Includes index, glossary and acknowledgments.

Planet Earth: The history of the Earth -- Land: Mountains and volcanoes -- Ocean: Oceans and seas -- Atmosphere: Climate -- Tectomnic Earth.

In the best-selling tradition of Smithsonian Animal, this extraordinary survey of our planet provides unrivaled insight into the forces and processes that formed our environment and which continue to influence its evolution. With thousands of breathtaking photographs and unique visual catalogues of the features and phenomena that take place on Earth - such as rocks, minerals, and mountains to tropical rain forests and the different types of clouds - Earth contains the most up-to-date ideas on how our world works, a compelling review on the health of the planet, and unbelievable images of the world's most stunning features. March 2004 staff pick With stunning photographs and detailed information, Smithsonian Earth is perfect for taking a whirlwind tour of the wonders of our planet without even leaving your chair!