To Interpret the Earth is a concise and imaginative discussion of the general basis behind the scientific approach to problems within the earth sciences. It is aimed primarily at students and beginning researchers and attempts to inform them about the scientific method behind the study of the complex and dynamic systems that comprise the earth's surface. The discussion is illustrated with examples of the sort of problems typically encountered in the study of the earth's surface, and general solutions based on a scientific approach are provided. The book will be of value to undergraduate and postgraduate students in earth and environmental science, and also to researchers at all levels.