This advanced undergraduate textbook provides a thoroughly modern overview of plate tectonics and is the perfect resource for a capstone geology course. It presents plate tectonics as a multifaceted, interdisciplinary theory that unites many different geological observations and processes into a harmonious model so that readers grasp how the outer part of our planet works in relation to the deep interior. Supported by clear prose, helpful analogies, and stunning colour imagery, readers will gain an in-depth understanding of how and why plates interact to produce different topography, rock assemblages and deformation features along plate boundaries. Written by an author pairing renowned for their research, teaching, and textbook writing experience, this text covers necessary ground for a single-semester course without overwhelming readers and offers a truly accessible introduction to quantitative topics. Student-friendly features chart clear paths through every chapter and a rich suite of online resources bring plate tectonics to life.

‘Plate tectonics is the topic that made me want to become a geologist. I’ve waited for nearly two decades for the book that would help convey my interest in this topic to undergraduate students. The online exercises, emodule, and animations are especially valuable teaching aids. I plan to switch to this textbook right away.’

Sarah Titus - Carleton College

‘Plate tectonics is the most rapidly evolving field within Earth science and this textbook provides students with a comprehensive, 21st-century overview of the latest discoveries and changes of opinion. It is a highly valuable resource for all geoscience educators.’

Richard Palin - University of Oxford

‘Incredibly detailed and thorough, well-referenced and grounded in the literature, this book makes complex concepts accessible, through the use of detailed and beautiful color figures. I highly recommend this text for any upper-level undergraduate / graduate plate tectonics course.’

Cara Burberry - University of Nebraska–Lincoln

‘This highly accessible and beautifully illustrated book provides a comprehensive summary of progress over the past 50 years of research on plate tectonics in decoding the imprint of plate interactions through the lens of modern structural geology.’

Jeffrey A. Karson - Syracuse University