Product Description
When author George Davis conceptualized the cover illustration for the first edition of Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, he wanted to emphasize that the human adventure of learning comes from doing; and that new insight springs from careful, detailed examination of field relationships, viewed at all scales from rocks to regions. He asked illustrator David Fisher to combine four photos into the single painting, you see here. The geologist is enveloped by challenging structural relationships of folded rocks in outcrop; the curvature of back and neck, torqued as eyes and brain move closer and closer to clipboard, is the classic language of geologic mapping. When George Davis and new co-author Steve Reynolds contemplated the cover illustration for the second edition of Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, they asked: "Who else is in the picture?" Stepping back, and handing David Fisher a couple of additional photos, the scene suddenly changed. The original geologist who had been sitting on the outcrop recording data is now up and walking around, gathering new data. A second geologist has moved into the new foreground, mapping and sketching a system of small-scale imbricate faults. Again, the head is torqued to handle the requirements of fine description and careful mapping. Like so many structural geologists, she seems to thrive on visualization of three-dimensional relationships. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Really?
I just took structural geology this semester. This book was little or no help at all.I am giving it 3 stars, since my teacher said that it's the best structure book out there.He even admitted that it wasn't very helpful.I used it maybe 5 times this semester.Honestly save your money or write a better book.

Fabulous
What should a textbook be? Comprehensive. Authoritative. Clear, readable, and hopefully interesting. Great pictures. Funny.

Well, the last two might not be requirements, but "Rocks and Regions" has all the above attributes. It covers the theory from stress/strain through all forms of deformation structures (joints, faults, folds, foliations & lineations, shear zones) to a part on plate tectonics (that subject really belonging in a geodynamics textbook). If that wasn't what all you wanted there is a short section at the end on things like primary sedimentary structures, mapping (cross-sections and the like), and a chapter on stereographic projection. Much the same material as that which is in pocket guides like the one by Ken McClay, but handy to have in textbook style. Authoritative? Aye. It's 23 years old this year, and in its second edition.

And now to the important stuff. Clear, readable, and interesting. Absolutely. Essential terms are in bold type when defined. As for readability and interesting, I'm so used to the stellar standard of expression used here now that other - previously decent - textbooks are almost unreadable. Interesting examples often not directly from geology are on every few pages. Funny as well. Most importantly, it reads like real people have written it. After describing the process of stress/strain experiments: "For sick fun you might want to try to calculate how much a limestone specimen of 3.00 cm original length will shorten in the first 5 minutes of shortening at a strain rate of 10^-14 s^-1. Then again, you might not want to." Sarcasm and wit abounds, which is better than riveting wonders like Telford's "Applied Geophysics zzzzzzzzz

Sorry about that. Did I mention it was full of great pictures? Unfortunately the edition has no colour illustrations, but it's not a critical drawback. Unlike the poor and often useless quality of many B&W photos in the Geological Society of London handbooks I have, virtually all photographs in Davis & Reynolds are clear and informative. Their sketches are also splendid, plentiful, and always relevant. Even small things are great, like the typeface and page layout.

This is one of the few (very few... okay, perhaps the only) textbook I've paid AUS$100+ for that was worth it.

One of the best!!!!
This book is a really nice reference for undergrads and also for grads students that are interested to go into the structural geology.
Nice graphs and cartoons that show the difficult concepts with simplicity.
A book that verybody should have in your references in structural geology.

MY ALLTIME FAVORITE!!
This structure book is truly the finest example of what an academic text should be. The content is thorough with no categorical difficiencies. Organization is logical and somewhat unique. However, what makes this work so special is the first author's personal style of creativity. Artwork and the written words are done with a joyful flair. Instead of dry technicalities, students find humor and "common sense" descriptions throughout. How-to descriptions are quite successful. It all goes to show that being a good text author has more to do with conveying the heart of a gifted teacher than with being an "expert". In this particular case, the book is a wonderful product of accomplshed experts who happen to be gifted communicators as well. I wish publishers and aspiring authors would use this text as a model in all subjects.

