An illustrated survey of 100 key events in Earth's dramatic history.

A History of Earth in 100 Groundbreaking Discoveries is a fascinating account of the discoveries that reveal why Earth is the one planet in our solar system that can support life. It surveys 100 key events in the evolutionary history of our planet, from its origins and geological formation 4.5 billion years ago to the astonishing diversity of flora and fauna in the present day.

More than 200 computer-generated images, photographs and illustrations highlight concise text that describes critical developments and junctures in Earth's evolution. The book covers:

• The material world, including rocks, mud, desert, crystals, water, clouds, ice and gases
• Earth's engine -- the core and magnetic field, fault zones, mountains and volcanoes
• Earth's changing face, including marine rocks, iron formations, glacial deposits and coal deposits
• The earliest life forms, simple and complex plants, domesticated plants and animals, 3.2 billion-year-old spores, sexual reproduction and the first true land plant
• How life evolves, including rapid development in mammals, insects and plants and the emergence of humans
• Computer simulations of future tectonic plate positions and changing sea levels
• The scientists who developed theories of change from observations, exploration and tests.

A History of Earth in 100 Groundbreaking Discoveries is a journey back through the life of our planet, and it also explores what the future may hold. The book will be of interest to general readers as well as those interested in earth sciences, evolution and botany.