The Cretaceous World

This textbook on the Cretaceous era explores the interactions between the physical, chemical and biological processes operating within, and at the surface of, the Earth during this extreme period in history. Characterized by high atmospheric carbon dioxide and global warmth, the Cretaceous era is very relevant to future climatic change studies. Designed for use in undergraduate and graduate courses, the text includes chapter summaries, focus boxes, and Questions and Answers throughout. It is supported by a website hosting sample pages, selected illustrations, and exercises.

The rich geological record of the Cretaceous Period reveals a world that experienced extreme climatic warmth and significantly higher global sea levels than today. It therefore provides a natural case study of the Earth in 'greenhouse' climatic mode, which this interdisciplinary textbook analyses from the perspective of Earth System Science. After surveying the evidence for conditions on the Cretaceous Earth, this book explores the interactions between the physical, chemical and biological processes, within the Earth and at its surface. These processes control the prevailing environmental conditions on Earth and the book highlights the major differences between the Cretaceous and the present world. Finally, the mass extinction that terminated the period, and its possible causes, are investigated. Designed for undergraduate and graduate courses, this textbook features chapter summaries, focus boxes, and questions and answers throughout the text. The book is supported by a website hosting sample pages, selected illustrations, and worked exercises.

Preface; Part I. Survey of the Cretaceous World: 1. Introduction to the Cretaceous; 2. The mobile palaeogeographical framework; 3. Fluctuating sea-level; 4. Changing climate and biota; 5. Changing climate and biota - the marine record; Part II. The Workings of the Cretaceous World: 6. Biogeochemical cycles; 7. Volcanic inputs; 8. The operation of major geological carbon sinks; 9. The lost world rediscovered; Part III. The End of an Era: 10. The end-Cretaceous mass extinction; 11. Seeking an explanation; 12. The 'smoking gun'; 13. The effects of the Chicxulub impact; Acknowledgements; References; Index.

This richly illustrated textbook on the Cretaceous world has been designed for use as a case study in undergraduate and graduate courses on Earth System Science. Features include focus boxes, bulleted questions and answers, and chapter summaries. There is also a supporting website hosting sample pages, illustrations and worked exercises.