Good Book for undergrads
This book is one of the complete books in structural geology in the sense that it covers structural geology exhaustively follwed by tectonics which allows you to understand the importance of structural geology in the context of larger scales. Another good quality of the book is that a lot of techniques required for solving practical lab problems are explained lucidly.
All in all a very good for undergraduates with no knowledge of geology. Might seem wordy at times but it sure helps. ... Read more

Product Description
Montana's geologic history includes a long succession of disturbances that changed the rocks, then changed many of them again. Unraveling these events reveals a geologically quiet continent that got scrambled in a long and grinding collision with the Pacific crustal plate. Through detailed geologic maps and lively text, Roadside Geology of Montana deciphers the complicated rock record and uncovers each layer of Big Sky Country. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Rather worthless on the road since it has no milepost info
I am a professional geographer who has purchased and used numerous roadside guides in my field explorations. This book is a good overview of Montana's geologic story, but the maps are lacking detail and it lacks a milepost listing of features. It is suitable for reading in preparation for a trip, but without milepost listings, it is not a good field tool. In addition to this book, I also have purchased the South Dakota book in this series and it too was a disappointment.

Best of it's type.
Montana can be a rough rugged place. This book shows it in a much more user friendly light
Have purchased a number of books in this series.
All were very useful.
Whether a student of geology [i am] or just someone who enjoys an enhancement to a trip.
This is a wonderful travel companion.

A great guide to have with you on your travels
This is a great book in the Roadside Geology series.If you are even remotely curious about the story of why the road cut you just drove though looks the way it does and what all those different colored rocks are, then this is your book!You do not need to have a geology degree to understand what Mr. Alt writes about----the book is written for the layman.But that does not mean that it is light reading.This is one of those books you keep getting more and more out of.

To truly understand the book (and the geology of Montana) you need to have this book with you as you are driving.Do what I did:when you see something interesting, pull over (safely, of course) and read what Mr. Alt has to say about what you are looking at.By using this method, you will really begin to understand the geology of Montana.Also, if you are a rock hound, this is a great book to use to help you round out your rock collection.By using this book, you can be certain of what you are collecting and how old it is.

The illustrations are also very helpful, as are the maps.My only quibble is that there are not enough illustrations (this is why it is not five stars).A nice set of color photos of rocks would be a great addition!Anyway, if you are looking for a book to help you understand what your are looking at during that long (and it is long) drive through Montana, here you go!Just make sure you don't miss the Beartooth Highway! Enjoy!

Teach yourselfaboutMontana with this handy guide
In this guide, you will learn why underground coal fires have played a prominent role in shaping the surface topography and nature of the overlying strata in parts of eastern Montana. You will learn why widespread dryland farming in the early 20th century often caused devistating salinization of the soil. Filled with numerous photos and illustrations, the past and present of Montana's geology is at your fingertips. From the sedimentation, coal formation and general uplift of eastern and central Montana,
to the dominant influence of tectonic and igneous events in the western region, to the recent effects of glaciation in the northern regions, Alt and Hyndman provide you with a detailed description and explanation.

Exciting Geology
The saga of Glacial Lake Missoula was so gripping I had to buy Roadside Geology of Washington to see how it came out!Alt and Hyndman are the best authors I've found in this series.While you're at it, don't miss Alt's "Glacial Lake Missoula and Its Humongous Floods." ... Read more

Product Description
Physical Geology, 13th edition, is the latest refinement of a classic introductory text that has helped countless students learn basic physical geology concepts for over 25 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. Hundreds of carefully rendered illustrations and accompanying photographs correlate perfectly with the chapter descriptions to help readers quickly grasp new geologic concepts. Numerous chapter learning tools and a website further assist students in their study of physical geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GEO-151
The book has been very helpful for class. But I would like an online version that would have some quizzes that have been offered with some of the other books that I have purchased.

Overall It is well worth its cost. ... Read more

Product Description
Thoroughly revised and updated, this new edition of the text that helped define the field continues to present important methods in the quantitative analysis of geologic data, while showing students how statistics and computing can be applied to commonly encountered problems in the earth sciences.

In addition to new and expanded coverage of key topics, the Third Edition features new pedagogy, end-of-chapter review exercises, and an accompanying website that contains all of the data for every example and exercise found in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Davis Third Edition Review
This is a needed update to an excellent work. It covers the applications of math and statistics to geology, but as a physical anthropologist, I have found it most useful as well. The second edition corrected some major errors in the first edition and this edition cleans up pretty much anything not fixed in the second edition. The new material is welcome.

