Discusses the global evolution of the earth, such as core- mantle separation, mantle-crust evolution, origin of ocean- atmosphere system, on the basis of isotope earth science and paleomagnetism, where recent devlopment in planetology and astrophysical theories are extensively taken into account.

Inhaltsangabe1 Geohistory as a Discipline.- 2 The Earth as a Planet in the Solar System.- 2.1 Pre-Solar History.- 2.2 Condensation Theory - From Nebular Gas to Crystal Particles.- 2.3 Moon, Meteorites, and Other Planets - The Key to an Understanding of Early Geohistory.- 3 Evolution of the Earth.- 3.1 The Driving Force Behind the Earth's Evolution.- 3.2 Composition of the Earth - The Meteorite Analogy.- 3.3 The Layered Structure of the Earth.- 3.4 Formation of the Layered Structure.- 3.5 The Time of Core Formation, Based on Pb Isotopic Ratio Data.- 3.6 Mantle Differentiation.- 3.7 The Age of the Mantle.- 3.8 Origin and Evolution of the Atmosphere and Oceans.- 3.9 The Primordial Mantle and the Differentiated Mantle.- 4 Changes in the Earth's Crust.- 4.1 Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism.- 4.2 Ocean Floor Spreading, Continental Drift, and Plate Tectonics.- 4.3 Exchange of Material Between the Mantle and the Earth's Crust.- 4.4 Geochronology.- 5 Man and Geohistory.- 5.1 Bolide Impacts: Mass Extinction of Life?.- 5.2 The Fate of Radioactive Waste - The Oklo Phenomenon.- 5.3 Epilog.