Product Description
Based on the best-selling Earth: Portrait of aPlanet, Essentials of Geology offers the sameengaging writing, spectacular artwork, andhelpful pedagogy as the parent text in a moreconcise format.This accessible introductionintegrates traditional geologic concepts withthe most recent theoretical advances, among them theories of plate tectonics and Earth systemsscience. The Second Edition has been carefullyupdated, including coverage of recent eventssuch as Hurricane Katrina, and offersunparalleled multimedia tools for instructorsand students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Geology book
the book was in good condition, although they had mentioned a few water stains I couldn't find any however they said there weren't any highlight marks and there were.All and all the book was in good condition and for the price I am happy.

Absolutely Amazing!
It was great. Brand new, just as described. I was grateful because it was cheaper than the used copies at my school and my school didn't have any new copies.

Good textbook reading
Easy and interesting to read. Not as hard of a fight to get through as other school textbooks.

Must Have!
If you have any interest in geology or earth science, then this is the book to have. The author has performed extensive field work in geology,( I have some of his other publications), and he has written this book with that in mind.
The clarity of his illustrations go beyond any other book I have seen. His descriptions are easily understood.
Buy a not so "great condition" if you must but get one! Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!
And "No" I'm not related to him nor have I ever met him. :)

Very clear and nice giud to start with.
Well, this is the first time for me to readabout geology as I'm trying to change my career, I found exactly what I need to know about geology as a beginner, it starts from the first moment of forming the universe encluding all the hypothisis, theories and reasons, then goes thru formation of the earth. The writer took in account the level of the reader, no deep background required, what you know from high school is more than enough and the book will take care of every thing else with very detailed explaination, nice discussed contexts, and ilustrated with clear figures and photos. I recommend this to those who want to start geology. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

christianity and evolution
This seems to be one of the oldest attempts to reconcile the Bible and evolution that I've found.(If that's not true, someone please correct me.)If you've never heard of the theory about the "seven days of Creation" being a metaphor for millions of years -- this is a very well-done and convincing argument in its favor.Not necessarily the most up-to-date, since Miller is from the 19th century, but a good place to start -- and a wonderful way to learn more about Victorian science.
It's a good edition, which is NOT true of most of these Internet publishers -- no flaws or typos to drive you crazy and very well-bound. ... Read more

Product Description
Reading the rocks like pages in a book, Geology Underfoot in Southern California offers an inside view of the southland's active and sometimes enigmatic landscape. Twenty vignettes each weave a geologic story of a particular scene, relationship, or feature. Some spotlight well-known landmarks, while others describe subtle relationships among the earth's awesome forces. Together these snapshots introduce readers to southern California's rich, dynamic, and even flamboyant geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Who Knew California Came From Central America?
Very readable book, despite the complexity of the topic. Not as simplified as McPhee, but fascinating enough I got through the science. My particular interest was where the little slip of California that is Pacific Plate came from--Central America? Some ocean island? I found lots of hints in this book, though as with everything that is pre-historic, it's impossible to say for sure. Overall, if you read this book because of an interest in geology, you'll enjoy the ride.

A good beginning guide for a new geologist
A nice guide if you plan on going out into the field and exploring the world around you. It inspired me to get out of the car and do more walking so I could see geology at work for myself. If you were just looking for a book to explain geological places and processes in California it probably would not suffice.I would compare it to a travel book about the hidden places in a certain area rather than a general guide.

Excellent introduction to the geology of the area
This well-prepared and engaging work provides an excellent way for the layman to appreciate points of geological interest in the area. The style is approachable and seeks to simplify, without over-simplifying, and to solicit the reader to use his or her imagination. It is well researched and practical, giving no problems finding places, parking and so on. This book is recommended.

Like Rocks? Wonder about the Landscape?
This book has triggered day-trips & camping expeditions in our family. I've had the pleasure of leading my children and their friends to moments of discovery and learning & shared wonder and beauty with my father--all based on this book.

It starts with a six page description of SoCal's geological history, then jumps into 20 sites of interest. A glossary, "Sources of Supplementary Information," and an index round out the book.

Each site receives its own chapter, replete with photographs, maps, geological diagrams, and even driving directions, as needed. I'm not a serious geologist, but landscape features fascinate me. The explanations that the authors give work well for me: I can understand them well enough to explain them to children.

If you're interested in how the land has been shaped, if you're willing to turn off the tube & make contact with the natural world, then this book is for you. One of the best "field guides" to geology I own. One of my favorites, too. (The companion volume, GEOLOGY UNDERFOOT IN DEATH VALLEY AND OWENS VALLEY, is also an excellent book).

(If you'd like to dialog more about this book or review, click on the "about me" link above & drop me an email. Thanks!)

Excellent, but different from "Roadside" series
If you've used the "Roadside Geology of..." series, this is a bit different.It's more of a "sites of interest" type of book.It lists 20 sites in the southern California area, from Mammoth Lakes outto the coast, and south to Needles and San Diego.The sites arewonderfully explained, with aerial photos, illustrations, and maps.Thisis definitely aimed at the casual tourist, with very little knowledge ofgeology necessary.As a professional Geologist, it's one of those booksI'd give a non-Geologist friend. ... Read more

Product Description
Robert H. Dott Jr. and John W. Attig wrote Roadside Geology of Wisconsin to help residents and visitors alike "envision mastodons roaming in front of glaciers 12,000 years ago, feel storm waves pounding sea cliffs 500 million years ago, and hear volcanoes exploding 1,900 million years ago." With lively prose, detailed maps, black-and-white photographs, and shaded-relief images, the authors succeed in their goal: unraveling the 2,800 million years of geologic history recorded in Wisconsin's rocksIntroductory sections describe the geology of each region, and thirty-five road guides locate and interpret the rocks, sediments, and landforms visible from the state's highways, including the Great River Road in the Mississippi Valley.Roadside Geology of Wisconsin delves further into the geologic history of specific sites such as Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Wisconsin Dells, the geologically renowned Baraboo Hills, and more than twenty-five state parks.Features of and access points to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail are noted. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Could be much, much better
I was ecstatic when this book arrived in the mail; a tour guide for Wisconsin's fascinating geology was like a dream come true.Unfortunately this book is not nearly as readable as it should be.It is far too heavy on scientific names and proper nouns, reading more like a dry list of facts than a guide to the dynamics of geology.Compare this to the WPA Writer's Guide to Wisconsin and it doesn't hold a candle.

Normally the folks at UW Extension are masters at making their expertise accessible to anyone, but they sure didn't do that here.I'm going to keep reading through the book because I want to learn the information inside, but it's a rough slog.Here's hoping a better writer attempts the same project soon.

