The Life and Death of Planet Earth
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Author Description
Planet Earth is middle-aged. Science has worked hard to piece together the story of the evolution of our world up to this point, but only recently have we developed the understanding and the tools to describe the entire life cycle of a planet. Ward and Brownlee, a geologist and an astronomer respectively, combine their knowledge of how the critical sustaining systems of our planet evolve through time with their understanding of the life cycles of stars and solar systems, to tell the story of the second half of Earth's life. The process of evolution will essentially reverse itself: life as we know it will subside until only the simplest forms remain. Eventually, they too will disappear. The oceans will evaporate, the atmosphere will degrade, and, as the sun slowly expands, Earth itself will eventually meet a fiery end. --From publisher description.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
The life cycle of Planet Earth, from its current middle age to its eventual fiery demise, is explored through the combined expertise of geology and astronomy. Ward and Brownlee detail the processes that will lead to the reversal of Earth's evolution, where life will gradually subside until only the simplest forms remain. They describe the evaporation of oceans, the degradation of the atmosphere, and the ultimate fate of the planet as the sun expands.
THE SCOPE MAP
- The evolution of Earth's critical sustaining systems through time.
- The life cycles of stars and solar systems.
- The reversal of evolutionary processes on Earth.
- The eventual disappearance of all life forms.
- The evaporation of Earth's oceans.
- The degradation of Earth's atmosphere.
- The impact of the expanding sun on Earth.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
This book is regarded as a comprehensive exploration of Earth's planetary life cycle, drawing on interdisciplinary knowledge from geology and astronomy. The authors' combined expertise allows for a detailed account of the processes that will shape the planet's future. The narrative traces the decline of Earth's systems and the eventual end of the planet, offering a scientific perspective on cosmic timescales. It is presented as a thorough scientific account for those interested in planetary science and astrophysics.
Page Count:
240
Publication Date:
2003-01-01
ISBN-10:
0805067817
Non-Fiction
Science
Astronomy
Geology
Earth Science
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