 13-1 Earth Science and Public Policy: The Essential Trade-off between Fossil Fuels and the Envir
Unconventional Fluid Hydrocarbons: Oil Sands, Shale Oil, and Gas
Environmental Impacts Associated with Petroleum Use
BOX 13-2 Earth Science and Public Policy: Deepwater Drilling and Well Blowouts
Coal
Origin of Coal
Global Distribution of Coal Deposits
Coal Production and Reserves
Coal Mining
Environmental Impacts of Mining and Burning Coal
BOx 13-3 Geologist’s Toolbox: Visualizing Mountaintop Removal in 3-D with Remote Sensing and Lidar
Carbon Capture and Storage
Geothermal Energy
Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Fission and Fusion
Nuclear Power Plant Safety
Nuclear Waste
Renewable Energy
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Hydropower
Biomass
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
BOX 13-4 Case Study: The “New EnergyEra”: Green Buildings and The Road Taken
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 14 Understanding Climatic and Environmental Change
Introduction
Climate on Terrestrial Planets
Earth’s Temperature and the Faint Young Sun Problem
Mars: A Frozen Planet
Venus: A Runaway Greenhouse Effect
Causes of Climatic Change
Climate and the Evolution of Life
Influence of Plate Tectonics on Climate
Influence of the Oceans on Climate
BOX 14-1 Case Study: Snowball Earth
Influence of Earth’s Orbital Parameters on Climate
Influence of Humans on Climate
Climatic Feedbacks
Indicators of Environmental Change
Geologic Records of Climate and Environment
BOX 14-2 Emerging Research: Earth’s Flickering Temperature and Climatic Seesaw
Biological Records of Climate and Environment
Global Climate Models
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
CHAPTER 15 Humans and the Whole Earth System: Living in the Anthropocene
Introduction
Planetary Boundaries
Atmospheric Aerosol Loading
Biodiversity Loss
BOX 15-1 Global and Environmental Change: Tipping Points
Changes in Biogeochemical Cycles
Changes in Land Use
Chemical Pollution
Global Freshwater Use
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Anthropogenic Climate Change
Evidence for a Warming Earth
Causes of Climatic Change
BOX 15-2 Earth Science and Public Policy: Manufacturing a Controversy
The Case for Human Sources
BOX 15-3 Emerging Research: Atmospheric CO[sup(2)] and Temperature: Resolving a Chicken and Egg Prob
Impacts of Rising Greenhouse Gas Concentrations
Greenhouse Gas Scenarios
Temperature
Sea Level Rise
Changes to the Hydrologic Cycle
Impacts on Human Health
Ecosystem Impacts of a Warming Planet
Lessons from Former Worlds
BOX 15-4 Emerging Research: Frozen Methane: A Climatic Bomb Waiting to Go Off?
Climate Change Benefits
Coming to Grips with the Anthropocene
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies
Geoengineering
Adaptations to a Warmer World
International Agreements
Closing Thoughts
Summary and Key Terms
Questions and Exercises
Suggested Readings
Appendix 1: Classification of Biological Organisms
Appendix 2: Periodic table of Elements
Appendix 3: Units and Conversions
Appendix 4: Properties of Common Minerals
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