Waubonsee Community College

How to build a habitable planet, the story of Earth from the Big Bang to humankind, Charles H. Langmuir and Wally Broecker

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrationsplatesmaps

index present

non fiction

How to build a habitable planet

bibliography

775028281

Charles H. Langmuir and Wally Broecker

the story of Earth from the Big Bang to humankind

Introduction : Earth and life as natural systems -- The setting : the Big Bang and galaxy formation -- The raw material : synthesis of elements in stars -- Preliminary fabrication : formation of organic and inorganic molecules -- The heavy construction : the formation of planets and moons from a solar nebula -- The schedule : quantifying the timescale with radionuclides -- Interior modifications : segregation into core, mantle, crust, ocean, and atmosphere -- Contending with the neighbors : moons, asteroids, comets, and impacts -- Making it comfortable : running water, temperature control, and sun protection -- Establishing the circulation : plate tectonics -- Internal circulation : mantle convection and its relationship to the surface -- Linking the layers : solid earth, liquid ocean, and gaseous atmosphere -- Colonizing the surface : the origin of life as a planetary process -- Dealing with the competition : the roles of evolution and extinction in creating the diversity of life -- Energizing the surface : coevolution of life and planet to create a planetary fuel cell -- Exterior modifications : the record of oxidation of the planetary surface -- Planetary evolution : the importance of catastrophes and the questions of directionality -- Coping with the weather : causes and consequences of naturally induced climate change -- The rise of Homo Sapiens : access to Earth's treasure chest permits a planetary takeover -- Mankind at the helm : human civilization in a planetary context -- Are we alone? : the question of habitability in the universe