Eric H Christiansen received a Ph.D. in geology from Arizona State University, after studying at Brown University, Brigham Young University, and the College of Southern Idaho. The volcanic plains of southern Idaho, the vastness of the desert sky, and the first steps of astronauts on the Moon inspired him to become a geologist. First at the University of Iowa and later at Brigham Young University, Eric teaches courses in physical geology, field geology, geochemistry, igneous petrology, volcanology, ore deposits, and planetary geology. He is the author of many scientific papers on the volcanic evolution of the western United States (especially large supervolcanoes). Together with students and colleagues, his research has also extended to other planets where the volcanoes of Io, the Moon, and Mars, and the sand dunes and mountains of Titan were subjects of investigation. In addition to his research he has written textbooks on physical geology, igneous petrology, and planetary science. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Park Service, the US Geological Survey, and NASA. He belongs to the American Geophysical Union, the Geochemical Society, and a fellow of the Geological Society of America where he acts as Chair of the Division of Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology and Volcanology. Eric lives at the foot of the fault-bounded, actively rising, Wasatch Range where the mountains and the ever changing seasons are inspirations.

An up-to-date and comprehensive exploration of how Earth worksNew technologies has given us many different ways to examine the Earth. For example, we can penetrate deep into the interior of our planet and effectively X-ray its internal structure. With this technology comes an increased awareness of how our planet is continually changing and a fresh awareness of how fragile it is. Designed for the introductory Physical Geology course found in Geology, Earth Science, Geography, or Physical Science departments, Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology clearly presents Earth's dynamic geologic systems with their many interdependent and interconnected components. It provides comprehensive coverage of the two major energy systems of Earth: the plate tectonic system and the hydrologic cycle. The text fulfills the needs of professors by offering current content and a striking illustration package, while exposing students to the global view of Earth and teaching them to view the world as geologists.The book is divided in four parts. Part I presents Earth's materials and how they are created by geologic systems. Part II discusses the hydrologic system by examining subsystems chapter by chapter. Plate tectonics is the theme of Part III, with separate chapters on divergent, transform, and convergent boundaries, as well as mantle plumes--the subsystems of the tectonic system. In Part IV, the book looks back and applies the principles learned to see how Earth's resources formed and just how different Earth is when compared with other planets. The special attention to the illustrations helps students fully experience the excitement and satisfaction of visualizing and understanding geology, making Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology a unique exploration into our ever-evolving planet.