This photographic book is an invitation to discover a series of extraordinary natural wonders. It involves the reader in a close contact exploration of nature's primordial force and the treasures of incredible beauty that it holds. The book provides a surprising portrait of the Earth's environmental resources and presents a great wealth of themes, which vary with the changing eco-systems, climates, geological formations, flora and fauna. The book's general introduction presents the subject in its wider aspects, while single introductory passages to the various chapters examine in depth the specific themes that form the basic structure of the book's five sections. A fascinating journey in pictures will help you discover the most magnificent peaks, the seas and the oceans with their submerged wonders, the endless deserts, the eternal ice fields, and the luxuriant forests that cover our planet. The book is enriched by a very careful selection of pictures?panoramic views intermingled with closer perspectives?that bring the reader even closer to the detail of the subjects. The Earth's natural heritage, widely and diversely illustrated, produces a kaleidoscope of colours and unexpected revelations. ILLUSTRATIONS: 133 colour photographs