36532X1 Reprint Edition. Co-Published by The Open University, Milton Keynes, and Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 2003. 360 pages. Hardcover, no dustjacket. Brand new book. The rich geological record of the Cretaceous Period reveals a world that experienced extreme climatic warmth and significantly higher global sea levels than today. It therefore provides a natural case study of the Earth in 'greenhouse' climatic mode, which this interdisciplinary textbook analyses from the perspective of Earth System Science. After surveying the evidence for conditions on the Cretaceous Earth, this book explores the interactions between the physical, chemical and biological processes, within the Earth and at its surface. These processes control the prevailing environmental conditions on Earth and the book highlights the major differences between the Cretaceous and the present world. Finally, the mass extinction that terminated the period, and its possible causes, are investigated. Designed for undergraduate and graduate courses, this textbook features chapter summaries, focus boxes, and questions and answers throughout the text. The book is supported by a website hosting sample pages, selected illustrations, and worked exercises. There is full color throughout with superb illustrations, contains many pedagogical features that will appeal to students and tutors, and is supported by a website hosting sample pages, illustrations and worked exercises. The Contents of the book is as follows: Preface; Part I. Survey of the Cretaceous World: 1. Introduction to the Cretaceous; 2. The mobile palaeogeographical framework; 3. Fluctuating sea-level; 4. Changing climate and biota; 5. Changing climate and biota - the marine record; Part II. The Workings of the Cretaceous World: 6. Biogeochemical cycles; 7. Volcanic inputs; 8. The operation of major geological carbon sinks; 9. The lost world rediscovered; Part III. The End of an Era: 10. The end-Cretaceous mass extinction; 11. Seeking an explanation; 12. The 'smoking gun'; 13. The effects of the Chicxulub impact; Acknowledgements; References; Index. Reviews. "É it is a textbook but it's how a textbook should be. To begin with it is actually a joy to look at: a happy marriage of Cambridge University Press's publishing know-how and the Open University's experience in producing lively, informative and well-structured texts for students that are also accessible to the general reader. At under £30 in paperback with use of full colour in both diagrams and photos, it's an outstanding bargain. Now, if only the same team could address themselves to the remaining dozen or so periods of geological time É" - Douglas Palmer, New Scientist ISBN: 0521831121 $176.00USD
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