This dictionary contains more than 2000 entries that explain, clearly and concisely, the most relevant and frequently used terms associated with the subjects. An ideal resource, the dictionary articulates the scope of modern research and discoveries in the Earth’s natural and artificial components, the atmosphere, the biosphere, and human population dynamics. Among the many topics covered are: • acid rain • nuclear energy • biodiversity • pollutant • deforestation • resource management • global warming • smog • halon • waste disposal • life cycle • wildlife management More than 30 line drawings and a set of appendixes (including a bibliography of print and Web resources) help to simplify many complex concepts, and crossreferences guarantee that the reader will waste no time in finding the right definition.