Customer Reviews (5)

Little detail!
More of a travel guide. Little detail on geology if you are a student or deeply interested. Covers too big an area to do it well.

Long on hikes, short on geology
I delighted in using Ellen Bishop's Hiking Oregon's Geology and Scott Babcock and Robert J. Carson's Hiking Washington's Geology. I expected this book to provide similar detailed geological descriptions along the hikes.No such luck!This book takes you to the great geological examples but falls short on geological explanations.There are nice references to the history of settlement and early mining, however.

Happy Trails to You
The doctor adivsed me to walk at least one hour a day for my health.I found the gym quite boring, so I walked outdoors instead of on a treadmill.I discovered that I really enjoyed nature but did not have the endurance marathons.So, when I found the easy-to-read and easy-to-understand GEOLOGY TRAILS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, I found a solution to my problem.The maps are simple, the locations are gorgeous, and I am healthier.I am wealthier, too, as it has kept me out of the casinos.

Bonanza of Beauty
I didn't even know I was a geology buff until I bought this hiking book.It gives you information about over a hundred trails in California that have fascinating and gorgeous scenery.I never thought of rocks as very interesting before, but now I am thinking of taking geology, as this book has changed my mind.The book is very detailed and written in a quite approachable style.The authors have clearly hiked these trails and, reading about them, you feel like you are really there.When you actually do go there, it is even better.

Wow!Who Knew!
I was blown away to find out how many really fascinating geological sites there are in California.And they are almost all really easy to get to, not that remote.I am looking foward to taking the kids on these trails.Very fun way to get an education.Also, the authors talk about everything you can see along the way, not just the geology.This book is going to keep us on the move for a long time, I can tell. ... Read more

Product Description
From the tightly folded formations in the Appalachians across the broad reaches of horizontal sedimentary layers in the Allegheny Plateau, Pennsylvania's rocks record hundreds of millions of years of geologic history that tell an astounding storyThis book enables the reader to recognize the rocks and understand their meaning. It explains the landscapes of Pennsylvania in terms anyone can understand and enjoy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Geology is fun
Since my husband and I were going to be spending a week in Pennsylvania, I brought the Roadside Geology book of PA along.I was interested in understanding the local geology and was happy to discover three fossil sites within the area we stayed.I was able to look at a Triassic fossil dinosaur footprint at one site and find some Devonian fossils in another.The Roadside Geology book is great for someone who only has a short period of time to explore a particular area.I hope they'll put one out for every state (particularly Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia...hint hint hint.) ... Read more

Product Description
For majors and non-majors in undergraduate lab courses for Introductory Geology and Physical Geology.The best-selling lab manual for undergraduate lab courses in Physical Geology or Introductory Geology, for majors and non-majors. With contributions from more than 120 highly regarded geologists and geoscience educators, and an exceptional illustration program by Dennis Tasa, this user-friendly laboratory manual focuses students on the basic principles of geology and their applications to everyday life in terms of natural resources, natural hazards, and human risks. This edition pushes the frontiers of geologic education even further with the inclusion of four new computer-based labs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Exactly As Advertised, Very Fair Price
This product was delivered in a timely manner. It arrived just as it was described in the description. The price was much better than any other I had discovered.

Cheap Price, Great Service
This product was an amazing price and good quality.So far, I haven't noticed any missing pages, and it even included the cardboard cutouts in the back.Great service. Thanks!!

Falsely advertised as being New.
Falsely advertised as being new. This manual is full of markings and in poor condition. The manual was advertised as "new" though it is clearly used. I could have purchased 5 truly used manuals for the cost of this purchase.

Geology Lab Manual
Great book, in brand new condition and very usefull for the class I attended. I will keep this book for future reference.

laboratory Manual in Physical Geology
good color images, good charts, 'geo-tools' including percent estimate, grain size and cleavage goniometer!Pages for notes included, and graph and log paper in back.Also back cover oversized so you can use it as a bookmark.I won't tear any lab pages out, this book is too good as a reference. ... Read more

Product Description
For the Second Edition of Earth Structure: An Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics, the authors have heavily revised each chapter while preserving the overall structure of the First Edition. The Second Edition also benefits from new artwork that clearly illustrates complex concepts.

New to the Second Edition:

• New Chapter 15, "Geophysical Imaging," by Frederick Cook
• Within Chapters 21 and 22, four new essays on "Regional Perspectives" discuss the European Alps, the Altaids, the Appalachians, and the Cascadia Wedge.
• New and updated art for more informative illustration of concepts. The Second Edition now has 570 black & white figures.

Customer Reviews (7)

great for class
the book arrived in time.. in great condition.. a little bit of highlighting as it had noted before purchase.

ok, but not great
The book is fairly well written, though is a a little advanced.Through the chapters, many topics "cycle"; you will see them again and again.If you are unaware that is the intention, the book seems to be everywhere without actually saying anything.It would be good if there were some sort of examples or exercises at the end so it could be used with a lab.Easy to read.

