How the Earth Works

By: Michael E. Wysession, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Michael E. Wysession

Length: 24 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

How the Earth Works takes you on an astonishing journey through time and space. In 48 lectures, you will look at what went into making our planet - from the big bang, to the formation of the solar system, to the subsequent evolution of Earth.

You will travel to the center of our planet and out again, charting the geologic forces that churn beneath our feet to push the continents and seafloor around like froth on the surface of soup. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis are byproducts of our planet’s ceaseless activity, and you will focus on specific examples of each to learn why and when they occur. Volcanic activity has produced the atmosphere as a side effect, and you will learn how this sea of air functions at the global scale. Earth’s surface is mostly water, and you will explore the cycling of this vital substance throughout the planet, along with its role in climate, erosion, plate tectonics, and biology.

Not only are humans at the mercy of our planet’s natural forces, but we ourselves have also become agents of change. We are altering the Earth’s land, water, and air faster than any other geologic process. This will be another theme of your journey: how humans have transformed watersheds, leveled mountains, changed the balance of gases in the atmosphere, and caused the extinction of enough species to hasten the end of the 65-million-year-old Cenozoic era. It is vitally important that we understand the nature of our geologic powers if we are to have any hope of controlling them.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2008 The Great Courses (P)2008 The Teaching Company, LLC

Fantastic!!!

This course is the most amazing I’ve listened to yet and that’s saying something!! Totally interesting from beginning to end. I just finished and am going to start it over. Fantastic!!

All is Revealed

Over the past decade I have struggled to understand how we/mankind got to this place. Our place on the Earth and then within the universe.

this course is the story of how we began, not we Man, we the Earth. it's about how the Earth was able to become our home. if you have ever wondered how it all fit together and how we fit in it, listen or watch this course.

I have left listened to about 50 of the great courses. some through audible and some through the prime great courses channel channel. Most of them have been about science. .

Of all that I have listened to, this has been the most thought-provoking and insightful. It has my highest recommendation. Listen to it, think about it and then listen again. You will not leave this course without understanding and wonder.

Very good course

Dense at the beginning, but very interesting. Second half really applies what you learned. Highly recommended.

Essential listening

A fascinating look at what we presently know about our planet. I think everyone should listen to it. This will sound a little silly, but as recent as it is, parts already seem dated. It would be wonderful to have updates as we move forward, but this in no way limits its relevance.

Great lectures with a drinking game

I really enjoyed this course. Especially the impacts on human history.

Also: take a sip of your favorite adult beverage every time the professor says, “It turns out...” :)

Inspirational. Must read.

Must read for any human living on planet Earth. Not just wonderful science, but also how it all.works.together, and why it matters to.us. How humans are shaping the planet, supporting and destroying the Earth. The most optimistic and yet honest science book I have read.

Very Interesting Lectures

The material was interesting and well presented. One of the better Great Courses series I've listened to.

excellent book

very good progression of concepts from beginning to end. I've enjoyed listening to it the times so far and learn more each time.
helps get your mind around where we fit in this world and the timescales are immense.

This is a Great AudioBook

This is a clear and thorough explanation of how our planet works and is suitable for all audiences.

How the earth works

This series of lectures is intensely interesting, remarkably complete and up to date and does a wonderful job of tying all of the sciences together to tell the story of our world and our place on the world. And it is uplifting and positive and hopeful at a time when so many scientists at ……such bummers.