THE CHANGING EARTH is the first text specifically written for the combined physical and historical geology course. The content is based on the best-selling texts PHYSICAL GEOLOGY: EXPLORING THE EARTH and HISTORICAL GEOLOGY: EVOLUTION OF EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME both written by James Monroe and Reed Wicander. Many of the same features pervade in this edition including a strong emphasis on student relevance and comprehension. The authors lively writing style and abundant use of analogies draw students' into the material, while a completely integrated pedagogical structure enhances comprehension of important concepts. Throughout, the text emphasizes the connections between the content and students' own lives, allowing them to learn more easily and develop a greater appreciation for physical geology.