Decent book
decent price on an expensive book, good condition considering it was used. I would buy from this seller again

This book is all over the place
It was far to difficult, I think each chapter is written by someone else and it shows because it does not flow well. It goes off on tangents.. overall this book is horrible I hated it

Geologist
I purchased these book hoping it would be complete and accurate. I have noticed a trend amoung Geology Professors to produce books and lab manuals that are full of errors. I have often wondered if the Professor's know their stuff. This book is adequate in its coverage of the information typical of a introductory Structual Geology course. It, as most geology text books, is lacking in worked problems on mechanics and everything else. I would like to see this author expand his book in the tradition of K. A. Stroud's ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS and show complete solutions to all/many types of problems that an student may encounter as a Structural Geologsit/Geologist. Maybe they could add a supplement and title it STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY FOR STUDENTS. When I was in school, the only Lab Manual was the one by Ragan, 1973, and his explanations of problems, combined with his writting style, left me confussed and frustrated. I was too dumb to know he had many equation written backwards, which explains why I always could not seem to get the same answer I derived using graphical methods when I attempted to test my answers with the trig methods presented in his work. In this Strucural Geology text, I experienced some of that same old frustration from school on page 51, "Adventures with the Mohr circle." The explanation of how to calculate and draw the circle was too brief. Also, this would have been a good opportunity for the authors to take the student by the hand, in the K.A. Stroud tradition, and walk them through this problem. Also, it is my opinion that these two authors spend too much time discussing regional perspectives in Part E of their book. Most courses fail to get that far in one semester. It is subject matter best left to a course on tectonics, at a more advanced level in a geologist training. Many Geology Departments forget that they are training scientist and have the tendency to become secretive of their materials and sources, all for the sake of arrogance and that perfect Bell Grading Curve. This damages their ability to train students to be the best geoscientist possible in a changing world. ... Read more

Product Description
Walt Disney World, the moon landing, shark attacks these are things the average person readily associates with Florida, but geology . . . ? Not so much. Roadside Geology of Florida is fixing to change that. From the panhandle through the Central Lakes District all the way to the Dry Tortugas, authors Bryan, Scott, and Means lead you through a world of cavernous limestone, roiling springheads, and rock strata containing the remains of some of the strangest animals that ever walked the Earth.
The latest in this one-of-a-kind series, the Roadside Geology of Florida is divided into five regions, following Florida s roads to its geological wonders. Along the roads you ll encounter a sinkhole that swallowed several buildings in Winter Park; sand dunes stranded high and dry with no shoreline in sight; and Titanis walleri, a 6-foot-tall, predatory flightless bird. With its concise descriptions, clearly written explanations, and voluminous color photographs and illustrations, this book will enthrall readers as they tour the Sunshine State, which, by the way, is the most recent addition to the North American continent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very informative guide to Florida geology
I'm a geology major at Florida Atlantic University and have a strong interest in the geology of Florida.This book is well-written and gives the reader a lot of interesting material about different areas of the state.Using this book you can travel around the state and learn how to identify rocks, minerals and fossils.Highly recommended for any geology students or geology enthusiasts.

Excellent book
I'm an avid fossiler, and this book does an excellent job of detailing Florida's geological and some invertebrate paleontological history.

It's not like the other Roadside Geology books
As a person who seems to buy all of the "Roadside Geology" books, I was happy to see that one was done for our wonderful state of Florida.The format was quite different from previous ones for other states.However, as a Florida Professional Geologist, I was rather pleased. I learned a lot.It had been a long time since most of my sedimentary geology and paleontology courses ... so, it was a refresher.I'm a hydrogeologist;the karst discussions were really good.

The book does not lead you right to the sites to look/collect ... because Florida geology is not really along the highways ... it's along the rivers and underfoot.However, for the person not acquainted with Florida's geology ... just sit back each evening and read a bit ... it will provide you with the basics.For a better understanding, go out and look at things.

The 4-star rating, instead of a fiver ... was because it will be a bit harder to read for the lay person than the traditional "Roadside Geology" texts for the western states.What you can't really see with ease ... you have to develop a 3-D understanding of what is there.However, for the person acquainted a bit with Florida geology and sedimentary processes ... it will be very rewarding.The shifting back and forth from "travel" text to special discussions of a site or process or fossils does make reading a bit jumpy ... you have to go to the end of the travel text ... and then jump back to the special discussion.

The fossil discussions are excellent.Also, the color pages are great.

A unique way to see Florida
I purchased this book after enjoying the Wyoming and Yellowstone volumes last summer for our summer trip around Florida to make the family trip more interesting for everyone.

This book is very different and presents color pictures and illustrations, different from the other volumes black and white.

Unlike the Wyoming and Yellowstone volumes, which I found extremely useful especially while driving to identify the geology, the Florida volume requires stopping to investigate.

While the necessity to stop and investigate may be the nature of the beast, that is Florida's geological wonders are off the beaten path, some of them are clearly visible from the road and not really covered. Being familiar with South Florida I found the information on certain geologic formations and areas marginal as more detail should have been provided.

For example, the authors cover the Cutler Hammock but does not tell you where it is--so why talk about it if you can't find it.

Yet the location of the unique limestone formation on Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove is described. The same with the Anastasia Formation in Palm Beach, which I could not find after driving around and burning gas. Why describe it if you can't give specific directions as to locating the formation, as the purpose of the book is to lead the traveler to these unique places.

