Taking a whole-earth approach to the study of geology, this text shows how Earth's ecosystem has developed over time, and how events in the past can help us deal with present and future changes. It contains full colour illustration program, including three-dimensional block diagrams to illustrate crucial cycles and concepts. The book is written by a highly respected author, who is also a paleontologist. Key themes and concepts are examined and a range of examples given to demonstrate real-world examples of Earth system history in action.