Earth Science, 16th edition

Published by Pearson (2 October 2025) © 2026

  • Edward J. Tarbuck (Emeritus) Illinois Central College
  • Frederick K Lutgens
  • Dennis G. Tasa Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.
  • Jennifer Nelson
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Title overview

Hallmark features of this title

  • An active learning path guides students’ understanding and retention of concepts. Chapters are organized as self-contained modules so that materials can be taught in different sequences, based on instructor preference or laboratory needs.
    • Focus on Concepts help students prioritize key concepts with a set of chapter-opening learning objectives that correspond to each major chapter section; Concepts Checks conclude every major section to help students monitor their understanding.
    • Concepts in Review at the end of each chapter summarize key ideas by using photos, diagrams, and questions that test students' understanding of core concepts; Give It Some Thought questions and problems at the end of each chapter challenge learners with activities that require higher-order skills to analyze, synthesize, and apply chapter material.
    • Examining the Earth System problems and questions help students develop awareness and appreciation for some of the Earth systems' interrelationships.
    • Data Analysis activities direct students to online science tools and datasets from organizations such as NASA, NOAA, and USGS, empowering them to apply chapter concepts and develop skills in data analysis and critical thinking.
  • The unparalleled visual program includes high-quality photos and satellite images, maps and diagrams, and abundant figures by gifted and highly respected geoscience illustrator Dennis Tasa. It is known to be clear, easy to understand, and accessible to students of varying backgrounds.

Table of contents

  1. Introduction to Earth Science   

I: EARTH MATERIALS

  1. Matter and Minerals 
  2. Rocks: Materials of the Solid Earth   

II: FORCES WITHIN 

  1. Plate Tectonics: A Scientific Revolution Unfolds 
  2. Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior 
  3. Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity 
  4. Crustal Deformation and Mountain Building   

III: SCULPTING EARTH’S SURFACE

  1. Weathering, Soil, and Mass Movement 
  2. Running Water and Groundwater 
  3. Glaciers, Deserts, and Wind   

IV: DECIPHERING EARTH’S HISTORY 

  1. Geologic Time 
  2. Earth’s Evolution Through Geologic Time

V: THE GLOBAL OCEAN

  1. The Ocean Floor
  2. Ocean Water and Ocean Life
  3. The Dynamic Ocean

VI: EARTH’S DYNAMIC ATMOSPHERE

  1. The Atmosphere: Composition, Structure, and Temperature
  2. Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
  3. Air Pressure and Wind
  4. Weather Patterns and Severe Storms
  5. World Climates and Global Climate Change

VII: EARTH’S PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE

  1. Origins of Modern Astronomy
  2. Touring Our Solar System
  3. Light, Telescopes, and the Sun
  4. Beyond Our Solar System

APPENDICES

  • A. Metric and English Units Compared
  • B. Relative Humidity and Dew-Point Tables 

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