The Natural History of Earth: Debating Long-Term Change in the Geosphere and Biosphere (Routledge Studies in Physical Geography and Environment)

Using a broad selection of classic and current sources, __The Natural History of the Earth__ probes selected discussions within biology, climatology, geology, and geomorphology and explores a selection of debates about Earth and life history, considering their origins and their present state-of-play. After outlining the arguments, placing them in an historical context and indicating their significance, the book goes on to deal with specific debates. In the geosphere section, topics covered include geological processes, the bombardment hypothesis, frigid climates and cataclysmic floods, and in the section concerning the biosphere, the topics covered include evolutionary patterns, mass extinctions, patterns in life’s history and life–environment connections. Written in a clear and accessible style, this volume will interest Earth and life scientists, physical geographers and any informed person fascinated by long-term Earth history. This accessible volume is illustrated throughout with over fifty informative diagrams, photographs, tables and over 700 references. The Natural History Of The Earth Probes Selected Discussions Within Biology, Climatology, Geology, And Geomorphology, And Explores A Selection Of Debates About Earth And Life History, Considering Their Origins And Their Present State-of-play. Using A Broad Selection Of Classic And Current Sources, The Natural History Of The Earth Brings Together Debates From A Wide Range Of Earth And Life Sciences, Written In A Clear And Approachable Style, It Will Interest Earth And Life Scientists, Physical Geographers, And Any Informed Person Fascinated By Long-term Earth History. This Volume Is Illustrated Throughout With Over 50 Informative Diagrams, Photographs, And Tables.--jacket. Introducing Debates -- Building The Earth -- Bombarding The Earth -- Freezing The Earth -- Flooding The Earth -- Evolving Life -- Destroying Life -- History Of Life -- Life In Control? Richard John Huggett. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [167]-197) And Index. Book Cover......Page 1 Half-title......Page 2 Series-Title......Page 3 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Dedication......Page 6 Contents......Page 8 List of plates, figures, and tables......Page 10 Preface......Page 14 Acknowledgements......Page 16 1. Introducing debates......Page 18 2. Building the Earth......Page 28 3. Bombarding the Earth......Page 49 4. Freezing the Earth......Page 67 5. Flooding the Earth......Page 90 6. Evolving life......Page 108 7. Destroying life......Page 127 8. History of life......Page 150 9. Life in control?......Page 173 Bibliography......Page 184 Index......Page 216 Huggett probes selected discussions within biology, geology, climatology, and geomorphology and explores a selection of debates about Earth and life history, considering their origins and their state-of-play. He outlines the arguments and indicates their significance, and deals with specific debates Focusing on a range of debates on the evolution of the Earth system, this book considers their historical backgrounds and philosophical foundations, and shows that often, modern debates simply put a new gloss on old ideas.