It is not just ordinary rolling hills, the geology of Wisconsin is interesting!
As a non-scientist I enjoyed this book. It made me want to know more about the geology of Wisconsin and made sense of land formations I have seen on my drives through the state. Wisconsin is more than ordinary rolling hills. Nice pictures and diagrams. Background information and definitions especially helpful to review basic geology.

Roadside Geology of Wisconsin
I have several of the Roadside Geology Series and have found them to be very readable for a novice, and Wisconsin is no exception.

As usual I got it after the fact, and wish I had it before.Our trip would have been that much more interesting if I had known all the interesting things I know now.

I highly recomend any and all Roadside Geology books.

Very Interesting
I once bought a Roadside Geology of Wyoming when travelling there and found it to be really interesting and helpful in our travels there.I have lived in Wisconsin for more than 40 years and decided to get this book. I was really surprised how much I learned about my own state.This book will add interest to any trip we take.

Great book - who knew there were diamonds in Wisconsin?
I took this book with on our last drive across the state and put it to good use.The way the book is organized, coupled with the detailed index, made it easy to identify the geological features we encountered.It also includes a glossary and suggestions for additional reading.The writing style makes it accessible to the layperson, but enough information is given to place it on par with the college level geology course I took in the past. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing with verve and clarity, Mary Hill tells the story of the magnificent Sierra Nevada--the longest, highest, and most spectacular mountain range in the contiguous United States. Hill takes us from the time before the land which would be California even existed, through the days of roaring volcanoes, violent earthquakes, and chilling ice sheets, to the more recent history of the Sierra's early explorers and the generations of adventuresome souls who followed.
The author introduces the rocks of the Sierra Nevada, which tell the mountains' tale, and explains how nature's forces, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, faulting, erosion, and glaciation formed the range's world-renowned scenery and mineral wealth, including gold.
For thirty years, the first edition of Geology of the Sierra Nevada has been the definitive guide to the Sierra Nevada's geological history for nature lovers, travelers, hikers, campers, and armchair explorers. This new edition offers new chapters and sidebars and incorporates the concept of plate tectonics throughout the text.
* Written in easy-to-understand language for a wide audience.
* Gives detailed information on where to view outstanding Sierra Nevada geology in some of the world's most beloved natural treasures and national parks, including Yosemite.
* Provides specific information on places to see glaciers and glacial deposits, caves, and exhibits of gold mines and mining equipment, many from Gold Rush times.
* Superbly illustrated with 117 new color illustrations, 16 halftones, 39 line illustrations, and 12 maps, and also features an easy-to-use, interactive key for identifying rocks and a glossary of geological terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent book
I found this book very useful and insightful for the non-specialist (I have a background in physics and engineering but not in geology). Among other things, not only it describes in detail the geologic history of the Sierra nevada, but, also, in lay terms, it explains many fundamental concepts of geology. It even gives you a "recipe" to identify rock types using a hand lens, vinegar, and a tool to scratch the rocks. I recommend it highly.

An excellent overview of the geology of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
I own a copy of the first edition of this book which has been the definitive work on the subject for nearly thirty years. I purchased it at the gift shop at Sutter Gold Mine while on a fieldtrip with my daughter's class. Geology has always been a bit of an amateur interest for me and this book provides an excellent introduction and overview to the geologic forces which have created the Sierra Nevada mountain range with particular focus on the Yosemite Valley, Devils Postpile and other primary geologic features in the range as well as the volcanoes in California such as Mount Shasta and Mt. Lassen. The book is written in language that makes the topic accessible to all. Professional geologists might desire something more technical and lengthy, but this book fits nicely into a backpack to serve as a reference while hiking the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Geology of the Sierra Nevada
This is an excellent review of the complicated and interesting geology of California's Sierra Nevada.
I particularly liked the section at the beginning of the book, a step-by-step process to identify different rocks. The steps are easy to understand and execute, even for a layman.
Another useful feature of the book is the set of maps showing locations where one can find each different rock type.
The book outlines geological processes (such as volcanism and plate tectonics) and features (e.g., fault lines), and explaines how the present Sierra Nevada was formed.
One particularly useful feature of the volume is that its size and weight allows that a hiker or a climber or a backpacker can carry it with him or her.

Excellent read, very good field guide
Geology of the Sierra Nevada (California Natural History Guides)

I enjoy science books that take a historical approach, explaining when and how the facts were determined.This approach brings science to life.Besides the historical information, this book is a comprehensive reference that I will carry with me on hikes in the Sierras.

Teachers reference
This is a nice reference source for general geologic information on Sierra Nevada. A definite improvement over the last edition, worth the replacement cost. Too bulky for a field guide unless you like spending your outing buried in a book, but is a great size for student use in class. The breadth of topics is excellent, and material is up to date (not all books available are). For anyone who needs exposure to Sierra Nevada geology, this is a good supplement to the Harden Book ... Read more

Product Description
The geologic panorama of Texas is as wide as the state is big, sweeping from volcanic mesas and thrusting mountains in the west to the red canyons of the Panhandle, along tropical sand barriers of the Gulf Coast, and across central limestone plateaus to the hard granitic terrain of central Texas. Learn about the rocks as you come to them--what they are, when they formed, what they mean, and how they fit into the big picture of the geology of Texas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

See Texas in a New Way
I grew up in Texas and have driven most of the roads described in this book.As a native Houstonian, I can't say much for the geology of the region (1000 feet of gumbo clay) - but Spearing makes even that interesting.

This book is valuable on three levels.First, it is organized by roadway...so if you are driving from, as an example, El Paso to Corpus by way of San Antonio, you'll know what to look for.Second, each description of a geologic feature is accompanied by drawings/diagrams that explain how the feature came into existence.Finally, the book includes a number of "gee whiz" factoids...such as the Gulf Coast's status as the third largest aquifer in the US, which bring the region to life.

After reading this book, you'll have a feel for how a large portion of geological processes work...and you'll see landscapes in a new way.

needs further updating
I do love the way this book is written and laid out and concer with the other reviewers that this is THE roadside geology book to have.It is certainly better than the previous 1960s edition (same book title & publisher, different author) as rock formations and roads change.However, after reading some of the descriptions of where to find the formations, I realized, "Hey, that's not there anymore..."i.e. Bergstrom AFB is now Austin's airport and the roads are very different there now than they were in 1991.Another example: Austin chalk formation can't be seen in the place described anymore because of a shopping center. As I get out on the road, I'll be interested to see what else I can/can't find.

