Contents
INTRODUCTION
SPACE
The universe
Galaxies
Balls of gas
The solar system
Flying rocks
Eye spy space
The Apollo program
Exploring space
The red planet
EARTH
Our unique world
Dynamic planet
Volcanoes and earthquakes
Making mountains
Rocks and minerals
Rock and mineral guide
Riches from the Earth
Erosion
A look at time
Precious water
The world’s oceans
Atmosphere and climate
Extreme weather
ENVIRONMENT and ECOLOGY
A shared planet
Habitats
Deserts
Grasslands
Forests
Mountains
Polar regions
Fresh water and wetlands
Oceans and sea life
Coral reefs
Climate change
Looking to the future
LIVING WORLD
Life on Earth
Plant life
Types of plant
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LONDON, NEW YORK,
MELBOURNE, MUNICH, and DELHI
Senior editors Carrie Love, Caroline Stamps,
Deborah Lock, and Ben Morgan
Senior designers Rachael Smith and Tory Gordon-Harris
Editors Fleur Star, Joe Harris, Wendy Horobin, Lorrie Mack
Designers Clemence Monot, Mary Sandberg,
Sadie Thomas, Lauren Rosier, Gemma Fletcher,
and Sonia Moore
US editor Margaret Parrish
Packaging services supplied by Bookwork
Publishing manager Bridget Giles
Art director Rachael Foster
Production controller Claire Pearson
Production editor Siu Chan
Jacket designer Natalie Godwin
Jacket editor Mariza O’Keeffe
Picture researcher Liz Moore
Consultants Peter Bond, Dr. Lynn Dicks, Angus Konstam,
Dr. Kim Dennis-Bryan, Dr. Donald R. Franceschetti, Roger
Bridgman MSc, Dr. Dena Freeman, and Dr. Penny Preston
First American Edition, 2009
Published in the United States by
DK Publishing, 375 Hudson Street
New York, New York, 10014
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited
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CD293—04/
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Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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ISBN: 978-0-7566-5197-
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