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How the Earth Works

Written by: Michael E. Wysession, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Michael E. Wysession
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Publisher's Summary

How the Earth Works takes you on an astonishing journey through time and space. In 48 lectures, you will look at what went into making our planet - from the big bang, to the formation of the solar system, to the subsequent evolution of Earth.

You will travel to the center of our planet and out again, charting the geologic forces that churn beneath our feet to push the continents and seafloor around like froth on the surface of soup. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis are byproducts of our planet’s ceaseless activity, and you will focus on specific examples of each to learn why and when they occur. Volcanic activity has produced the atmosphere as a side effect, and you will learn how this sea of air functions at the global scale. Earth’s surface is mostly water, and you will explore the cycling of this vital substance throughout the planet, along with its role in climate, erosion, plate tectonics, and biology.

Not only are humans at the mercy of our planet’s natural forces, but we ourselves have also become agents of change. We are altering the Earth’s land, water, and air faster than any other geologic process. This will be another theme of your journey: how humans have transformed watersheds, leveled mountains, changed the balance of gases in the atmosphere, and caused the extinction of enough species to hasten the end of the 65-million-year-old Cenozoic era. It is vitally important that we understand the nature of our geologic powers if we are to have any hope of controlling them.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2008 The Great Courses (P)2008 The Teaching Company, LLC
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What listeners say about How the Earth Works

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Changed my worldview

The most amazing class. So much new information that puts life in perspective. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Our Earth is one of a kind and I can't wait to explore it more. The only thing, it's affected my attitude towards religion - in a way that I suddenly find myself much more educated and open minded. It's a change, but a very welcome one. I'll never be able to go back - but neither do I want to. Amazing course. Thank you.

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very informative

whatever you do, don't start a drinking game for everytime he says "it turns out.". you may not survive

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Top 10 (of 100's) Great Courses

I've literally listened to probably over two hundred of the great courses stretching back to when they were the teaching company - This is my first review. This is easily in the top ten. I was in the geology club in high school (nerd alert) so I did not go into this uninformed on the subject, but I can say that after listening to this course I now understand the big picture - how everything works together - and have gained so much insight into what genuinely makes Earth special from this course that I am actually seeing the world differently. This is a 48 lecture course - the longest offered by the Great Courses - and so in depth on such a range of subjects that I cannot recommend it enough. A+

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Not really complete

The “lectures” continually refer to props and examples that we can’t see. Oftentimes you can use your imagination but in others it is quite difficult. The professor does a very good job of tying together geology and biology and chemistry to make a coherent story of how the earth was formed and uses many practical examples to make his points. For the most part he keeps it to science and stays away from contention. Quite good.

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Too many ums

So much wonderful, interesting information, but I couldn't get past the first few chapters because of all the 'ums' from the narrator. Very disappointing, because I love this stuff, but I began to anticipate when the next 'um' would come, and couldn't listen to the material.

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ummm

The presenter says "umm" and "uhh" every few words, it is maddening! I gave up after a couple topics, because I couldn't take it anymore. I was very disappointed, because I love everything science.

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