Summary

This book provides a sound introduction to the basic physical processes that dominate the workings of the Earth, its atmosphere and hydrosphere. It systematically introduces the physical processes involved in the Earth's systems without assuming an advanced physics or mathematical background.

Offers an integrated approach to the study of earth, marine and atmospheric environmental sciences, reflecting current trends in undergraduate courses.
Natural examples of physical processes, rather than abstract physics and maths, are used throughout to illustrate the scientific principles involved.

Artwork from the book is available to instructors online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/leeder.

Choice Review

The book's title is a good summary of the material covered. Leeder (environmental science, Univ. of East Anglia, UK) and Perez-Arlucea (marine science, Univ. of Vigo, Spain) present a selection of physics-based information as it pertains to Earth at a variety of scales. There is much that is useful here for the intended audience (introductory college). But the book's admirable goals are only partially met. The material is presented in a fragmentary way; it is difficult to follow the flow and build-up of the concepts. High-level paragraphs covering quantitative aspects are interspersed with historical anecdotes, resulting in a choppy read. Though this does add interest to the topics, additional explanation of the technical concepts would perhaps have been more useful. There are many illustrations, of varying quality; most are valuable. The scope of the material covered--from the mantle to oceans, groundwater, etc.--is ambitious. If the book were used as a course resource, it would probably be most practical in a second- or third-year course for majors. The index is not very usable as it is by section number (not page) and chapter numbers appear to have been omitted. Summing Up: Not recommended. I. D. Sasowsky University of Akron