An introduction to the study of earth materials and earth systems, giving an overview of how basic earth processes work and how rocks and minerals are formed; Introduces topics such as the structure of the Earth, its internal processes, and basic earth materials, minerals and rocks; A central focus is on plate tectonics, now seen as the unifying concept linking earth processes and materials in the rock cycle; Practical instruction will provide the basic skills of mineral and rock identification, and will also cover volcanic and seismic processes on broader regional and global scales.