Includes index

The Unique Planet 4 -- Spinning World 6 -- Earth Story 8 -- Magnetic Earth 10 -- Life-Support System 12 -- Stirrings of Life 14 -- Evolution of Species 16 -- Competitive Genes 18 -- Broken Earth 20 -- Building Mountains 22 -- Folding Techniques 24 -- Wearing Away 26 -- Practical Erosion 28 -- Running Rivers 30 -- Laying Down Deposits 32 -- Ice Sculpting 34 -- Desert Landscapes 36 -- Sea Battles 38 -- Pulling Tides 40 -- The Oceans Hidden Depths 42 -- Oceans on the Move 44 -- The World's Weather 46 -- Climate Change 48 -- Weather Record 50 -- Vegetation Zones 52 -- The Balance of Life 54 -- Living Together 56 -- Human Impact 58 -- Dance of the Continents 60 -- Glossary 62 -- Index 64

"Packed with facts on the birth of our planet and the forces that shape the land. Discover how and why the Earth is unique, how life-support systems such as the atmosphere, water, and just the right amount of energy from the Sun, make our environment so rich and varied. Fun experiments make sense of the science-erode a sugar mountain, and simulate geological folds using clay. With the help of vivid diagrams, landscape and close-up photographs, the authoritative text reveals and explains the marvels and mysteries of our world. A book to capture the interest of independent readers, or for families or school groups to explore together."