OER & ZTC

This is a general earth science text that provides a broad understanding of the physical processes that have created and regulate space and Earth's four spheres: the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere. The course integrates the physical sciences to provide an interdisciplinary, spatial and temporal perspective of the connections and interactions between these spheres. The course is designed to serve as a textbook for GEOL 121

Introduction to Earth Science, Second Edition is an open textbook designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Earth Science that can be freely accessed online, read offline, printed, or purchased as a print-on-demand book. It is intended for a typical 1000-level university introductory course in the Geosciences, although its contents could be applied to many other related courses.

This text includes various important features designed to enhance the student learning experience in introductory Earth Science courses. These include a multitude of high-quality figures and images within each chapter that help to clarify key concepts. Self-test assessment questions are embedded in each online chapter that help students focus their learning. QR codes are provided for each assessment to allow students using print or PDF versions to easily access the quiz from an internet-capable device of their choice.

The sequence of the book differs from mainstream commercial texts. It has been arranged to present elementary or foundational knowledge regarding rocks and minerals prior to discussion of more complex topics in Earth Science. Similar to the layout of the first edition, this book dedicates one chapter to each of the three major rock types, the processes of mass wasting, geological time, Earth history, and the origin of the universe and our Solar System. Additionally, the second edition includes a new chapter on meteorology, and combines the previously separate chapters on deserts and glaciers into a single, comprehensive chapter that explores these extreme environments.

In this class, students will explore diverse topics in the geosciences at a high level. Students who complete this class will have had the opportunity acquire the skills needed to engage in advanced geologic study.

A First Edition Adaptation from UBC's Okanagan Campus, Department of Earth, Environmental & Geographic Sciences

Planet Earth was written in support of courses Planet Earth and Earth Science I at the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

In addition, sections of the book were written in Mi’kma’ki, unceeded territory of the Mi’kmaq.

Many of the examples described come from these and other Indigenous territories worldwide. We respect and acknowledge the priority of Indigenous people with the landscape that we study, and strive for a better relationship between all the peoples of the Earth and their planet.

This is version 0.94