I have only two real complaints. First, when discussing the characterizing/describing/measuring of shape using Fourier and related techniques, there is no mention of Elliptical Fourier Functions, which have been widely used for some 20 years (see for example . Kuhl FP, Giardina CR.(1982) Elliptic Fourier features of a closed contour. Comput Graph Imag Proc 18: 236-258 and Lestrel PE. (1997) Fourier Descriptors and their applications in Biology. Cambridge University Press, New York.

Second, while rather new, the use of wavelets to measure localized shape features is not mentioned either. They are being used to describe, e.g. fingerprints (as found in the FBI fingerprint database) and for facial recognition. I am not sure of applications in geology, but they certainly must exist. Some of the usages in physical anthropology are sufficiently close to the kinds of questions geologists often ask, that there is certainly a need for some discussion in this book. For examples and much more see: Costa LF, Cesar Jr RM. (2001) Shape Analysis and Classification: Theory and Practice. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl.

I'd be satisfied if Dr. Davis would add a chapter or two on these to the book's web site.
Just to make it clear: I have no financial interest in either of the books noted above.

Excellent Discussion of Multivariate Statistics
This textbook is a pleasant surprise. It is an excellent introduction to multivariate analysis, much better than I have encountered elsewhere.As the title indicates, the examples are geological such as analysis ofspatial distribution of geological features, geochemical analysis, sedimenttransportation problems, paleontological sampling issues, stratigraphicsequence comparisons, fluvial pattern analysis, etc.

Davis provides achapter on matrix algebra, emphasizing the mathematical operations thatunderlie trend surface analysis, principal components, and discriminantfunctions. I found his geometric approach to eigenvalues and eigenvectorsto be more intuitive than traditional algebraic approaches found in mostlinear algebra texts.I also like the discussion on determinants.Isuspect that a reader unfamiliar with matrices and linear algebra mightfind this introduction to be too concise and a bit overwhelming.But as areview, the chapter was really quite good.

More than 350 pages aredevoted to the final three chapters - Analysis of Sequence Maps, MapAnalysis, and Analysis of Multivariate Data.These three chapters providean exceptional discussion of advanced statistical techniques. Themathematics are well explained and the techniques are described in detail,including pitfalls in the mis-application of the various statisticalmethods.

My copy (14th printing, first edition) includes a section onFortran IV programming and scatters some Fortran examples across variouschapters.While this feature somewhat dates the text, it is at most adistraction and can easily be skipped without any loss of understanding ofthe statistical methods.The Fortran sections may not have been retainedin the second edition (1986). This newer edition apparently providesupdated coverage on probability, non-parametric statistics, and Fourieranalysis and adds coverage of kriging methods.

In recent years more bookson geostatistics have appeared and some are quite good.However, I havenoted that the Davis text is invariably included on a short reading listfor graduate geostatistics courses. My only concern is that this text hasbecome increasingly difficult to locate.I give it five stars. ... Read more

Product Description
Illinois--a flat and boring state with nothing but cornfields and crowded expressways, right? Balderdash! Geology Underfoot in Illinois scratches the Prairie State's surface to expose geologic diversity that stretches back more than a billion years. Enjoy an unexpected exploration of Chicago's architectural geology. Embark on a fault-seeking expedition in Mark Twain's big-river country. Or try moraine-surfing on Interstates 55 and 74. Copious illustrations and witty, page-turning prose guide readers on geologic walking or driving tours of thirty-seven sites in Illinois. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who is eager to see all the natural wonders Illinois has to offer
Geology Underfoot in Illinois is an amazing tour of the geological diversity and wonders to be found in the great state of Illinois. Readers of all backgrounds are sure to enjoy the geologic walking or driving tours of thirty-seven Illinois sites. Maps and black-and-white photographs enhance this wonderfully enriching complement to solo or family vacations. "The most accessible [canyon] from the Starved Rock footpath is French Canyon. One of the loveliest times to see it is in winter, when the falling streams have frozen into sparkling columns of ice. To me, these narrow rockbound defiles, with their horizontal ribbing of Paleozoic strata, define the Illinois landscape every bit as much as the prairies." Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who is eager to see all the natural wonders Illinois has to offer, not just its flora and fauna.

fascinating
A facinating, somewhat obscure book--or at least an obscure idea. But well exectued and very interesting for us geology novices.

surprisingly interesting
Although not a native of this state,but having lived here for a few years,I was impressed with what I had missed while there.There is some very interesting geology here.This book is like a guide to some interesting geologic sites and events that happened here.My only complaint is that the map or sketchesat the beginning of each little adventure could be better,but,as I've said I don't live in Illinois so maybe it's just me that finds some fault with this.