Another discrepancy is the photo (page 320) showing Bush and Garden Keys in the Dry Tortugas where Ft. Jefferson is located. The photos shows the keys connected. However, I have been there at different times of the year and seen no connection between these keys. The authors fail to talk about this, because you can't walk to Bush Key from Garden all year long and swimming when there is no connection would not be recommended since the current is strong---if one were desirous of investigating the landscape while visiting Ft. Jefferson.

Overall the illustations and photos are a very nice addition and complete the text, as without them the book would be boring to the traveler seeking to search out these natural features--so maybe the publish should take note when revising any of the other volumes in this series.

On a final note, this book could be a useful teaching aid in Florida schools when teaching about Florida's natural landscape, as I found the current materials used by my kids public elementary and middle schools lacking.

In conclusion, the concept is good and I would like to see the authors improve upon this book in a future revision. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Overpowering...
...the preface begins by stating that the reader is expected to have some geological background, and it isn't kidding!He throws a myriad of geological terms and concepts at you.Even so, the book is a good read (even if you have to go back several times to get a paragraph) and the author really gets DEEP into the history of the South West.

I recommend this book to someone who has patience to read and reread, or the appropriate scientific background.

Arizona's geology seen at its best on the trail.
Having just published a book about geology and hiking in the southwest, I can confidently say that Ivo Lucchitta's book is an excellent resource and enjoyable read for geologists and amateurs alike. Aside from good exercise, the hikes provide powerful insights into the formation of the structures in Arizona that most know as just beautiful scenery. If you're going to hike Arizona and want the additional rewards of understanding your surroundings, this book is a must.

A great companion on the trail
I agree with all the previous reviewers, and I'll just add that I've hiked all over Arizona and have a number of hiking books, and this is the most interesting and useful of them all.The hikes are very well chosen, and not only have geologic interest but are enjoyable and scenic hikes in their own right.Some of them are classics (such as the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, the Peralta Trail in the Superstitions, the Heart of Rocks Trail in the Chiricahuas, and so on) that many Arizona hikers will already be familiar with, and the detailed information in this book lets you experience them in a whole new way.There are also some less-well-known trails that I'm looking forward to trying.On some of the trails that I'd already hiked, this book answered questions about things that I'd seen along the way and wondered about.If you do any hiking in Arizona and have any interest or curiousity at all about the geologic features that you're passing through, then this book will be one of the best purchases you could make, and will pay for itself many times over in all the knowledge and enjoyment you'll get out of it.

A great resource for the hardy, thinking hiker
Hiking Arizona Geology is really two books under one cover. In "book one", the first thirty-seven pages are a geology primer, written at a level understandable to the beginning student yet not condescending to the experienced professional. The following nineteen pages sketch the nearly two-billion-year-long geologic history of Arizona, leaving the reader well prepared to understand and appreciate the diverse geology and landscapes of the state. Information is delivered with an occasional philosophical undertone interspersed with wry humor typical of Ivo Lucchitta's style (e.g.".... that peculiar variety of life called Homo, including its pretentious branch that is amusingly pleased to call itself sapiens.").
The attentive and therefore well-educated reader is now adequately, if not fully, prepared to appreciate the stories contained in rocks and their landforms along the forty-one hikes described in delicious detail, in "book two". Hikes were selected to illustrate the geologic, and not coincidentally, climatic diversity of Arizona. Many people not familiar with the state might assume that Arizona is one vast desert, only to be hiked during cool winter days. Not so! Hiking Arizona Geology is truly a book for all seasons, covering elevations ranging from about 2,000 to 12,600 feet above sea level.
For this review, I read the book from front to back, in one sitting. This left me somewhat put off by the repetition of material from Hike to Hike. But I also appreciate that for the occasional user, this kind of repetition is necessary, because each hike must stand alone.
My recommendation: Get the cobwebs out of your mind, the dust off your hiking boots, and hit the trail, book in hand. The exercise will be good for your physical and mental health, and you are bound to learn a lot about Mother Earth.

A "must-have" on any Arizona hiker's bookshelf
The author of this guidebook writes that a deeper understanding of something only heightens the enjoyment of that thing. So it is with hiking in Arizona. I have hiked many of the trails included in this book, but the geologic knowledge provided by this publication will undoubtedly add to the enjoyment of trails already well-trodden, as well as those still to be experienced. While technical enough to satisfy those with a scientific mind, the descriptions of geology in general, and Arizona in particular, are easily understood by anyone. In fact, the author's engaging style made these "geologic primers" some of my favorite parts of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone intersted in hiking in Arizona. The trails included are all scenic, they're dispersed throughout the state, and they provide a wide representation of Arizona's geologic features. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent guide!!
This is a extremely well written resource for anyone interested in Maryland's geologic features and geologic history!!

Excellent Resource
This book is an excellent resource.As someone without a geology background, I found the text easy to follow and understand.The writing is clear and concise and the diagrams are very helpful.

