ESSENTIALS OF GEOLOGY, 5e International Edition, is a shorter, "less is more" version of Monroe and Wicander?s PHYSICAL GEOLOGY text. In the same tradition, the authors present the material in a clear, consistent voice, appropriately focusing on the core concepts of physical geology, with an emphasis on plate tectonics and the dynamic nature of Earth. The engaging examples and images throughout the text enhance students? understanding and appreciation of physical geology. Key Feature Integration of economic and environmental geology throughout the text clearly draws the connection between the relevant aspects of the course to students? lives and future careers. Geo-Focus boxes highlight current geologic research and events. New topics include "Welcome to the Wonderful World of Minerals," "The Bronze Age Eruption of Santorini," "Paleoseismology," "Southern California Landslides," "Windmills and Wind Power," and "Denver?s Weather--280 Million Years Ago." What Would You Do? boxes train students to use knowledge gained from the book to make wise decisions about practical matters, such as where to put a water well or, as a member of a local planning commission, to determine what kind of zoning regulations and building codes are needed. This feature reflects the authors? emphasis on encouraging students to become informed citizens. Chapter summary and review questions presented in chapter-ending Geo-Recap sections emphasize critical thinking and analytical skills. Chapter summary and review questions presented in chapter-ending Geo-Recap sections emphasize critical thinking and analytical skills. Table of Contents 1. Understanding Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology. 2. Plate Tectonics: A Unifying Theory. 3. Minerals: The Building Blocks of Rocks. 4. Igneous Rocks and Intrusive Igneous Activity. 5. Volcanism and Volcanoes. 6. Weathering, Erosion, and Soil. 7. Sediment and Sedimentary Rock. 8. Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks. 9. Earthquakes and Earth?s Interior. 10. Deformation and Mountain Building. 11. Mass Wasting. 12. Running Water. 13. Groundwater. 14. Glaciers and Glaciation. 15. The Work of Wind and Deserts. 16. The Seafloor, Shorelines, and Shoreline Processes. 17. Geologic Time: Concepts and Principles.