Raymond Wiggers loves Illinois ...
... and he shows his affection in every word of _Geology Underfoot in Illinois_. Here the reader will learn, in a casual and sometimes humorous way, the history of the Prairie State, what rocks and minerals it holds, and prevailing overall, how the glaciers impacted North American terrain during the Ice Age. Because the book proceeds regionally from north to south, natives and tourists alike can follow along by car or on foot. But even if you never visit Illinois, there are juicy tidbits for you to chew on and be surprised by. Like the fact that Illinois is NOT flat. Like the bizarre origins of the Streeterville neighborhood, which was created in the 1880s only after George "Cap" Streeter grounded a ship along the Lake Michigan shoreline and encouraged construction waste to be dumped around it to form a landfill. Or what happened to the Amoco Building when its pricey Italian-quarried marble sides were exposed to the extremes of Chicago weather. Or the fact that the kitty litter capital of the world may very well be located in the southern tip of the state. Sadly, the black and white photos chosen to accompany the text miss the mark in capturing the true beauty of the sites. You'll simply have to see the places in person.

The author continues to make numerous appearances at nature centers and society meetings throughout Illinois. His presentation style in likable, informative, and funny, and audience members walk away knowing more about geology than they would have guessed possible. If you get a chance to see him speak, take it. You'll find the time well spent.[This reviewer was an Illinois resident when these comments were written.]

Illinois is somewhat better than boring
The author is (properly) defensive about his state's lack of scenic wonders.For a fact, any random square mile of Utah probably will have more visible, interesting geology than the entire state of Illinois.Thatbeing said, Mr. Wiggers manages to make what geology there is fairlyintersting. I think this book would be ideal for someone who lives inIllinois.He provides thirty-seven sites spread thoughout the state thatcould be visited on a day or weekend trip and teach you a lot about yourstate you probably didn't know. ... Read more

Product Description
Physical Geology, 12th edition, is the latest refinement of a classic introductory text that has helped countless students learn basic physical geology concepts for over 25 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. Hundreds of carefully rendered illustrations and accompanying photographs correlate perfectly with the chapter descriptions to help readers quickly grasp new geologic concepts. Numerous chapter learning tools and a richARIS website further assist students in their study of physical geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good
I needed this book for my class and I found it here for a much better price than at the local/school book stores.

Chernicoff is better
If this is the designated textbook for a college class, youre SOL. It's ok as far as it goes, but it seems to me to be more on the level of a high school book. Really kinda dumbed down. If you just want a good reference book for a subject youre really interested in, I would recommend Physical Geology by Chernicoff.

Ideally fits for the "Basic Geology" class
I've bought this book for the "Basic Geology" class.

The narration style of the book is relatively easy for the comprehension (compared to other science-related books). The illustrations are well-designed and really helpful. The links to web resources at the end of each chapter provide more details and visuals for those interested to go deeper into the subject.

Due to the authors' origin being the USA, the case studies and examples largely refer to the Northern America. It might not be very interesting for someone living in the Central Europe, like myself, still the principles and concepts behind the cases are more/less universal, so it does not make the book less attractive.

A Good Beginning Geology Textbook.
I teach a college-level geology course called "Planet Earth." At a lot of other universities it would be called "General Geology" or "Physical Geology." If you're going to be a geologist, this is probably where you start. Of course, most students aren't going to be geologists, they just want an interesting, meaningful and fun way to get their university science requirements out of the way. It's a fun course for me to teach. I enjoy students at the beginning level. Of course, you need a good textbook and the "Physical Geology" book has worked well for me and I've used it up through the last three editions. It's too expensive for what you get, but that's true for almost all geology textbooks.