Very nicely done
The book presents a complicated topic about as clearly as can possibly be done, without watering it down excessively.Quite a superb job, all in all.If you think you might be interested in the subject matter, you will probably be happy with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Why does a bit of ocean floor lie on top of Mt. Diablo? Why is Red Rock, that small, knobby island in San Francisco Bay, red? Why is Loma Prieta high? This book is for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors who want to explore the geologic world of this spectacular area, to learn about its shapes, colors, and rocky foundations. Doris Sloan illuminates the colorful geologic mosaic that surrounds San Francisco Bay and lucidly explains the complex and fascinating processes that have forged it over millions of years.
In a lively and engaging style, Sloan describes forces such as the movement of tectonic plates, erosion, the waves on the coast, and human activity. She provides background information on the processes, time frame, and rocks that are the key to understanding the Bay Area landscape and geologic history, then turns to distinct regions of the Bay Area and to San Francisco Bay itself.
* Superbly illustrated with 139 color photographs, 41 drawings, and 29 maps
* Covers Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties
* Gives clear, nontechnical explanations of complex topics including plate tectonics and the Bay Area's fault systems
* Suggests locales in parks and open space preserves to view Bay Area geology in action ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

learning about the bay area
Just begining to learn about the wonders of geology and particularly interested in what makes the bay area unique.
This book contains lots of maps and info and interesting things to do around the bay area to learn about how the area was created.
Most sections ( north bay,south bay, east bay, the bay itself, etc) have places to visit, explore that makes the book an interactive experience.
I've gone to a few of the places and expect to explore more.

Excellent for amateurs & pros alike!
If you have any interest in California geology, this is the book for you.The pictures are beautiful; the text is well written and easy to understand even for those with no background in geology.It is a wonderful source for planning weekend trips.A great gift for anyone interested in the outdoors.

Good overall view of geologic scenerio in SF Bay Area
Well written and easy to understand description of the geologic wrecking yard that is the San Francisco Bay area - even for a layman.

Best Bay Area natural history book I have ever seen!
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and as an avid amateur naturalist, I have collected many regional nature guidebooks-- maybe most of them.I just received this book, having ordered it just based on the title and little else.What a pleasant surprise!-- It is probably the best regional natural history book I have ever seen.

If you are an avid amateur naturalist like me, maybe the following is familiar: You pick up a nice general geology or rock atlas book, and find it beautiful and comprehensive; but when you try to match an actual local observation to this catalog of all possible rocks and structures in the world, you are left with uncertainty.And you quickly lose interest in this guesswork.Well, if you are in the Bay Area, you will feel extremely lucky when you get this book in your hands.It focuses on things you are likely to see here; it shows regional patterns to further help you understand what is what.As a result you will find the topic tangibly relevant, and your local explorations more interesting and fulfilling.

Another amazing aspect of this book is its fullness and quality.You would expect a regionally focused work to be a glorified pamphlet of highlights.On the contrary, this book has the feel of an expensively produced comprehensive geology introduction.(Judging by the cover photo you might not realize (I didn't) that it's a relatively thick (300+ page) book.)It ties everything to the big picture of geologic time.It is full of shiny color photos and color-coded maps.It is extremely well written!-- the writing shows obvious care in making explanations simple and intuitive to nonspecialists.So it is as if we have been given a full geology introduction text (and a great one at that!) written from scratch completely focused on the Bay Area.I might call it the nearest thing I've seen to a "scientific cosmology of the Bay Area"!

I'm not a specialist, but I can vouch for the contents in the following way.Over the years I've collected and bookmarked the most interesting and up-to-the-minute local geology content from the web.For instance, the USGS geologic quadrangle maps.This book seems to collect together all the same good stuff-- and reproduces them in summary form (but in color still!).

In summary, I have not seen a guide written more lovingly for the Bay Area explorer. ... Read more

Product Description
The Geology of Australia provides a vivid and informative account of the evolution of the Australian continent over the last 4400 million years. Starting with the Precambrian rocks that hold clues to the origins of life and the development of an oxygenated atmosphere, it goes on to cover the warm seas, volcanism and episodes of mountain building, which formed the eastern third of the Australian continent. This illuminating history details the breakup of the supercontinents Rodinia and Gondwana, the times of previous glaciations, the development of climates and landscapes in modern Australia, and the creation of the continental shelves and coastlines. Separate chapters cover the origin of the Great Barrier Reef, the basalts in Eastern Australia, and the geology of the Solar System. This second edition features two new chapters, covering the evolution of life on Earth while emphasising the fossil record in Australia, and providing a geological perspective on climate change. From Uluru to the Great Dividing Range, from earthquakes to dinosaurs, from sapphires to the stars The Geology of Australia is a comprehensive exploration of the timeless forces that have shaped this continent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

No place like home!
Initially heard this reviewed on the ABC Book Show. As an amateur I highly recommended it for anyone who is interested in the development of Mother Earth generally and particularly in the Australian context.

The title doesn't do the book justice.
The title makes this book sound heavy and student orientated but it's not. The book tries to make accessible what could otherwise be a dry academic topic and I think it succeeds.

Even if you are not that interested in Australia but just in learning more about geology, this is still a great book. It doesn't seem to assume much previous knowledge since basic geological ideas are explained remarkably concisely, but a little helps. For me, just understanding what Ayers rock really is and why there are so many meteorites on the Nullabor plain, made the book worthwhile.

