Physical Geology: Earth Revealed is appropriate for introductory physical geology classes. This text, which includes the same information as the market-leading Physical Geology - 12th edition, by Plummer/Carlson, is for the instructor who prefers to cover plate tectonics early in the course.
The eighth edition has been updated to include the most current information from the various sub-disciplines that comprise physical geology. The book’s purpose is to clearly present geologic processes so that students can understand the logic of scientific methods. This text features an outstanding art program and a proven, accessible writing style.

This text continues to be used as the official textbook to accompany the Annenberg CPB distributed telecourse for physical geology.

Table of Contents

1 Introducing Geology, the Essentials of Plate Tectonics, and Other Important Concepts
2 Earth’s Interior and Geophysical Properties
3 The Sea Floor
4 Plate Tectonics
5 Mountain Belts and the Continental Crust
6 Geologic Structures
7 Earthquakes
8 Time and Geology
9 Atoms, Elements, and Minerals
10 Volcanism and Extrusive Rocks
11 Igneous Rocks, Intrusive Activity, and the Origin of Igneous Rocks
12 Weathering and Soil
13 Mass Wasting
14 Sediment and Sedimentary Rocks
15 Metamorphism, Metamorphic Rocks, and Hydrothermal Rocks
16 Streams and Floods
17 Ground Water
18 Deserts and Wind Action
19 Glaciers and Glaciation
20 Waves, Beaches, and Coasts
21 Geologic Resources
22 The Earth’s Companions
Appendices A-G
Glossary
Index