Maybe the publishers should have a website where rockhounds can report updates...

A science book for non-geologists
I have a PhD in Math and Physics; but know zip about geology.Find this whole series facinating; but you must have a science bent and a desire for new knowledge to understand it.

WHOLE NEW WAY TO LOOK AT TEXAS
This book is a whole new way to look at my home State. I have been in Texas all my life and 97% of all my driving miles are here. The landscape, rocks, hills, and geology are explained in ways I never knew. It explains what you see from the road on major and some minor highways in all regions of the State. I recognize places shown in the pictures (sadly, in black & white). Now I travel with the book, take color pictures of the places mentioned on the highways I drive, and get a true appreciation of how varied and unique Texas is. Truly, Texas is a Whole Other Country!

Texas Geology: One rock at a time
"Roadside Geology of Texas" is an excellent resource for amateur geologists and travelers. The illustrations are colorful and the data is organized and presented in reference to travel between points of Texashighway segments. It is an excellent travelogue that makes studying of road cuts and identification of mountain skyline profiles more interesting. It has expanded my appreciation of the geographical and geophysical aspects of the terrain. Great book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

A good book for amateur geologists...
This book is a good introduction to the overall principals of geology as well as to the specific geology of the eastern US.There's lots of diagrams, maps, photos and an easy to read text. Sections includebackground information about geology, the major geological features of anarea and what you would see along the major highways of that area. ... Read more

Product Description
Physical Geology: Earth Revealed is appropriate for introductory physical geology classes. This text, which includes the same information as the market-leading Physical Geology - 12th edition, by Plummer/Carlson, is for the instructor who prefers to cover plate tectonics early in the course.

The eighth edition has been updated to include the most current information from the various sub-disciplines that comprise physical geology. The book’s purpose is to clearly present geologic processes so that students can understand the logic of scientific methods. This text features an outstanding art program and a proven, accessible writing style.

This text continues to be used as the official textbook to accompany the Annenberg CPB distributed telecourse for physical geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Perfect Purchase
Being a textbook, this was not exactly a "wanted" purchase, so I decided on a used book. This was listed as a used book, but it is abosulutely perfect. It looks brand new. I am very happy with the book I received and the amount I paid. Thank you very much for the opportunity to save money and receive a great looking product.

Like new item.
I recieved a like new text book for a great price and recived it good time. Thanx!

beautiful writing, pictures and explanations
This text is very thorough and the explanations are given in great detail. I found the material to be very interesting and presented in an easy-to-understand format.

Physical Geology:Earth revealed
I is an excellent textbook; however, I was under the understanding that I would be getting the 7th edition , not the 4th edition.I kept it anyway, since 95% of the information is still current.It also came with 2 excellent CD ROM's.

Very Good Textbook
Physical Geology: Earth Revealed, by Diane Carlson, is a very informative and complete geology textbook.The book is full of excellent photos that really bring the subject matter to the forefront.One of the books true hi-lights are the various "Reading Boxes" included with each chapter.These reading boxes take more in-depth looks at the various topics in the books.The textbook is well-written and somewhat enjoyable.It is organized in a very easy to follow manner.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Geology in plain English
This book is a simple way for non-Geology speaking people to discover the marvels of the Geological world. It introduces you to the basics of geology and gives diagrams and examples explaining the geology of the volcanic Hot Spot that is Hawaii. Each island has its own chapter, complete with simple maps and images to match the explanation. Great guidebook if you are a Geologist or are just interested in going to Hawaii to see the volcanoes.

A must for people interested in geology
I love this series, and this one did not disappoint me. In case you are interested in geology and you are going to Hawaii, I can really recommend this one. And who doesn't want to know more about the geology of these islands, especially when you go to the Big Island and visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The only improvement I can recommend is to have clearer maps with clearer indications of points of interest.

Wonderful for a novice like me
I am fascinated with all things Hawaii, particularly the geological features, the volcanoes, etc. I love thinking about how they form, and how in such a short time in the planet's history, they will disappear forever. I know very little about geology, having never taken a course on it in college or reading any books about it. I found this incredibly interesting, understandable, and comprehensive. I've also found some new places to go and can't wait to bring the book with me on my next trip. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars are that the pictures, which are very useful, would be more useful if they were in color.

A must for "what is it?" people visiting Hawaii
On my first visit to the islands, I realized that everything you see evolved from the lava that's usually associated with visits to the Big Island. But each of the islands had the same fiery volcanic past - and it's often very hidden amongst the magnificient landscapes that we all see. What makes black sand? Why is the dirt red? Why is Molokai rectangular? Why is Haleakala Crater so colorful? These and so many other questions are answered in chapters of general informaiton as well as a tour format using popular highways and byways.

This edition (the others in the series are superb as well) does a great job of describing what you're seeing in the widely varied landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands. The author describes the natural history of the elements of the island seen as you drive about, mostly describing the landmasses from a geologic perspective. If you have the slighest interest in how the islands were formed and how they evolved into what you see today, make sure you have this book before you leave. It's very readable, there's no need to have a geology background!

tourism at its best
I love this book.I learned about different types of lava, I can impress my girlfriend with my geological knowledge while we vacation.It is a guide book which will help you at specific locations to identify the geology you are looking at.The beginning gives a good explanation of the general geological principles which apply to Hawaii: volcanology and plate techtonics. ... Read more

Product Description
The geology of Washington is a story of islands--micro-continents--coming in from the sea. Two hundred million years ago most of Washington consisted of two large islands, each one a scrap of continent, lying somewhere in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. One after the other they docked onto the North American continent, each adding its distinctive bit to the complex geologic and geographic mosaic of western North America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Clear guide for the non-geologist
My 13 year old son and I just finished a 1000 mile trip son through Washington, Idaho, and Montana. This series of books was our companion. My son read it aloud as we drove. We both learned a lot about the Columbia river basin, and the cascade mountains.

After reading it, my son could spot and identify the different general rock types and color changes described.

An excellent companion with good diagrams and short sections that convey the most important (and observable) facts.

Book for Christmas Gift
Book came in time for Christmas, in spite of the bad weather.

Very Informative
Let's say you have a craving for geology, which is one of the hottest subjects on the planet (you know, molten rock and such).Let's say you want to drive a particular route through Washington State. This book is organized by route (just like the other books in the series) so you can have an expert's explanation of what geologic features you are looking at and how they were formed.

Imagine a time of massive flooding when glacial Lake Missoula burst out of the ice dam and drenched most of Eastern Washington with 500 cubic miles of water more than 30 times.You can easily find the evidence today with the help of this book.

