Earth History: Stories of Our Geological Past

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Peter Copeland (University of Houston) Janok P. Bhattacharya (McMaster University, Ontario)

Earth History

Stories of Our Geological Past

Peter Copeland (University of Houston), Janok P. Bhattacharya (McMaster University, Ontario)

$230.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Cambridge University Press
01 May 2025

Soil science, sedimentology; Geological surface processes (geomorphology); Historical geology; Palaeontology

Providing a new approach to Earth history, this engaging undergraduate textbook highlights key episodes in the history of our planet and uses them to explain the most important concepts in geology. Rather than presenting exhaustive descriptions of each period of geological time, this conceptual approach shows how geologists use multiple strands of evidence to build up an understanding of the geological past, focusing on exciting events like the extinction of the dinosaurs and the formation of the Grand Canyon and the Himalaya. Beginning with an introduction to geology, tectonics, and the origin of the Universe, subsequent chapters chronicle defining moments in Earth history in an accessible narrative style. Each chapter draws on a variety of sub-disciplines, including stratigraphy, paleontology, petrology, geochemistry, and geophysics, to provide students who have little or no previous knowledge of geology with a broad understanding of our planet and its fascinating history.

By: Peter Copeland (University of Houston), Janok P. Bhattacharya (McMaster University, Ontario)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 285mm, Width: 220mm, Spine: 32mm
Weight: 1.430kg
ISBN: 9781108498524
ISBN 10: 1108498523
Pages: 424
Publication Date: 01 May 2025
Audience: College/higher education , A / AS level
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Peter Copeland is Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston, Texas. His expertise lies in thermochronology, geochemistry and continental tectonics, with a particular emphasis on the evolution of the continental crust. In recent years, his research has focused on the formation of the Rocky Mountains and Himalaya. From 2001–2004 he was co-editor of the Geological Society of America Bulletin. Janok P. Bhattacharya is the Susan Cunningham Research Chair in Geology at McMaster University (Canada). His research interests are in sedimentary rocks of the western interior of North America. Prior to becoming a professor at the University of Texas at Dallas and subsequently at the University of Houston, Bhattacharya worked in the petroleum industry. He is an American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Grover Murray Distinguished Educator (2007), AAPG Distinguished Lecturer (2005–2006), and the 2023 SEPM, Francis J. Pettijohn Medalist for excellence in sedimentology and stratigraphy.

Reviews for Earth History: Stories of Our Geological Past

'I am very pleased to recommend Dr. Copeland and Dr. Bhattacharya's textbook, Earth History, to the educational and academic community. Their book transcends the traditional, often dense, textbook format, presenting geologic science as a collection of exciting short stories in a narrative style that is both engaging and informative. Their writing style is playful yet analytical, data driven and entertaining. Using a coupled systematic and conceptual approach (with a very strong emphasis on conceptual), the authors make complex topics accessible and interesting. What sets this book apart is the fun! This book's unique blend of analytical rigor and rich storytelling is designed to capture student attention, which is no easy feat in the digital age. Earth History has significantly influenced the structure and tone of my own courses. I look forward to incorporating this book into my curriculum upon its release. I am confident that it will provide an enriching educational experience for my students.' Jennifer Campo, Lone Star College, University Park 'A novel, engaging approach to learning about Earth history. Instead of taking an exhaustive time-period approach that characterizes classic historical geology texts, key events are used to explore the planet's geologic evolution. Starting with general principles of geology, the text examines major events that shaped and changed our planet over its long history. Thematic events include Proterozoic Snowball Earth, the Cambrian Explosion of Life, the supercontinent Pangea, major extinction events, the evolution of western North America and Southeast Asia, human evolution and modern Ice Ages. The text closes with a brief exploration of today's environmental challenges, bringing ancient geologic history into today's conversation. Instead of the past distinctions between physical geology and historical geology offerings, this text offers a fresh integration of disciplines, allowing instructors to amplify and cater to their and their students' interest. I heartily recommend this text.' Ben van der Pluijm, University of Michigan