E-Book Overview
The Encyclopedia of Earth Science is intended to provide a broad view of some of the most important subjects in the field of earth sciences. The topics covered in the encyclopedia include longer entries on the many broad subdisciplines in the earth sciences (hydrology, structural geology, petrology, isotope geology, geochemistry, geomorphology, atmospheric sciences, climate, and oceanography), along with entries on concepts, theories and hypotheses, places, events, the major periods of geological time, history, people who have made significant contributions to the field, technology and instruments, organizations, and other subjects.
E-Book Content
encyclopedia of
Earth Science
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF
Earth Science
Timothy Kusky, PH.D. Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Saint Louis University
Encyclopedia of Earth Science Copyright © 2005 by Timothy Kusky, Ph.D. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Facts On File, Inc. 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Kusky, Timothy M. Encyclopedia of earth science / Timothy Kusky. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8160-4973-4 1. Earth sciences—Encyclopedias. I. Title. QE5.K85 2004 550′.3—dc22 2004004389 Facts On File books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at 212/967-8800 or 800/322-8755. You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at http://www.factsonfile.com Text design by Joan M. Toro Cover design by Cathy