Imagine a time when the northern end of Puget Sound was blocked by glacial ice, the level of water in the sound was about 100 feet higher than today, and all the rivers draining into the South Sound were dammed up and forced to escape to the South, through modern-day Black Lake and down the Chehalis River Valley.

Some people worry about Mt. Rainier erupting again, which of course it will. But imagine the numerous and relatively recent mudflows off Mt Rainier which were not even associated with an eruption.Some of these mudflows contained up to a cubic mile of material with the consistency of liquid bricks.The inundated areas are now inhabited by hundreds of thousands of people.All you folks in Sumner and Orting, good luck in the next one!

Once I wanted to be a Geologist, but the projects took too long to complete. If you have this book, at least the explanation is fast and easy to understand for the non-geologist such as myself.All the books in this series are fun to read when traveling through the subject areas.

Thanks, Steve Willie, Olympia, WA

The most practical guide for amateur geologists
Geology has long been a hobby of mine. I own several of these books and thoroughly enjoy them all. The Washington roadside guide has the most meaning to me since I live in Washington State and have had reason to travel throughout the state for the last 12 plus years.I like the authors approach of using highways and cities as reference points. In addition, the pictures add realism. You can actually go to those places and look at the pictures in the book and see exactly what they are talking about.
I think this book is a valuable educational tool as well for people with children. What fun to drive from place to place and learn about what is really under the surface of the ground!Reading the geological story of a particular part of the state made me want to travel there as well. Great books, very easy to read.

An engaging tourbook that can be enjoyed without the car.
This is not a book for rockhounds -- there are no mineral lists, no collecting sites or things like that.It is aimed at a general reader with an interest in geophysical features and phenomena.I'd say it scorespretty well.

The authors focus on what can be seen along, and whatunderlies, many major Washington highways.They deal with both thesurficial geology and the underlying basement rocks.There is an emphasison relating what is right in front of you to "how it got thatway" and how it continues to change today.

Their preface is anexcellent description of plate tectonics, the engine that powers all thegeologic activity.It would be easy for this description to lose thenon-technical reader, but their writing makes it seem clear.Throughoutthe book they have a consistently light but careful prose style.Morepeople would be interested in geology if introductory geology textbooksread like this one! ... Read more

Product Description
Eastern California boasts the greatest dryland relief in the contiguous United States, between 14,499-foot Mount Whitney in the Sierra Nevada and minus-282-foot Badwater Basin in Death Valley. That relief offers a rich variety of environments--and spectacular geology. Through driving and walking tours, Geology Underfoot in Death Valley and Owens Valley provides an on-the-ground look at the processes sculpting the terrain in this land of extremes.Illustrated with photographs, maps, and diagrams, each geological vignette weaves the tale of a particular scene, feature, or relationship in the landscape. Some sketches ponder questions that have puzzled geologists: what formed the turtlebacks in the Black Mountains and how do stones mysteriously slide on desolate Racetrack Playa? Others spotlight the role of volcanoes and earthquakes as landscape artists: the superb lava columns of Devil's Postpile, the massive steam explosion at Ubehebe Crater, and fault scarps that shape a golf course's greens. Still others focus on less obvious but equally powerful geologic processes: boulders shattered by salt crystals and rocks blasted by windblown sand. Together, these snapshots introduce readers to eastern California's rich, dynamic geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Readable and Informative
I neede to buy this book for a class/trip I am taking over spring break. I was very surprised that it was not a dry text book , but a very readable information guide to the entire area. Great book if your interested in the geology of the area.

wonderful explanations for the layman
I read it after I came back from a trip to Owens Valley, so I can't speak on using it for directions, but it is a great book. I began reading to find a few facts to label my trip photos with but found myself reading the entire Owens Valley half, even the places I didn't see. There are some crazy things in Owens Valley! A gravity deficit, piles of rock in neat columns, lava cooling into glass, water issues with Owens Lake... I couldn't stop reading even though I had work to do - bad bad, but so good!

The chapters on each location are longer and geologic feature are more detailed than your average guide book, so you understand the background and science, but there's no technical jargon, so it's very easy to understand. Very clear simple writing by people who obviously have a genuine appreciation for what they're writing about.

Invaluable Info for Locals and Travellers
Great to take along any drive through the area.Have your passenger read as you go, stop along the way for a closer look.Easy to read, not too "intellectual".This was my favorite guide to the area when I moved here (and still is)!

Thoroughly Intriguing!
The southwest United States is a geomorphologist's dream... There's not a lot of green stuff covering up the beautiful geology! This book details the geologic features of Death and Owens Valley, CA. It gives the geologic history of features while succinctly describing the details of the processes that brought about these features. The Tufa Pinnacles in Searles Valley, the alluvial fans in Death Valley, the interesting history and development of Gower Gulch, the mysterious ascent of desert pavement, the glacial morraines and routes of the Tahoe and Tioga Stade glaciers at Convict Lake, the Mono Craters (Domes), Fossil Falls, the Alabama Hills and more. You'll even get the heebee jeebees when you read about the monstrous explosion of Ubehebe Crater! Certainly one of the most interesting and pleasurable books I've read in ages! Highly recommended for ANYONE who plans a trip to California's awe-inspiring Death Valley and environs! A must have!

Wonderful Ticket to Adventure
Most years we vacation in Mammoth. This book describes a number of convenient and interesting side trips to take with the family. We wander around, sometimes visiting the same features, sometimes visiting a new site. Always appreciating more & more of the world around us. My children have a much better feel for geological processes and their impact on the landscape than do their peers.

The book starts with a five page description of Eastern California's geological history, then jumps into 30 sites of interest, nearly evenly distributed between Death Valley & vicinity and the Eastern Sierra & vicinity. A glossary, "Sources of Supplementary Information," and an index round out the book.

Each site receives its own chapter, replete with photographs, maps, geological diagrams, and even driving directions, as needed. I'm not a serious geologist, but landscape features fascinate me. The explanations that the authors give work well for me: I can understand them well enough to explain them to children.

If you're interested in how the land has been shaped, if you're willing to turn off the tube & make contact with the natural world, then this book is for you. One of the best "field guides" to geology I own. One of my favorites, too. (The companion volume, GEOLOGY UNDERFOOT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, is also an excellent book). ... Read more

Product Description
This illustrated field guide provides information on geology. It includes details about the earth's origin, the shapingof the continents, the forming of rocks, erosion, earth's geological history, and the impact of the oceans and rivers on the earth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Craving For Rocks
I came back from a trip to Utah hungry to know more about geology, and this is the first book I bought.It satisfied my curiosity admirably.Once I had read it, I felt that I had a better grasp of the subject.Now that I'm pursuing geology at the college level, I'm doing very well, thanks to the framework this book provided for me.I will continue to refer to it during these first two years of study -- and probably beyond, because it's full of excellent illustrations for each concept.I'm glad I've got it on my shelf.

