Earth: The Science of Our Planet (Kalmbach Publishing Co., 21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha WI 53186-4055, (800)-533-6644). $19.95/year(six issues).
For anyone interested in well-written, colorful articles about a variety of earth science topics, Earth is probably the best choice. Contributions from geologists, free-lance writers, and staff members provide interesting, easy-to-understand accounts of important events or processes. The February 1997 issue, for example, focuses on "Shaping Our Planet." The cover illustration by Lynette Cook sets the theme for the special section on "Four Disasters that Shaped the World": "Waves of Destruction" (tsunamis set off by the Krakatau eruption); "When the Dam Breaks=" (massive floods from bursting ice dams at the end of the Pleistocene); "Ashes, Ashes, All Fall Down" (growth and collapse of undersea volcanoes that trigger landslides); and "The Greatest Catastrophe" (the Permian-Triassic extinctions 250 million years ago).
Adding to the value of Earth are current event reports in "EarthNews" and "Earth Beat," suggestions for readings to learn more about subjects discussed in the issue, a calendar of national and regional events, and many fascinating photographs showing unusual phenomena. Published mail contains lively reaction from readers to articles in previous issues. Filling many pages are advertisements for a wide variety of items for those interested in the earth sciences.
For teachers, Earth could stimulate student interest in both science and reading. For others, Earth provides an excellent resource to stay scientifically literate about our home planet=D5s geology.
- Michael J. Passow
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