Acclaimed through five previous editions, this concise, nonquantitative book presents a timely, informative, and accessible survey of basic topics in physical geology. Clearly written in straightforward, nontechnical language, it is easily understood by readers with little science experience.The book integrates the relationship between people and their physical environment and explores applications of geology for understanding and solving problems arising from those interactions. The sixth edition of Essentials of Geology has been revised to be even more readable with shorter sentences and paragraphs as well as redesigned art that illustrates ideas and concepts more clearly and realistically than in any previous edition. It also includes new headings and boxes to help readers develop an awareness and appreciation for earth's many interrelated systems.