Outlines of the Earth's History: A Popular Study in Physiography

Name: Outlines of the Earth's History: A Popular Study in Physiography
Author: Nathaniel Southgate Shaler

By Nathaniel Southgate Shaler

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History - Ancient Science - Earth/Agricultural/Farming

About This Book

The text presents an accessible introduction to methods of studying nature and a concise account of the physical processes that have shaped the planet, stressing continual activity rather than a finished state. It surveys the stellar context, planetary form, atmosphere, the action of glaciers, underground waters, soil formation, and rock relations; highlights the role of solar energy in driving air and water processes; and connects geological processes to human conditions. More technical chapters on fossil successions and geological ages are intentionally omitted to keep the exposition elementary and focused on observable processes.

About the Author

Nathaniel Southgate Shaler

Nathaniel Southgate Shaler was an American geologist and educator known for his contributions to the understanding of the Earth's history and the natural world. He served as a professor at Harvard University, where he influenced many students with his engaging teaching style and insightful lectures. Shaler's notable works include "Domesticated Animals," which explores the relationship between humans and animals, and "Outlines of the Earth's History: A Popular Study in Physiography," a comprehensive examination of geological processes. His writings reflect a deep curiosity about the natural environment and a commitment to making complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public.