This book has a good organization. I can teach geology in the way I want and I don't have to change the order of the chapters at all. Of course, I can't make it through the entire book as there's just too much to cover during a single semester. It's overwhelming! All geology textbooks are that way. I just tell the students that they're getting more for their money, but few of them appreciate the humor. In any case, it's an easy read for me and I like the examples and illustrations. It has all kinds of "In Greater Depth" boxes and I hope the students read and appreciate these little extras as they're quite good. I just don't have the time to cover them all. All in all, I've had better results with this textbook than with many others and I'd attribute it to the quality and readability of the book. Students seem to lie it, and that's part of the battle.

If you're just trying to understand geology on your own and don't intend to take a college-level course, you might find this a good book but it would depend on your own diligence and persistence. Understanding geology on your own is not the easiest way to go, but I'd say this is one of the better books if you're willing to try. Plummer (and the others) also suggest a host of supplemental readings and internet sites to aid the process. I suppose most people would chose many of the popular geology books, but these would probably rank more as entertainment than serious learning. This is a good textbook, one of the better ones I've used in my 40 plus years of teaching beginning geology.

Gary Peterson

It's science
This book covers the basics of geology in a not too boring of a way... it is a science book so it can't get too exciting for the average student, but its very thorough. ... Read more

Product Description
This informative guide covers the five billion years of history that have given the earth its present form, including:

The earth's relation to the rest of the universe
The rocks and minerals of which it is made
The effects of glaciers, gravity, volcanoes, and other forces

Illustrated in full color, this guide is valuable for everyone interested in our planet, the ultimate basis of our present society.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
This book is small but packed with information.Useful for the student and for reference.Maybe a bit expensive.

Everything you need to know about geology
This book is smaller than probably any other earth science book, but I've learned more from it than any other.This Golden Guide includes detailed information about things everyone should know, and it has easy reference of tables and diagrams like the geologic time scale and different types of rocks and volcanoes.I would definitely recommend this book.It's a great review of geology, and very helpful in preparing for science tournaments. ... Read more

Product Description
This interesting book uses plate tectonics as its central theme; it acquaints readers with California geology. Basic principles in the beginning of the book and tables of highlights for each province enable the reader to understand the whole picture of catastrophic national disasters, California history, mining methods, and societal impacts; it brings the lessons of geology closer to the everyday context of California life.After a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of geology, this book then focuses on the geological highlights of California (young volcanoes, deserts, the Mojave Desert, the Sierra Nevada, the Klamath Mountains, water, the Great Valley, the coast Ranges, earthquakes, faults, and seismic safety, the transverse ranges, and the peninsular ranges). The inside back and front covers of the book contain a wealth of readily available information, with comprehensive geologic, fault, relief, and mountain range maps.A handy desk reference for geologists, this book is also a source of information for anyone interested in the evolution of California's terrain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Worth it
This book gets me through the California Supplemental Examination for my PG. It is easy to read and understand (if you are a geologist), without making the book less the substance.

I like how Harden pictures one geologic event. The examples of places names are a familiar one, thus (if you live long enough in California) you can relate to them.

It is definitely one to keep.

Excellent Condition
The book arrived fast and in great condition. Seller was very nice and notified me when item would be shipped. I would order from this seller again.

Excellent Primer
As an amateur geologist, living part-time in CA, this book is an excellent primer that goes over the basics of that great state.

The ONLY up-to-date textbook on California geology
Deborah Hardin's textbook on California geology is superior to all previous texts inasmuch as she is the first to utilize the theory of plate tectonics to provide a unified framework for her overall exposition. Instead of being bombarded with an encyclopedic but chaotic assemblage ofrock types and unconnected microprocesses, the reader is treated to aconsistent and comprehensive picture of how California came to be thathangs together remarkably well.

Harden utilized the recent research ofcountless other geologists to put together this book, and her hard work haspaid off.She includes several chapters that provide a conceptual overviewof geologic principles, then goes on in successive sections to describe howvarious forces and processes related ultimately to plate tectonics havebeen responsible for the evolution of various distinctive landforms andgeomorphic regions of California.She also includes a final chapter thatis a stand-alone summary version of the "geological history ofCalifornia."Throughout the book, she makes clear again and again howa clear understanding of the various ways that tectonic plates can interactis absolutely fundamental to understanding how California has come intoexistence over the past several hundred million years.It's a fascinatingstory, and Harden's text will help anyone willing to read carefully andstudy a bit to learn the basics of California geology.

