Earth Science: An Illustrated Guide to Science is one of eight volumes of Facts On File's new Science Visual Resources set. Containing six sections, a comprehensive glossary, a Web site guide, and an index, Biology is an ideal learning tool for students and teachers of science. Full-colour diagrams, graphs, charts, and maps on every page illustrate the essential elements of the subject, while parallel text provides key definitions and step-by-step explanations. The six sections include: Planet Earth - considers Earth's place in the Solar System and its relationship to the Sun, the Moon, and the environment of interplanetary space. Topics covered in this section include solar and lunar eclipses, tides, seasons, and Earth's magnetic field. Earth's History - examines the basic principles used by geologists to determine the age of rocks and the use of fossil evidence in determining the sequence of geological events. There is a comprehensive survey of the history of life on Earth and a general description of each of the geological eons. through each geological period, showing the prevailing conditions and the kind of life forms that have flourished there. Earth's Rocks - is concerned with the processes that create and modify Earth's geology. The relative abundance of minerals on our planet; the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; and the processes of plate tectonics are examined in this section. Air and Oceans - is an overview of the shallow but complex layer of gas and water that surrounds our planet and supports all animal and plant life. The types and causes of all significant weather phenomena are covered here, as well as the intimate connections between the oceans and the atmosphere. Heat transfer between air and oceans and the planet-wide systems of circulation driven by solar energy are also explained here. Erosion and Weathering - looks at the constant wearing down of the Earth's rocks by the combined actions of the atmosphere and the oceans. the geological forms produced by the actions of rivers and glaciers are all featured in this section. Wind erosion and the formation and spread of desert landscapes are also covered. Comparisons - gives the relative scales of major planetary features, such as oceans, rivers, continents, and mountain ranges. .,."a useful research tool for middle school, high-school, and public libraries that want to supplement their science collections." "The books contain an immense amount of data; the visuals are attractive..." "The illustrations, including graphs, tables, and diagrams, in these volumes are large, colorful, and uncluttered, making it easy for the student to focus on a single principle...These books superbly meet the challenge of providing visual tools in concept building. Hence they will be appreciated by students and teachers and should be a priority purchase for a library serving youth." "The strength of this set is in its visual layout, which is open and appealing. Color illustrations, graphs, charts, and maps appear on every page. The illustrations are prominently placed and easy to understand. Complementary text is also very clear..." "These useful reference tools are ideal resources for visual learners and for test prep...written in easy-to-understand language, appropriate for students." Used Book in Good Condition