Description
Book SynopsisEarth's climate has undergone dramatic changes over the geologic timescale. At one extreme, Earth has been glaciated from the poles to the equator for periods that may have lasted millions of years. This title presents the study of such changes and their causes.
Trade Review"The work is well-written, with just enough mathematics to add to the reader's understanding, without causing confusion."--Choice "The author has succeeded admirably in producing a clear, concise, yet detailed summary of a very important topic. The text is supplemented by an excellent selection of diagrams and data displays ... and more than 300 references to the primary research literature. I found it easy to read yet thought provoking, consistently interesting and, perhaps best of all, not at all intimidating in bulk or style. Highly recommended!"--William R. Green, Leading Edge "Paleoclimate gives the reader a concise, clear view of how Earth's climate has changed over geologic time and the major drivers for this change. I heartily recommend the book for those interested in understanding Earth's rich climate complexity."--Jeffrey T Kiehl, Reports of the National Center for Science Education
Table of ContentsList of Boxes vi Preface vii Acknowledgments xiii 1 Earth's Climate System 1 2 The Faint Young Sun 24 3 Precambrian Glaciations 38 4 Regulation of the Earth System and Global Temperature 54 5 The Late Paleozoic Ice Ages 73 6 Equable Climates of the Mesozoic and Paleogene 97 7 The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum 125 8 The Long Cooling of the Cenozoic 144 9 The Origin of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation and the Pleistocene Ice Ages 172 10 Rapid Climate Change during the Last Glacial Period 235 11 The Holocene 264 12 Anthropogenic Global Warming in the Context of Paleoclimate 287 Glossary 295 Index 303