I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more about Australia's mineral wealth (gold, diamonds opals etc.), as well as that there weren't more photographs (cost?), and just sometimes the english got slightly academic (more explanations of some tricky words in brackets would have helped).

Overall, an interesting read for the average rock hound, especially if you are heading downunder. ... Read more

Product Description
Bare Bones Geology is a user-friendly book for those who desire some acquaintance with geology: not a technical overload, but a pleasurable introduction to how our Earth works and a bit about its extended past. The book is well-illustrated with 56 photographs and 8 drawings. Twenty-three chapters arrange within three parts: Eyeballing Landscapes, Practical Geology: Coping With Geologic Hazards, and Geology to Stir the Brain. Two chapters in the last part are Asking "Dumb" Questions in Geology and Answers, and Geological Puzzles: A Selection. The "Dumb" Questions chapter asks such questions as "Why are oceans salty" and "Did cave men ever slay a dinosaur?" ... Read more

Product Description
"Physical Geology, 10/e" is the latest refinement of a classic introductory text that has helped countless students learn basic physical geology concepts for over 20 years. Students taking introductory physical geology to fulfill a science elective as well as those contemplating a career in geology will appreciate the accessible writing style and depth of coverage in "Physical Geology, 10/e". Hundreds of carefully rendered illustrations and accompanying photographs correlate perfectly with the chapter descriptions to help the reader quickly grasp new geologic concepts. Numerous chapter learning tools and a rich Online Learning Center website further assist students in their study of physical geology. For professors, McGraw-Hill offers a complete supplement package consisting of slides, transparencies, computerized testbank, PowerPoint lectures, and digital images of every single piece of artwork and photograph in the text. These valuable supplements will make teaching easier and assist in fully conveying important concepts to students.McGraw-Hill is committed to adding considerable quality to each new edition of "Physical Geology" in the form of new and revised content, artwork, supplements, and media technology. Professors can adopt "Physical Geology, 10/e" with confidence and count on the authors and McGraw-Hill to help them most effectively teach introductory physical geology to their students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Worthwhile Resource
This book provides a great frame of reference and perspective on the subject of Geology. It provides a well-structured overview of the subject, as well as a good guide for practical learning. It is an attractive book, and the content is surprisingly accessible, so it is suitable for a non-specialist audience as well as those studying it as a prescribed text.

The book is also well made and contains some excellent images. It's a little pricey, but worth having on your bookshelf, especially if you can pick up a copy secondhand.

Introductory Geology Text
This is the 10th edition of the now classic Physical Geology text by Plummer, at al. It is a good introductory text on the subject suitable for first year undergraduates.

It is beautifully illustrated, well organized and covers the subject in depth from discriptive geology to plate techtonics.

Very easy to read, lots of images
This book is so well spelled out about geology. It was actually fun to read. If you dont use it for a colleg class, use it to make yourself smarter.

Very Detailed
This is a very detailed textbook. If you want to learn about Geology in great detail this is the book for you. I recently learned that a new version will be coming out soon. I know this because my university will not buy the book back since the new edition will replace this edition next semester. If you plan on buying this book wait because the price will go down as soon as the new edition comes out. ... Read more

Product Description
Scott Baldridge presents a concise guide to the geology of the Southwestern U.S. Two billion years of Earth history are represented in the rocks and landscape of the Southwest U.S., creating natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Death Valley. This region is considered a geologist's "dream", attracting a large number of undergraduate field classes and amateur geologists. The volume will prove invaluable to students and will also appeal to anyone interested in the geology and landscape of the region's National Parks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Never got it
On 16 Aug 2010, I received an email notification from Amazon that the supplier shipped my order and how it was coming. On 18 Aug 2010, I received another email notification from Amazon saying the product was out of stock and couldn't be found anywhere, at which time Amazon refunded the purchase price.

Don't have any idea if the book is any good. I responded to the review because I thought it was interesting that Amazon believes they sent the book.

If anyone reading this review can tell me where I can find the book, I'd appreciate that.

Geology of Arizona, New Mexico and north-central Mexico
This is book for a geologist, not a beginner. As professional scientist I found it very interesting but struggled with the geology verbiage and endless names of different formations. If you know the subject well already you will gain insight through the concentration on plate tectonics, the reason I chose the book. But, it soon gets you buried in the lingo of geologists of these areas and it is easy to lose track of what has been covered. The author covers a vast range of time, from 4 billion years ago to the present and, using plate tectonics as the background you gain some insight into how the area came to be. The main problem for me, as a non-specialist, is that I got buried in the detail and in the stilted text so beloved of authors on similar subjects.

positive reciew of SW geology
I have been looking for this kind of book for years and this hit it right on the spot. The condition and price were also spot on. thanks

It's a terrific book!
This book is terrific! As a foreigner, I learned a lot about the history of geology by reading this book. Highly recommended.