Earth's History All Around Us: A Story Written in Rock
This is a passport to unexpected discoveries at all scales and becomes a guide to seeing the world's longest running rocky picture show. Clearly written and with many times more illustrations than its 300 pages, it offers an accessible, inital overview of what forces created and distributed the crust of the Earth today and the incredibly powerful forces that continue to change it. Although it is recommended for grade 8 students and older, it is also for adults. This can be your starter book at any age to travel through time to distant planets--our Earth--distant in time, not outer space.

The physical world has not always looked as it is today, or for very long, for that matter when these rocks of ages have been measured in millions and billions of years. Much of North America was most recently altered on a colossal scale by the last ice age that retreated a mere 12,000 years ago or so. There have been many versions of the planetary crust we know as our home and there will be many more variations long after us. Find out why that is so through descriptions and explanations encompassing the endless cycle in the dance of Shiva, creating and destroying the face of the Earth. Learn to see evidence of deep time, geological time in your own surroundings. New Yorkers will discover what created the impressive Palisades along the Hudson river. Arizonans will see the remains of ancient volcanoes in addition to the famous forces of weathering that carved the Grand Canyon. Unexpected wonders are everywhere to read about and with this book's assistance, actually experience in nature. A general understanding is mandatory. By example, if we could drain Lake Michigan, Chicagoans could see an enormous geological surprise deeper, possibly in wonder, than even the Grand Canyon because it lies unexplored and its potential discoveries dormant without our cognizance. This book can describe for the mind what cannot be seen today for a variety of reasons. You will comprehend them nonetheless.

In fact, the distribution of land and water we recognize from childhood memories of our classroom globes has only existed in that specific, temporary manifestation for such a brief period in the history of the planet that it is considered by geologists as merely a blink in time. Mountain ranges and entire oceans have come and gone. Continents coalesced to form a single mega continent only to be eventually pulled apart into large fragments sliding under each other, violently colliding into each other with irresistible force that alters everythimg in their path without plan or purpose.

Ultimately everything is recycled by geological forces that create what the book illustrates, and that are produced as a consequence of astonishing extremes and combinations: of heat, cold, pressure, weight, vulcanism and more subtly by wind and water over the most potent power of all, time. This book is inexpensive and quite adequate in offering an overall picture as well as a brief trip through time regarding geological forces and their continuing consequences. It is not a college textbook nor does it try to be. You will need additional books to identify the huge variety of rocks you will find in the field--literally and figuratively. It also uses drawings instead of color photographs so many people might prefer other books. tNonetheless, this book describes and illustrates geological and chemical forces in action in their endless variations. But without good color photographs it cannot show rocks at all scales as they could appear in nature, whether from the small pebbles of the regolith to its most massive formation of any single rock, Iluru, once known as Ayer's Rock in central Australia, to the enormous expanses of consolidated rock we know as bedrock. This book's illustrations are very good but admittedly, it could be illustrated better by professional, color photography. Some readers will demand color to be satisfied. Fair enough. However, color reproductions or more complex details associated with textbooks will cause any book's price to rise exponentially, so be prepared to pay a lot more.

Other afforable accessory books are highly recommended for your state or possibly natural wonders during your next vacation. You might also want to consider another entry level experience of field geology that you can easily experience traveling by car largely through"digs" illustrating firsthand, geological formations which are often conveniently provided by thousands of road cuts all over the US. These books can be inexpensive interpreters to assist you in becoming more aware of nature's most fundamental, visible crystal structures. One optional series to look at is the Roadside Geology series like, Roadside Geology of Northern and Central California or Roadside Geology of Connecticut and Rhode Island (Roadside Geology Series) Another good series, includes Geology Underfoot in Northern Arizona, Underfoot: A Geologic Guide to the Appalachian Trail for hikers and Geology Underfoot in Southern Utah.

This is just the beginning of your adventures. You might also enjoy a visit to your local Museum of Natural History to complement your new studies in the field.

An excellent science or study text for young adults, especially recommended for high school library collections.
Written by award-winning science author David Lambert and The Diagram Group, The Field Guide to Geology is an overview of the geologic history of the Earth. Accessible to middle and high school students as well as lay readers alike, The Field Guide to Geology is now updated with two new chapters: one on new technologies used to measure behavior of the Earth's complex systems in real time, and one on notable scientists whose research advanced the field of geology. The Field Guide to Geology includes more than 750 two-color maps, charts, and illustrations, and covers everything from plate tectonics to the distinctions between types of rock and stone to how rivers and seas shape the land to means used to date rocks and much more. An excellent science or study text for young adults, especially recommended for high school library collections.

And how is this a field guide?
The words "field guide" imply a book that can be carried in the field to identify features (e.g. "Audubon Field Guide" series).A looser interpretation would be a manual that teaches people to interpret features in the field (e.g. Robert Compton's classic "Geology in the Field"). David Lambert's "The Field Guide to Geology" is neither.It is a simple introduction to geology accompanied by many drawings and diagrams.The book is useful for high school earth science students and younger, but any basic college-level physical geology text provides a more thorough introduction to geology -- with more sophisticated graphics, too.

So, if you want a snapshot of important concepts in basic physical geology, take a lookat "Field Guide to Geology" or search in Wikipedia under "Geology."If you want a detailed introduction, take a look at an introductory-level college physical or historical (for fossils) geology textbook.If you want a true field guide, there are many good series such as the Audubon or Peterson series.

Excellent beginner book.
As a student in engineering geology, I found this book to be
a very good reference but with no in-depth reading. For the novice, I would recommend
this to see if you're interested in the field of geology; but for an intermediate
or advanced geology enthusiast, I would recommend a more scientific book.

There are no photographs but rather drawings of the various
components of geology. The artist did well, but nothing can amount to the incredible
display of mass wasting, or the delicate detail of Micas ... Read more

Product Description
If it's important for you to incorporate the scientific method into your teaching, this lab manual is the perfect fit. In every exercise there are scientific method boxes that provide students with insight into the relevance of the scientific method to the topic at hand. The manual also includes "In Greater Depth" problems, a more challenging probe into certain issues. They are more quantitative in nature and require more in-depth, critical thinking, which is unique to this type of manual. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Confusing Manual, Confusing Class
Geology was my only science class in college.I should have picked something else.I just couldn't understand it.I feel like someone who is really into geology would appreciate this book and lab manual, but I was just confused the whole time.I feel like the lab manual didn't always correspond with the chapters in the book, which only added to my confusion.

