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Earth Science: An Introduction, 4th Edition

Marc Hendrix

  • Copyright 2027
  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Available April 10, 2026', '2026-04-10T00:00:00+0000')}}
Starting At $109.95 See pricing and ISBN options
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Earth Science: An Introduction 4th Edition by Marc Hendrix
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Overview

Inspired by student surveys, focus groups, interviews and faculty feedback, Hendrix’s "Earth Science: An Introduction," 4th Edition, delivers concise, comprehensive coverage in an engaging and accessible format for majors and non-majors. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of Earth’s solid rock, atmospheric, oceanic and biological systems through geologic time, the text constructs a foundational understanding of Earth Science, contextualizes recent events and integrates results from recent, cutting-edge research. Supporting graphics include diagrams, photographs and a clean, modern design. The supplements package provides student and instructor resources -- including MindTap, the digital solution that gives instructors freedom to customize their courses, enabling students to learn on their own terms with interactive tools like animations, videos, map quizzes and exercises.

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Meet the Authors

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Marc Hendrix

Marc S. Hendrix is a Professor of Geology at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Growing up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he developed an early love of geology in the 1970s while working as a field assistant for his father, a biology professor at Gettysburg College. He earned a bachelor's degree in geology from Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio in 1985, a master's degree in geology and geophysics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1987 and a Ph.D. in applied earth sciences in 1992 from Stanford University, where he conducted research on the geologic record of mountain building and ancient climate in western China. As a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford, he analyzed the geologic history of Mongolia. In 1994 Dr. Hendrix joined the faculty at the University of Montana where he has developed a field-based research program focused on the geology of the northern Rocky Mountains. He and his students have published a variety of technical papers on the geology of North America, Asia and Africa, and in 2011 he authored and illustrated GEOLOGY UNDERFOOT IN YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY. Dr. Hendrix has served as an expert witness and consultant in the field of geology, and he continues to travel broadly to conduct geologic research. He lives in Missoula with his wife and two sons.

What's New

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  • Learning Objectives and Review Tools: Refined objectives, review sections and end-of-chapter questions guide comprehension and simplify course integration.
  • Enhanced Visual Learning Experience: Conceptual diagrams, graphs and original field photographs support visual learning and strengthen understanding of complex concepts.
  • Astronomy Chapters in Print: Previously available online only, the astronomy chapters (Chapters 22–24) are now included in the print book and provide readers with a planetary view of Earth in the context of the Earth-Moon pair, Sun, solar system, stars and universe.

Features

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  • Holistic Earth Systems Approach: The interconnectedness of Earth’s solid, oceanic, atmospheric and biological systems are highlighted, with final chapters placing Earth in its planetary and cosmic context for a comprehensive, system-based view.
  • Most Up-to-Date Earth Science Coverage: The latest scientific data and recent Earth Science events through July 2025 are incorporated, ensuring instructors teach with current, real-world examples.
  • Human Dimension and Scientific Debate: Landmark discoveries, historic figures and ongoing scientific debates are showcased, bringing Earth Science concepts to life through human impact and societal relevance.
  • Robust Teaching and Digital Learning Package: MindTap resources -- including videos, animations, quizzes and exercises -- paired with premium instructor supplements provide flexible tools for teaching and assessment.
  • Student-Friendly Design: Everyday examples, bolded key terms with definitions and Digging Deeper sections connect course material to real-world discoveries and student experiences.

Table of Contents

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1. Earth Systems.
Unit I: EARTH MATERIALS AND TIME.
2. Minerals.
3. Rocks.
4. Geologic Time: A Story in the Rocks.
5. Geologic Resources. Unit II: INTERNAL PROCESSES.
6. The Active Earth: Plate Tectonics.
7. Earthquakes and the Earth's Structure.
8. Volcanoes and Plutons.
9. Mountains.
Unit III: SURFACE PROCESSES.
10. Weathering, Soil, and Erosion.
11. Fresh Water: Streams, Lakes, Ground Water, and Wetlands.
12. Water Resources.
13. Glaciers and Ice Ages.
14. Deserts and Wind.
Unit IV: THE OCEANS.
15. Ocean Basins.
16. Oceans and Coastlines.
Unit V: THE ATMOSPHERE.
17. The Atmosphere.
18. Energy Balance in the Atmosphere.
19. Moisture, Clouds, and Weather.
20. Climate and Climate Change
Unit VI: ASTRONOMY.
21. Motions in the Heavens.
22. Planets and their Moons.
23. Stars, Space, and Galaxies.

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  • ISBN-10: 8214447402
  • ISBN-13: 9798214447407
  • RETAIL $109.95
Instructor Next Steps
Students: Buy now