The big geologic picture on a land where geology dominates the view
The title of this book says it all.The story begins two billion years ago and follows the formation of the continental crust of what is now the southwestern US.It then follows that chunk of land to the present, as supercontinents form and disintegrate, island chains collide, and mountains rise and fall.Unlike so many books about the geology of the southwest, Baldridge focuses on the plate tectonics behind the processes.This approach allows the reader to understand the "why" behind advancing and retreating seas, uplifts, faults and volcanoes.The geographic area studied is the southwest, although the Colorado Plateau seems to gather the most attention.It is seen in a broad geological context that includes what happened in places like Death Valley, the Rio Grande Rift and Southern Rocky Mountains. Baldridge places his explanation in standard geologic time, but his chapter breaks are in locations driven by the regional geology, not the standard hierarchy.For a Grand Canyon example, the Chuar and Tonto groups are a single chapter, a fresh (and justifiable) perspective.The story that comes through is a "life story" of the southwest, in which a reader can see the region's geology evolve, illustrating how events in its past shape its response to new conditions.

The book's broad scope means that the history of individual rock layers are often not there - indeed, many layers are not even mentioned (although the fame of Grand Canyon's rock column is evident, most of ours are).The layers serve to illustrate a "story line" driven by the forces acting on the land, they do not break the story into pieces because of what is (or is not) preserved in today's exposures.In developing this evolutionary presentation, Baldridge has to sort through many, often conflicting, hypotheses.He does a good job of finding common threads.In many cases, he presents different mechanisms but concludes with the salient points that seem to be areas of agreement or with the conditions that a solution must explain.

This book is not for the geologically faint of heart.It assumes a pre-existing general understanding of plate tectonics and other geological principles.It is not the place to learn how plate tectonics works, but is the best place I have found to understand how plate tectonics worked on the Colorado Plateau.It will not tell you how the Grand Canyon was carved, how Monument Valley formed, what makes the Supai Group red, or other specific questions.But it does provide the vast historical panorama against which such questions can be asked.From a degree of technicality, it is less technical than Beus and Morales' Grand Canyon Geology, but certainly well beyond Price's Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology.In the preface, Baldridge says his target audience is "upper level undergraduates and graduates."I would expand this to include anyone with a real interest in the Colorado Plateau, and who wants the "big picture" only hinted at in most treatments of the region (like Baars' The Colorado Plateau: A Geologic History).For readers with a more casual familiarity with geology, it could be a difficult read, but the rewards are great for a comprehensive understanding of the area's history.

I liked it - a lot!
... Read more

Product Description
The geologic story of the Yellowstone Country begins with rocks 2.7 billion years old that are mashed remnants of even older rocks, and continues with processes that shape the land surface today. Striking evidence lies along the park roads and highways leading to the north, south, east, and west entrances to Yellowstone Park. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

geology, yellowstone
Although parts of the book are too technical for an amateur like myself, I very much enjoyed reading about the tortured genesis of Yellowstone Country.I wish I had read it before I visited the park, but it was still fun and very informative. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in rocks and earth history.

Great addition to trip to Yellowstone
There is a lot going on underground in Yellowstone and this book helps to make sense of it all

Another Travel Perspective
We purchased this book while in Wyoming after we came across the Roadside Wyoming book at Devil's Tower.The geology so intrigued us and the kids that finding this book in the National Park Service store made our summer trip even more enjoyable. As you travel through Yellowstone, this book is like a personal guide to the geologic features. It goes beyond the typical travel guide explaining the sites since it is from the geologic perspective.We have purchased other titles in this series after our Wyoming/Yellowstone purchase. Recommended reading as you travel through Yellowstone.

Great Book, Great Professor
This was the text for part of our Field Camp.I was fortunate enough to have the Dr. Fritz as my personal guide to Yellowstone National Park.I still use the book as a reference in my personal studies of U.S. Geology.It is must for anyone traveling to Yellowstone with even the most remote interest in Geology.

Yellowstone on a simplified Geological Feature a day
The title sums it all up.The book is indeed useful, you can find all sorts of neat features by using it, but it really is a bit simplified.Perhaps it's just me, but it was GREAT for my kids (8 and 11) who are both, well, they read. Anything. As long as they can catch it. ... Read more

Product Description

The Glossary has expanded coverage particularly in such active fields as carbonate sedimentology, environmental geology and geophysics, GIS, GPS, hydrology and hydraulics, marine and coastal geology, organic geochemistry, paleoecology, seismology, stratigraphic nomenclature, speleology and karst, and structural geology and tectonics. Many definitions provide a syllabification guide and background information. Thus a reader will learn the difference between look-alike pairs, such as sylvanite (a mineral) and sylvinite (a rock); the origin of terms; the meaning of abbreviations and acronyms common in the geosciences vocabulary; the dates many terms were first used; the meaning of certain prefixes; and the preferred term of two or more synonyms. The authority of this edition, like that of its predecessors, rests on the expertise of geoscientists from many specialties, who have reviewed definitions, added new terms, and cited references. Their contributions make the Glossary an essential reference work for all in the geosciences community.

Customer Reviews (3)

Geology Key Reference
The AGI Glossary is a key reference for any professional geologist.In many cases it is faster to find a reference in the glossary rather than search the internet, and often the explanation in the AGI glossary is more complete.

This is a great x-mas or b-day gift.

