This text is intended for Introduction to Physical Geology, a one-semester course offered at the freshman/sophomore level. It is non-quantitative in nature and is truly written for the audience of non-science students who take this course.Geology Today: Understanding Our Planet addresses the topic of physical geology from a "whole earth" perspective to show students how geologic processes are inter-related. The text is divided into 5 parts; each of the three middle parts highlights a cycle (plate tectonics, the rock cycle, hydrologic cycle) and places it into context of the beginning and ending parts.

As an undergraduate, Barbara Murck was a confirmed nonscientist, until an introductory geology course changed her plans. Since then her professional focus has ranged from igneous geochemistry and ore-deposit petrography to alternative energy sources and state-of-the-environment reporting. Her current work focuses primarily on environmental management training for decision makers in developing countries. Brian Skinner was born and raised in Australia on the edge of what is now called degraded land—some call it desert. That is where he gained his earliest interest in the complex interactions that make up our environment. He has been privileged to work on every continent and to be involved in the beginnings of what we now call the Space Age. His interests are most centrally involved with mineral and energy resources, but because these materials are found in a great many geological environments, his professional interests are diverse.