That being said, I'm probably not the best person to review this, being as I could barely understand the subject.Someone who is really great at geology might really like this.I felt it was confusing, though.

could be a textbook in its own right
I'm not sure about this. It calls itself a lab manual. Yes, it is spiral bound, with perforated pages for easy detachment, like many such manuals. Yet the text seems like that of a conventional geology book. Perhaps what really distinguishes the manual as such is the extensive problem sets. One to each chapter.

But if you want to learn geology, and do not have the accompanying Physical Geology book, you can still profitably and enjoyably read this manual. There is enough text and illustrations here to adequately convey lessons to a motivated reader. ... Read more

Product Description
The geologic features seen in Virginia are as varied as any in the country. Indeed, in 1985 the highway east of Natural Bridge was identified as the most geologically interesting 24 kilometers of roadway in the southeastern United States and one of the four most interesting in the country. In addition to Natural Bridge, you can see caverns still developing their unique architecture, geologic structures developed at the end of the Paleozoic era, fossils of Paleozoic life, preserved beaches from late Precambrian shores, and more, all in a single stretch of highway. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Interesting Travel Guide to Virgina's Natural Features
I purchased this book after enjoying the Wyoming and Yellowstone volumes. However, the Virginia book pales in comparison to the Wyoming and Yellowstone tombs.

Unfortunately, you have to leave the road to see some of the features and some are not so easy to find. While this volume is not as deficient as the Florida volume in allowing the car traveler to see some of the unique features while passing through the area, since some are visible, more detail would be appreciated.

For example, the author fails to cover the Potomac at the Great and Little Falls, between Virginia and Maryland. The geology and natural features of this area is certainly interesting, yet it was is not covered. Covering this area as it pertains to Virginia should have been included.

Also while the book is geared towards the natural landscape, detail could have included some information as to what the early settlors encountered in Virginia when establishing the various settlements at certain locations, as the Florida volume deviates from the standard geology and goes beyond. An example is Norfolk, a natural harbor

Should the publisher consider revising this issue or adding other states such as Maryland and West Virginia, it would be suggested that the Wyoming/Yellowstone formats be followed, as well as adding a bit more detail.I could not give this volume more than 3 stars since it is lacking and not up to the standard established by the Wyoming and Yellowstone books.

Otherwise, while the book is a bit technical for the non-scientific reader, it is an interesting guide to Virginia's natural landscape for the traveler seeking to experience a different side of Virginia.

Dr. Frye was a rare one...


I had the honor of working with Dr. Keith Frye while both an undergraduate and graduate student at Old Dominion University during the 1970's. He honored me by asking me to be his teaching assistant for several of the classes he taught. Dr. Frye was the consumate field and laboratory geologist. He also authored Modern Mineralogy and edited the Encyclopedia of Mineralogy, for which I happily did all the photography. He presented me a copy in appreciation, and I was astounded to see it listed on this site for a mere $645.00!!

As demonstrated in this book he was well familiar with geology of Virginia, his first love was being in the field rock hammer in hand. I spoke with him only months before he died, and as able to write his eulogy for the university paper. I offered as his epitaph, the words found at the bottom of each of his exams..."Honor is assumed of a Geologist." This book is but one on his lasting legacies. I am another.

The book might be too detailed for some readers and not detailed enough for others.Unlike others in the Roadside Guide series, Dr. Frye does not give specific directions to interesting outcrops or road cuts.His is a book painted in broader strokes. Virginia is made up of many varied geological terraines.While a detailed field trip guide book would have been nice, it too much to expect from this small volume.

Keith Patton PG MS BS
Old Dominion University Class of 78 and 80

GOT TO KEEP IT IN THE CAR
IF YOU ROMP THE ROADS OF VIRGINIA AND YOU WONDER ABOUT ALL THOSE ROCKS INFORMATIONS AND ROADCUTS -- TAKE THIS ALONG. ... Read more

Product Description
You may have heard that Minnesota s ten thousand lakes are the hoofprints of Paul Bunyan s big blue ox, Babe. Don t you believe it! writes author Dick Ojakangas. Though the lakes, which formed at the end of the most recent ice age, may be Minnesota s most famous features, the glaciated countryside disguises a much longer history of volcanoes and plate collisions not surprising when you learn that Minnesota was at the active edge of the fledgling North American continent for several billion years.

Roadside Geology of Minnesota steers you over glacial moraines and till plains to some of the state s unparalleled geologic features, such as the Morton Gneiss, once thought to be the oldest rock on Earth; the St. Peter Sandstone, one of the purest sandstones in the world; the banded iron-formation, the source of iron for the Great Lakes steel industry; and the ancient shorelines of Glacial Lake Agassiz, one of the largest glacial lakes ever to have existed in North America. The book's introduction presents an overview of Minnesota s geologic history, and forty-two road guides discuss the landforms and rocks visible from a car window and at nearby waysides and parks, including Pipestone National Monument, Grand Portage National Monument, and Voyageurs National Park. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Thorough and eminently readable
Now fully disabled, I gained considerable pleasure from the clear, thorough, well-edited and well-illustrated text.Also delighted at the abundance of relevant photos. Professor Ojakangas made an immensely complex picture of Minnesota digestible, even poetic.I've at least one of every volume in this series, and this one is near or at the top with RG of Colorado (2nd ed.).Thanks to both author and publisher.Now I just have to find a way to travel there for a couple of weeks.

Whatisthatrockyoutcropping?
Averyaccessible bookthat describesand explainsthegeological featuresofthe roadside.Nottootechnical.Niceglossary includedtoexplainmostoftheterms.

very worthy addition to this series
One of the newest of this very informative series, perhaps the most qulaified person to undertake this project was chosen. Dr. Ojakangas has done a great job of reaching the nonprofessional curious. Although most of the surface geology of this sizable state is dominated by glacial deposits, Dr. Ojakangas often goes beyond the surface to dicsuss the apparent geological history in that region and to provide examples of underlying rock outcrops. Profusely illustrated with mostly color photos, diagrams and maps, it is well organized according to 4 rather distinct geological regions. About half the book is devotedto the most interesting and economically important region: the northeast, which Dr. Ojakangas is also most familiar with. Find out why Sioux Quartzite and St.Peter Sandstone, both composed of nearly pure well-rounded quartz sand grains, have such different erosional resistances and commercial uses.

roadside geology book
The book is very informative! I will be trying to visit many of the sites talked about in the book.
The book arrived ahead of schedule and was in perfect condition.