Garry

Excellent and very helpfull
Glossary of Geology, 5th Edition

This is an excellent and very helpfull book on geological terms. Includes almost every known term and includes all possible usages of these terms. Absolutely nessesary for any geologist, students in geology and any related specialist as well.

The best geological dictionary available
I've used various editions of this book throughout my 35-year career as an engineering geologist.This is THE definitive geological dictionary in the English language (and I suspect any other language).Nothing else comes remotely close.

This book doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it says on the cover -a glossary.No fancy colors, pictures, tables.Just the facts, clearly explained, in an attractive, easy to read font.

Any office that employs professionals who rely heavily on geology needs this book in its reference library.And just in case you think that the Internet has made books like this obsolete, think again.Nothing online matches the comprehensiveness of this major work.
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Customer Reviews (3)

Love the book...HATE this seller
This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about geology or even for a kid with a fascination with collecting rocks.Not only does it provide activities to do, but it also offers a detailed description of the geological process that to explain what you're doing.

On another note, this seller has the slowest service hand down of anyone I've ever ordered from.It took almost a month to get my order.

Geology for Kids a Winner!
I used this book with a 7th grade class of "reluctant learners" and was completely delighted by their enthusiasm.All of the projects we tried (about 3/4 of those offered) were successful. As I was operating on alow budget, I appreciated being able to use the easily found materials andingredients listed in the procedures.The Faux Marble project results wereespecially astounding. Get this book and enjoy!

Great Geology Book for kids
A review of this book will appear on our web site: The Dinosaur Interplanetary Gazette www.users.interport.net/~dinosaur after December 1. You are welcome to quote it if you'd like and we'll have a link to the book. Thanks! E. Summer dinosaur@interport.ne ... Read more

Product Description
52 hikes reveal Colorado's geologic history and diversity

Trailside Geology section offers advice for practical study on thetrail

Explore the traces of the rise and fall of Colorado's mountains,volcanic eruptions, shifting seas, wind-blown deserts, and dinosaurhaunts! Written for people with little or no background in geology,this guide breaks Colorado down into 11 geographic regions andhighlights several hikes within each region that help hikers seeevidence of the most interesting geologic events ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Book
Very good book making Colorado geology accessible to anyone who can walk to the sites outlined here.Hikes are even more enjoyable because of the extra dimension of knowing something about the area.

A pleasant surprise
When I ordered this book, I was concerned that it might beintended only for backpackers (something I'm not up to).To myrelief, the vast majority of the hikes (and there are fifty of them) are no more than three miles round trip.Each one has complete instructions on how to reach the starting point and detailed descriptions of what you'll see.Our only problem is deciding which hikes to take in the time we'll have on our next vacation to Colorado. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A timeless classic for everyone from amateurs to Ph.D.s
After I got my Ph.D. in geology, I became a college geology teacher, and I learned half of what I know about general geology from this book. It's that good.

I'm looking at my first copy of Geology Illustrated, which was given to me by my graduate advisor in the 1990s.I think it's one of the best book gifts anyone ever gave me.

I'll add my voice to the chorus of praise for John Shelton's `Geology Illustrated', which exemplifies, I think, all that was good about the `classic era' of postwar American science and science education. As several other reviewers have pointed out, the book dates from 1966, and it avoids any significant discussion of plate tectonics, which was then inchoate, but Geology Illustrated suffers not one whit from the omission.

What this book does is to train the reader - `viewer' might be a more accurate term - to recognize what's important in an outcrop or a landscape, so that they can start to read the history of that particular corner of the world. As Shelton puts it so beautifully in his Introduction, ``Very often, however, the geologist is driven by plain curiosity... Indeed, the same curiosity can be aroused simply by pausing over the view from any hilltop and asking: Has it *always* looked like this?''

Shelton starts with the very basics - learning to tell one rock from another. He goes on to help the reader acquire a `geologist's eye' by taking them through a number of very clearly and engagingly written case studies. The prose in Geology Illustrated is wonderful, and we could probably learn a lot about nonfiction writing by studying it. For me, reading it is pure pleasure.

As I began a career of teaching introductory geology for a living, I had to learn to embrace and love all aspects of geology, even the ones that hadn't interested me much when I was a callow undergraduate. Geology Illustrated opened those doors for me. I found myself opening it to random chapters while sitting in my office before class, or while students were taking a test, and it was a joy to make one discovery after another. The section on the Grand Canyon, for example, with its `forward-then-reverse' captions, is simply masterful. As much as I love high technology, Google Earth, and my MacBook Pro, I honestly doubt that anything - no matter how digital, immersive, or 3D - is ever going to match Shelton's treatment of the Grand Canyon and the story to be read in its rocks.

One of the nicest touches in the book is the inclusion of Hal Shelton's marvelous annotated drawings. Although John Shelton's photographs are beautifully composed and reproduced, the drawings help to illustrate the essential geologic features of each scene, cutting through the `clutter' of soil, vegetation, and culture that can distract the eye from the geology.

