Blue Planet An Introduction to Earth System Science, 3rd Edition

This text is well written, smoothly flowing overview of the transdisciplinary field of Earth Systems Science (ESS). It summarizes the results of many different, previously separate physical science-based endeavors in a way that reveals how they interact holistically across the planet Earth. This of course is the aim of ESS, and this text is a great introduction to ESS while simultaneously allowing the reader familiar with some, but not all, of the fields to refresh their studies, integrate them into an ESS viewpoint, or even serve as a launching point for further focused study. Combine this book with a text on “Big History” and you’ll have a great knowledge-base concerning the functional dynamics and evolution of our home planet.

I actually loved this books ability to explain concepts about earth systems. Simple and to the point. Married to this hunk of paper for about 16 weeks, I began to appreciate the author and earth. Highly recommended!

I used this book for a graduate level course in earth science. It was not required reading, but since I had no earth science back ground, I found that I needed to read a basic textbook in order to understand the journal articles that were required for the course. By the end of the semester, I had read most of this extremely well written book, and felt that in terms of mastery of the course content, I had surpassed even those who had majored in geology as undergrads. I am a very visual learner, and particularly appreciated the beautiful illustrations, many of which visually summarize key concepts. One of my favorite textbooks ever.

Although there is no any written notes or highlights in this book and the price is reasonable, it is not the best as an used book

I selected this textbook for my Intro to Earth Systems Science course on the recommendation of colleagues. I was very happy with the level at which the book is written, the quality of images and diagrams, a the topics covered. I did not follow the chapters in sequential order - for example, I think it makes more sense to teach concepts of atmospheric convection before ocean currents. The end of chapter problems were also a bit hit or miss. But I was happy with the book and it received favorable reviews by my students.

I am not often happy with textbooks for my classes, but this one included a lot of great information beyond what I needed for the class, and I appreciated it. Great book, well designed, and well made.

I was afraid at first that the book wasn't going to be the newest edition like it said it was because of how cheap it was. But everything was great! I managed to save over $100 by buying just this one book from this seller!

The bind on the book was broken. I had to find a binder to put it in in order to use it for class.

A little more beat up than I had expected but otherwise great

Great text book

This was Significantly cheaper than a used copy through my school, with only minimal highlighting in a couple chapters and slight damage to the spine. But its perfectly functional, and I love it for that.

The book is amazing I saved a small fortune, and there is no pages missing, and in pretty good shape so awesome!!!

The textbook was damaged on the edges upon receiving it and it is certainly not worth the price that they charge for it.