Stellar entry in the Roadside Geology series
Richard Ojakangas is a native Minnesotan whose life has been spent in learning about and teaching Minnesota's geological history. He taught at the U of M in Duluth for over 30 years, and is the author of Minnesota's Geology, which is probably the definitive geology book on the North Star State.

That book, however, is not quite meant for the casual reader (although its less imposing than many other books of the type). Minnesota has lacked a Roadside Geology style book for too long. After years without one, Ojakangas has finally written a book for the non-scientist, the latest in the Roadside Geology series, the Roadside Geology of Minnesota.

It's been worth the wait.

After an introduction to the geological history of Minnesota (as you might expect, the Pleistocene, with its glaciations, gets a lot of space) as well as some basic geology to get those who avoided the rock science in high school or college, the book divides into several sections based on Geography. (Northeastern, Northwestern/Central, Southwestern, Southeastern)In each section, Ojakangas gives a general overview of the Geology of that areafollowed by the meat of the book, Road Guides.

There are plenty of photographs, maps and diagrams to elucidate the text and keep travelers oriented as they visit the various highlighted sites. I learned about plenty of sites that were just off of my route in previous travels that I will definitely visit with book in tow. I had no idea, for instance, of a beautiful beach of rhyolite pebbles lies just 3 miles north of Gooseberry Falls. I'd never heard of Chimney Rock, a spire of sandstone a few miles off of US 61 on the way south from St. Paul. In addition, I have an appreciation for places and locales I have seen, now having a better geological context for them.The composition and nature of Barn Bluff in Red Wing, for instance. I had no idea there's a fault that has shifted the layers on one side of it!

Armchair amateur geologists who buy the Roadside series of volumes will not want to miss this latest volume.I most especially recommend this book, though, for any and all Minnesota travelers interested in the physical geology of the state to buy the book, read it, and then take it with you on your next road trip to, say, Gooseberry Falls, or Winona, or the Boundary Waters, or Pipestone. I certainly will!

... Read more

Product Description
Does a time gap exist between the first two verses of Genesis? In this book you will learn about a controversial, lesser known literal interpretation of the Genesis narrative that does not contradict the scientific evidence for an Old Earth. Commonly called the "Gap Theory" or Ruin-Reconstruction interpretation, it is a theological interpretation much older than Darwin's Theory of Evolution. It is based on the Scriptural fact that in the second verse of Genesis, the Holy Bible simply and clearly states that the planet Earth was already here (but in a ruined state) before the creative process of the seven days even begins. The Bible itself provides insight into a great mystery in Earth's natural history at what is known as the Pleistocene - Holocene boundary. Science remains at a loss to definitively explain the Ice Age and the anomaly of the mysterious mega fauna extinctions across the face of the Earth about 12,000 to 10,000 Radio Carbon years ago. Geologic evidence from that period indicates extraordinary global massive volcanism, gigantic tidal waves, seismic activity on a vast scale, and extreme temperature swings on the Earth over a geologically brief period of time.It is no coincidence that the Bible at Genesis 1:2 describes the Earth as flooded, desolate, and in darkness in the time frame closely corresponding to these catastrophic events in the Earth's natural history. Clearly, these two mysteries are linked.The Earth has an ancient natural history that can be deciphered from the geologic record, but it also has an equally important ancient spiritual history that can only be deciphered from Rightly-Dividing the Holy Bible. Knowledge of both is required to correctly reconcile Geology and the Book of Genesis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This Book Rocks!
The author, Gaines R. Johnson, obtained a strong depth of knowledge of geology at Marshall University and has a superior depth of knowledge of the Bible. He has combined his expertise in these two fields to finally resolve the ancient arguments surrounding the age of the Earth, God's creation phases, Noah's flood, and the Holy Scriptures. Mr. Johnson proves that the geological evidence on the Earth is in perfect agreement with the Holy Scriptures when both are interpreted correctly. His explanation for Noah's flood is based on sound geological changes in the Earth.

Mr. Johnson tells us why the Earth is not young as many Christians surmise. A professional geologist can rest assured that the Bible fully supports the geological evidence, and the geological evidence fully supports the Bible.

Christians who promote the Young Earth Creation Theory ignore scientific facts by using the excuse that God made the geological evidence appear to be old during the creation when it is really young. This doctrine borders on blasphemy because it accuses God of being deceptive and a liar. Mr. Johnson exposes this heresy by aligning scientific geological evidence with correct Biblical interpretation.

God's creation phases for the Earth are commonly referred to as The Gap Theory. Mr. Johnson's correct interpretation of the Book of Genesis shows that God's original creation with dinosaurs, plants, and sea creatures (but without mankind) is described in Genesis 1:1. Many years passed during this primitive state and were followed by the Earth's ruin or destruction in Genesis 1:2. This interpretation is in perfect agreement with the geological record. Genesis 1:3 continues with the reconstruction of the Earth and eventually the creation of Adam and Eve. The re-creation or reconstruction of the Earth lifted the geological strata in many areas from sea level to high mountain tops as we see in Utah's Dinosaur National Park; fossilized red horn coral high atop the Uinta Mountains; petrified wood in Southern Utah; a bed of oyster shells south and west of Hanksville, Utah; massive coal deposits in Utah and Wyoming; and Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park.
This book is a must read for anyone interested the history of the Earth as locked in the geological record and the Bible student who desires to know the true meaning locked in God's Word. Mr. Johnson shows both to be a perfect match.

My wife, Marti, edited Mr. Johnson's book, but this has in no way affected my belief in all that Mr. Johnson has written. This book is superb and provided the encouragement I needed to publish my book, Absolute Truth Exposed - Volume 1: Applying Science to Expose the Myths and Brainwashing in the Big Bang Theory, Autoimmune Diseases, IBD, Ketosis, Diet, Red Meat, Healing, Health, Whole Grains, and the Bible.
Kent R. Rieske, BS/ME

Geology Defends the Ruin-Restoration Theory of Creation
I've had the wonderful opportunity to read Gaines' book and to communicate with him via e-mail. As a fellow Christian and believer in the Ruin-Restoration Theory (Gap Theory) I found his book full of good, solid, and convincing geological evidence that the earth is vastly older than the 6,000 years that the Young-Earth creationists promote. More than that, he reveals the geological evidence that supports both an old earth and a recent restoration. Gaines does NOT promote some kind of compromise with the Theory of Evolution. He is a Biblical creationist through-and-through. Gaines is fully convinced from Scripture that the "days" of Genesis were literal days in which God restored the glorious earth that had been ruined by Lucifer. Here is what Gaines says: "The six days of Genesis are the account of a re-creation or regeneration of a previously-existing heavens and earth, not the original first-time creation of all things by the Lord, and that Genesis Chapter One's seven creative days are certainly not a geological history of the earth."

