Encyclopedia of Earth Science (Science Encyclopedia)

Grade 10 Up–This encyclopedia will serve students well with articles on such topics as tsunamis, global positioning systems, the ozone hole and the greenhouse effect (with an exceptionally clear diagram), as well as more prosaic and specialized geological terms. However, global warming does not have a separate article, nor are there any references to it listed in the index. This is a major shortcoming for students, who may be disappointed that this topic is not described with the same rigorous treatment as the others. The language is definitely for advanced students; it's clear but it assumes some prior knowledge. The longer articles include recommendations for further reading but there is no other documentation. Nineteen feature essays cover topics of relatively popular interest, like sea level rise, "Earthquake Warning Systems," and plate tectonics. Technical terms are defined in short entries, but there is no separate glossary. Indexing and cross-references are accurate. High-quality, black-and-white diagrams appear throughout. This volume is for serious students who may need to follow through on cross-references to understand fully the scientific vocabulary.