Review by Choice Review
This new edition of Global Tectonics (2nd ed., 1996; 1st ed., 1990) by Kearey (deceased; formerly, Univ. of Bristol, UK), Klepeis (Univ. of Vermont), and Vine (Univ. of East Anglia, UK) is an unsurpassed, thoroughly comprehensive treatise on the history, science, and implications for humankind to understand the way the Earth works through geologic time into the present. Rapid developments since the first edition have necessitated the creation of about two-thirds new illustrations and text. The 13-chapter work begins with a historical introduction. Subsequent chapters include "The Interior of the Earth," "Continental Drift," "Sea Floor Spreading and Transform Faults," and "The Framework of Plate Tectonics." Additional chapters include "Continental Transforms and Strike-slip Faults," "Subduction Zones," "Orogenic Belts," and "Precambrian Tectonics and the Supercontinent Cycle." The final chapters discuss mechanisms and implications of plate tectonics for environmental change, natural hazards, and mineral and energy resources. Numerous black-and-white and colored maps, diagrams, sections, and charts beautifully augment a concise text. A massive list of mostly critical references cites the most important works the world over. Global Tectonics, which provides a clear understanding of the core element of the Earth's dynamic system, should be on the shelf of all earth system scientists and engineers. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. T. L. T. Grose emeritus, Colorado School of Mines
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
