Beginning at the beginning, 4.5 billion years ago, when the earth was nothing but a cloud of dust grains and gas whirring around the young sun, Patent (Bold and Bright Black-and-White Animals, 1998, etc.) discusses the shaping of the earth and the changes to it from that time to the present. This impressive introduction to earth science describes early and current theories about the origin of the earth and other planets, the formation of the moon, the layers of the earth's crust and core, plate tectonics, origins of life from deep sea vents, and continental drift. It describes volcanic action, earthquakes, glaciers, and the effects of wind, water, farming and industry on shaping the earth. Throughout, double-page spreads on blue paper provide related topics—e.g., how the Hawaiian Islands were formed; the devastation caused by tropical storm Hugo on the South Carolina Coast; or how beavers change the landscape with their dams. Handsomely presented, glossy pages, wide white borders, guide words in colored type, full color photographs, and many maps and drawings make the whole accessible to the reader. The author, a noted science writer concludes with a glossary, index, further reading and Web sites of interest. The latter provide extensive resources for students researching plate tectonics and other topics in earth science. (Nonfiction. 10-14)
