John P Rafferty: 26 books

Lakes and wetlands are significant ecosystems that nourish, sustain, and house many of the planet’s plant and animal species. Though both of these regions are defined by water—both fresh and saline—each lake and particular type of wetland also has characteristics all its own. This detailed volume...

Characterized by uncompromising climate, sparse population density, and extreme aridity, deserts, steppes, and scrublands represent some of the least accessible regions on the planet. However, despite the severity of these ecosystems, they still boast mesmerizing terrains and are capable of supporting...

Notwithstanding its detractors, evolutionary science has anticipated modern genetic research and continued to illuminate mysteries about our past and our connectedness to the species around us. Detailing the evolutionary process and speciation as well as the continuing debates about evolution’s...

Earth’s biosphere supports several unique biomes and ecosystems. Though they operate as self-contained units, these regions also operate as part of a global network, nurturing interdependence among greatly diverse plant and animal species. The evolution of these wondrous realms—both aquatic and...

Glaciers and sea ice are vital to sustaining aquatic ecosystems and regulating ocean water temperature. Permafrost, a type of ground ice, dramatically affects the infrastructure and agricultural output of several communities around the world. The development of these varying formations and the interplay between them and the environment are thoughtfully considered in this fascinating volume.

Characterized by a surge in biodiversity and evolutionary development, the Paleozoic Era ushered in the beginnings of life as we know it. Within these pages, readers will discover the fossil and geologic evidence from this time that reveals a dynamic planet, where new species of plants and animals...

Sharp-toothed and quick-footed, carnivorous mammals are primed for the hunt. Far from ruthless, however, carnivores—hunters by nature and necessity—are integral to maintaining ecological balance. While predatory behavior often seems grisly, many carnivores are actually omnivorous and many can...

Whether ruining a commute or devastating entire countries, inclement weather has the power to capture attention and headlines. This book examines the science that gives us a greater understanding of the patterns that produce hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, and a host of related conditions. It also...

Described as craggy, rocky, or glacial, among a host of other descriptors, the Earth’s geosphere—that is, its solid foundation—is subject to incredible variation. It is these permutations that inform the study of the geological sciences. This field involves not only the study of rocks, minerals,...

As a fixture in recent headlines, the Earth’s climate has commanded much attention. While environmental and atmospheric conditions in large part determine the climate of a region, the impact of human activity has increasingly become a significant factor as well. This is especially true concerning...

Anyone who has marveled at the glimmer of a perfectly cut diamond, tended a garden, or consumed a nutritious meal has appreciated some of the many roles that minerals play in our lives. Present in many natural substances, minerals are highly structured entities, each with a unique chemical composition...

While we may often find them nestled in the corners of our attics or traversing our yards, rodents and bats are more frequently found in nature and originate in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Together they make up over half of the planet’s mammal species. While there are only 29 species of...