Earth Science, 16th edition

Published by Pearson (October 24, 2025) © 2026
  • Edward J. Tarbuck
  • Frederick K Lutgens
  • Jennifer Nelson
  • Dennis G. Tasa

Title overview

For introductory courses in Earth science.

A meaningful, nontechnical survey of principles and concepts

Earth Science excites students about the world around them. Ideal for undergraduates with little or no science background, it covers geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy in a clear and straightforward presentation. The acclaimed author team is known for their uncomplicated writing, dynamic media that depict physical processes, stunning Illustration program, and activity-based pedagogy that helps to solidify learning and retention.

The 16th Edition is significantly revised, updating many discussions, case studies, examples and illustrations. Notably, chapters on climate change and astronomy are extensively updated with the latest scientific understanding. New features include Spotlight on Science to explore recent scientific advances; Earth Science Journey, an interactive exploration of concepts; and many more enhancements.

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.

New and updated features of this title

  • Extensive art program revisions include more than 245 new, high-quality photos and satellite images. Dozens of figures are new or have been redrawn by Dennis Tasa; maps and diagrams are frequently paired with photographs to increase effectiveness; many figures offer additional labels that narrate the process being illustrated and guide students as they examine the figures.
  • New Earth Science Journey feature combines maps, imagery, and a narrative for interactive exploration of concepts related to chapter and unit content. 
  • New Earth Science on Site feature simulates field excursions to locations that exemplify Earth Science concepts with dynamic visuals and in-depth descriptions.  
  • New Spotlight on Science feature added to almost all chapters explores recent scientific advances and interdisciplinary connections to chapter content. Students recognize real-world applications of the concepts and explore connections to their own lives and future careers. 
  • Revised and updated Eye on Earth and Data Analysis features in some chapters include new content.  

Key features

Features of Mastering Geology for the 16th Edition

  • Adaptive Dynamic Study Modules and reading assignments from the eText with Reading Quizzes ensure that students come prepared for class.
  • Learning Catalytics, a “bring your own device” student engagement, assessment, and classroom intelligence system, allows students to use smartphones, tablets or laptops to respond to questions in class. With Learning Catalytics, instructors can assess students in real time, using open-ended question formats to uncover student misconceptions and adjust lectures accordingly. 
  • A broad range of activities such as Mobile Field Trips, Project Condor Quadcopter videos, GigaPan activities, Google Earth Encounter Activities, Geoscience Animations, and much more are available for assignment. Students receive wrong-answer feedback personalized to their answers to help them get back on track. 
  • More than 235 SmartFigures with videos help increase students’ understanding of important ideas and concepts. The 4 types include SmartFigure Tutorials, SmartFigure Mobile Field Trips, SmartFigure Videos, and SmartFigure Animations.
  • MapMaster is updated with an accessibility-first design. This interactive digital mapping tool helps develop geographic literacy, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking skills by examining patterns and relationships across regional and global datasets.
  • The Mastering Geology Student Study Area provides students with self-study material, including videos, geoscience animations, In the News articles, Self Study Quizzes, Web Links, Glossary, and Flashcards. 

Features of Pearson+ eTextbook for the 16th Edition

  • The new Earth Science on Site feature offers 360° photos that allow for cursor movement through the image for complete panoramic and spherical views of the subject matter.  
  • The new Earth Science Journey feature combines maps, imagery, and a narrative for interactive exploration of concepts related to chapter and unit content. 
  • Explore 3D Models has been integrated into many chapters for visualization of topics and features. 
  • New and revised SmartFigures with videos help increase students’ understanding of important ideas and concepts.

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 

Author bios

About our authors

Fred Lutgens and Ed Tarbuck have been good friends and colleagues since 1970. Between them, they have more than 64 years of experience teaching geology to undergraduates, and both have been recognized with awards as excellent and inspiring professors. They share a special interest in introducing geology to beginning students and a belief in the value of field experiences for students of all levels.  

Lutgens and Tarbuck published their first college text, Earth Science, in 1976. That book, winner of the McGuffy Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association, is now in its 16th Edition. In 1983, as the 1st edition of Earth was being prepared, gifted geology illustrator Dennis Tasa joined the author team. Since then, the 3 have collaborated on more than 20 projects. 

Not only do Tarbuck, Lutgens and Tasa work well together creatively, they also enjoy spending time in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Tasa’s New Mexico studio. Tarbuck enjoys downhill skiing in Colorado, fly fishing near his childhood home in Northern Minnesota, and spending time in the Cascades. Lutgens is an avid runner, and when he can make the time, truly enjoys hiking the canyons of the Colorado Plateau. Although Lutgens and Tarbuck think alike on many issues, they don’t agree on everything. Lutgens is devoted to jazz and classical music, whereas Tarbuck prefers pop artists or a good country station.

Jennifer Nelson is a Senior Lecturer at Purdue University, developing and teaching introductory courses in oceanography, physical geology, historical geology, and natural hazards as well as an upper-level course on climate and society. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology (2003), a Master of Science in Geology (2006), and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (2006) from Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis. Jennifer is the founding Vice President and current Treasurer of the Central Indiana Chapter of the Association for Women Geoscientists. Her academic interests include supporting active learning in large geoscience lecture classes, integrating high-impact teaching practices in the classroom, and developing strategies for engagement in online learning. Jennifer has been a contributing author to Pearson for over 10 years, authoring instructor manuals for several titles, creating GraphIt! coaching activities for biodiversity, climate change, and energy use concepts, and writing Process of Science features for the text Essentials of Oceanography. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jennifer enjoys traveling with family and friends and unwinding at home with her husband, dogs, and chickens.

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