Earth science is a subject you're familiar with because your every activity depends on the natural environment around you. The types of clothes you wear depend on the weather and every item you buy is produced from natural resources. Your link to Earth and its environment is an important one. How you view your world is determined by your understanding of how it works. Merrill Earth Science will help you understand the many natural processes occurring around you. And once you've learned about your own planet, you'll explore other worlds and objects in the universe. As you read this text, you'll discover much about your natural environment and how you can help preserve it for your future. - p. xviii.