If you can find a copy, and you're interested in the stories of the Earth, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

P.S.: It's also worth checking among purveyors of audiovisual materials for John Shelton's set of 35mm `Earth Science Slides'. I was fortunate enough to acquire one of these sets shortly after I began teaching, and they're a wonderful companion to Geology Illustrated. Some of the images are the same as in G.I., but many are not, and the slides come with a small companion book by Shelton. Additionally, Shelton served as an advisor to Encyclopedia Britannica Films in the 1960s, and made some very nice 16mm educational films, some of which may be available as video transfers. If you like `Geology Illustrated', you'll love `Rocks that Originate Underground', for example. I don't care what high-tech learning tools someone comes up with in the future, Shelton's words and images will always be the gold standard as far as I'm concerned.

Happily, there are other treasures like Geology Illustrated waiting to be discovered by the interested reader, such as the writings of Francois Matthes, Fritiof Fryxell, and Clarence Dutton. And if you want a great, classic, `old-school' textbook, try to get a copy of the 2nd edition of `Principles of Geology' by Gilluly, Waters, and Woodford, from 1959.

Geology Illustrated
Good condition, especially considering the age. I once designeda course in limnology (fresh water ecology) and found this book to be a marvelous resource.

Very, very highly recommended!!!
First, the writing style of the author is impeccable and very approachable for such a technical subject. You will pick up the subject matter very quickly.

Second, and the reason I initially bought the book, are the photos and illustrations. I have looked at many geology books, and this book CLEARLY stands head and shoulders above the others, for fantastic graphics.

In closing, I will refund your money if you are not happy! :-)

Superbly sets forth the foundations of geology
Why do the hills and valleys, mountains and plains and rivers and lakes around us have the shapes they do? John Shelton explains the origins of rocks and landforms in uniquely clear and simple logical reasoning always illustrated with superb photographs closely integrated with the text. He leads the reader step by step through the evidence and reasons by which we know the meanings of the textures of rocks and the messages of fossils and of the shapes of hills and valleys.

Shelton uses many splendid aerial photographs throughout to great advantage. But the greatest virtue of this book is the simplicity and clarity of the text. Any student can follow this text and any interested person will enjoy it.

Shelton wrote when plate tectonics was new and unsettled and he chose to omit it entirely. Do not be put off. There are abundant other sources for plate tectonics. There is no other introduction to the nature and origins of rocks and landforms to compare with this.

Tops For Learning To See The Earth
If you open this book in the middle and just start reading, chances are you'll find something great.Maybe it's a landslide that came down into a valley with enough momentum to run up the other side.Or an orange grove that's been split by a fault and because of the rows you can see how the earth's moved.One interesting thing after another.

It also works if read from beginning to end, which I did recently after randomly dipping into it for years.It's excellent that way too.

The format is mostly black and white aerial pictures explained by clear, descriptive prose.As a non-geologist, I usually just skipped over the words I didn't understand.It was still great.

The author opens one's eyes to landforms, the shapes of hills and mountains, of rivers and valleys.I see so much now when I travel that I would not have seen without this book.

I particularly recommend it for those who've just bought an RV and are about to travel through the American southwest. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Handy Geology answer book
This was a present to someone.I just gave them the book and they loved it.Everything you wanted to know about Geology but were afraid to ask.
It arrived in a timely manner.Could not have gotten anything better.

Injects a fun style into the learning process
Will California ever fall into the ocean? When will fossil fuels deplete, and what is their source? How do sedimentary rocks form? These and many other geology questions assume a question-and-answer format lending to browsing in The Handy Geology Answer Book. Other geology books on the market couch their facts in chapter of discussions; by using a question/answer format, The Handy Geology Answer Book invites browsing and injects a fun style into the learning process.

... Read more

Product Description
HISTORICAL GEOLOGY, Sixth Edition, presents a balanced overview of the geological and biological history of Earth as a continuum of inter-related events that reflect the underlying principles and processes that have shaped our planet. Readers are taught the basic geologic principles as well as how scientists apply these principles to unravel Earth's history. Three major themes ? time, evolutionary theory, and plate tectonics ? are woven together throughout the book to help readers link essential material and enhance their understanding of historical geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Awful book/ textbook
Do you want to know how good/usefull this book/textbook is? Let me to put it this way. 3 books in one book.In many cases you are on your own. The author tried to put the history of geology in a tiny book. This is going to be a very usefull book/textbook "IF AND ONLY IF" you have a PhD in geology with more than 50 years of teaching experience OR you are a geology expert with more than a 100-years of experience.

international edition
I couldn't justify spending $170 on a paperback this small. I bought the international edition for $45 and it seems to be exactly the same except the cover art is different. I have been using it all semester without a problem.

H. Geol. Book
Arrived just before school started. Just ordered it during a Bad time of the year (Christmas) so I had to wait for it a little longer. But when it arrived it was is good condition with a little water damage but its on the corner so it effects none of the print at all.

Its a great read! - Well written
This book "Historical Geology" is well put together.I for one will follow this authors work in later semesters if given the option.
I found this to be not only well organized, but also entertaining in a sense that helps me comprehend and retain what I have read.

Historical Geology
Very good book for teaching and student (undergraduate, graduate or posgraduate level). Pedagogic design fully illustrated, actual knowledge. ... Read more