This is important because too many people think the geologic record is a physical record of the six creation days in Genesis. It is not! The geologic record shows that the earth existed long before the six days and long before Adam. The geologic record reveals evidence for the Ruin-Restoration Theory. What evidence is that? You'll have to read the book to see what he says about global dust spikes, paleoclimate indicators, volcanic activity, the 1993 Greenland Ice Sheet Project Two (GISP2), and the evidence for a mass destruction and extinction of life just before Adam was created. Gaines shows how the scientific evidence fits the true Biblical account of creation.

If you or someone you know has always been confused by the claim that the earth is only 6,000 years old, then I recommend The Bible, Genesis & Geology, by Gaines Johnson.

Steven Dill, D.V.M., Louisville, Kentucky
In The Beginnings ... Read more

Product Description
This Second Edition of Elements of Petroleum Geology is completely updated and revised to reflect the vast changes in the field in the fifteen years since publication of the First Edition. This book is a usefulprimer for geophysicists, geologists, and petroleum engineers in the oil industry who wish to expand their knowledge beyond their specialized area. It is also an excellent introductory text for a university course in petroleum geoscience.
Elements of Petroleum Geology begins with an account of the physical and chemical properties of petroleum, reviewing methods of petroleum exploration and production. These methods include drilling, geophysical exploration techniques, wireline logging, and subsurface geological mapping. After describing the temperatures and pressures of the subsurface environment and the hydrodynamics of connate fluids, Selley examines the generation and migration of petroleum, reservoir rocks and trapping mechanisms, and the habit of petroleum in sedimentary basins. The book contains an account of the composition and formation of tar sands and oil shales, and concludes with a brief review of prospect risk analysis, reserve estimation, and other economic topics.


* Updates the First Edition completely
* Reviews the concepts and methodology of petroleum exploration and production
* Written by a preeminent petroleum geologist and sedimentologist with 30 years of petroleum exploration in remote corners of the world
* Contains information pertinent to geophysicists, geologists, and petroleum reservoir engineers ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great intro book
This was my first introduction into the world of Petroleum Geology. I had already studied most geology in undergraduate, and used this book for an independent study in Petroleum Geology. Read it all the way through and to this day look back and realize how good of a foundation it was. Covers everything it needs to in a very readable format with good examples and illustrations.

One of the Best
Good beginners and professionalpetroleum geology book! I work full time for a private oil company and use this book everyday!

Good Introductory Text
This book is an easy to read and offers a full coverage of topics in Petroleum Geology. I used and use it, amongst others, as a first reference to refresh my memory, before returning to work as an exploration geophysicist.

good introduction book
nice book for introduction. a little bit too much detail though.
I usually scan the book first and come back to read the details.

Elements of Petroleum Geology, Second Edition
This is a great book for any scientist interested in gaining knowledge of petroleum geology. ... Read more

Product Description
Environmental Geology, ninth edition, presents the student with a broad overview of environmental geology. The text looks both at how the earth developed into its present condition and where matters seem to be moving for the future. It is hoped that this knowledge will provide the student with a useful foundation for discussing and evaluating specific environmental issues, as well as for developing ideas about how the problems should be solved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Terrible textbook
If you are taking a geology course with this book, drop it because the subject is boring and the book just spits a bunch of geology jargon that no reasonable person would give a **** about. REALLY regret taking this course for science credits because not only do the lectures make me fall asleep, but just looking at one page of this book makes me wanna shoot myself... and this is coming from someone who has read countless numbers of textbooks

Really fast
I received this book much faster than I was expecting it.This seller is very quick and provided me with a great quality book.

it was what i was expecting.
what i was expecting.i was happy with price and the condition of the book.

good condition but out of date edition
product was in better than described condition but old edition ( not indicated in item description) and had to be returned; service was very good

not the right book
this company sent me the wrong book, but realized it before i received the wrong one, so they corrected it and gave me a discount.the whole experience was still not good, but they made it right. ... Read more

Product Description
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY: EVOLUTION OF EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME teaches students basic geologic principles as well as how scientists apply these principles to unravel Earth’s history. Wicander and Monroe present a balanced overview of both the geological and biological history of Earth as a continuum of inter-related events. These events reflect the underlying principles and processes that have shaped our planet. The authors also explain the historical development of these basic principles and processes, and their importance in deciphering Earth history. Three major themes—time, evolutionary theory, and plate tectonics—are woven together throughout the book. These themes help students link essential material to enhance their understanding of historical geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Historical Geology
Historical Geology: Evolution of Earth and Life Through Time (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) I bought this Historical Geology book..It is good but not perfect...It has lots of good pictures..and diagrams..It is a good introduction to Historical Geology...It is a good introduction ..It has lots of pictures and diagrams....It is not perfect..If you want a very detailed and comprhensive history of the Earth this is not it...A very detailed and complete history of the Earth would be great..This is an introduction....It is not complete or comprehensive..It has lots of pictures and diagrams....It is good...The price is reasonable....I am glad I bought it...It is not comprehensive and complete..But it is good..

A textbook.
If you need this for a class, then it is your best friend. I personally think that the book is interesting to read by itself, but I'm a nerd.

strong explanation of evolution
The authors give a strong explanation of biological evolution, from its earliest unicellular origins to the present. Much fossil and DNA evidence is summarised. Including recent findings in fossil digs from the 90s.

They point out that many so-called missing links are not. For relations between genera, families, orders and classes, the intermediate forms ("links")are often present in the fossil record. Amongst the cases cited are the origins of whales and sea cows.

More generally, the book has numerous instances where transitions found in fossils are explained in terms of limbs or bones developing, or suchlike, so that you can clearly see how one fossil is the evolutionary ancestor of another later fossil. As in the early fishes. Where those who developed jaws with bones were then more able to hunt other fishes; a strong evolutionary advantage. While the move onto land is shown in fossils that had fins with muscles. This allowed for propulsion above water, where the original advantage was to let the fish move around under water, in mud or vegetation.

Geology is also emphasised. Often giving rise to various ore and petroleum bodies found today. Plus plate tectonics is shown to account for the continental drifts and the breakup of Gondwanaland. ... Read more