As an added bonus,Harden has included several sections that are linked to present-dayenvironmental hazards, most notably those related to the constant threat ofearthquakes in the Golden State.Such information is, of course linkeddirectly to the geology of the state that she has described and explainedso well.

The illustrations and diagrams re not terribly elaborate, butthey are helpful and reasonably plentiful.Also included are somesmall-sized versions of the standard California geology and fault maps.

The main drawback to this publication is its astronomical price.Thisis hardly Harden's fault, however, as high prices seem to be theunfortunate standard for college textbooks these days. ... Read more

Product Description

As the human population increases, many decisions concerning our use of natural resources will determine our standard of living and the quality of our environment. This reader-friendly book helps readers develop an understanding of how geology interacts with major environmental problems facing society. Included with every text, the Hazard City CD-ROM gives instructors meaningful, easy-to-assign, and easy-to-grade assignments based on the idealized town of Hazard City.

Focuses on five fundamental concepts of environmental geology: Human Population Growth, Sustainability, Earth as a System, Hazardous Earth Processes, and Scientific Knowledge and Values. Features new chapters on Impacts of Extraterrestrial Objects and Waste as a Resource: Waste Management. Presents new or extensively revised discussion of human population growth, Alaska earthquake of 2002, emerging global water shortage, cleaning Boston Harbor, and much more. Revises many figures to more clearly illustrate the topics under discussion, based on user feedback. An informative reference for anyone interested in learning more about the environment.

Customer Reviews (9)

Horrible Book
I had to buy it for a class, but where do they come up with this stuff? This book is horrible. It continues the lie of overpopulation and a bunch of crap like that. Nothing but a brainwash.

Great Book Great Price
I was completely satisfied with my recent purchase. my textbook came sooner than expected and was in excellent condition. I will definitely order my textbooks online next semester, it saved me a ton of money!

Review of Environmental Geology, 4th edition
This reference is fine for the general reader who wishes to understand the basics of Environmental Geology, however, the information it contains can be found for a much less expensive cost at any online site or library.Much of the information covered is also a general topic of most high school geology courses, though it contains a good amount of information concerning human impact on natural processes.The writing style is concise, though not so dense as to defer all but the most determined reader.

Intro to Enviornmental Geology
The book was received quickly, in mostly good condition. A little dirty, but nothing serious.

Slow shipping
My daughter and I ordered the book on August the 17th to be used in her college Geology class. The book was received on Sept. 12. The book was in good condition, but never thought it would take almost a month receive. This was not a good purchasing experience on Amazon. I might think twice before ordering from this part of their website again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

For anyone curious of the science of the environment of the west
The great basin of the United States has brought countless thought and wonder to scientists over the years. "Geology of the Great Basin" is a scientific guide discussing the many unique features and history of the basin. Describing the core fundamentals of geology when approaching this region, Bill Fiero gives readers a complete and comprehensive discussion, complete with color photographs, many maps of many types, diagrams and more. For anyone curious of the science of the environment of the west, "Geology of the Great Basin" is a top pick that should not be ignored.

home is nevada!
An amazing description of one of the most geologically diverse and unique areas in the world that lies almost in the shadow of Las Vegas. Easy to understand if you don't have a lot of science background and easy to see if you travel the Great Basin area. A great introduction to geology in general and the geological features of Nevada in particular.

A superb introduction to the Great Basin
The National Park Service maintains an excellent website devoted to exploring geology in the national parks. It developed the site primarily for teachers, listing a host of educational resources devoted to national parks from Maine to Hawaii. The materials are specifically designed for teaching geology, but they could be easily incorporated into a general science class. Best of all, they provide an reliable source of information for the general reader as a starting point.

As one example, John McPhee got me interested in the Great Basin with Basin and Range, a wonderful book about the history and geology of the region. (Another excellent book on the region I enjoyed is The Sagebrush Ocean, Tenth Anniversary Edition: A Natural History Of The Great Basin (Max C. Fleischmann Series in Great Basin Natural History.) by Stephen Trimble.) I've traveled in the area a bit, and always enjoy reading more about the Basin. As a general reader, I thought that NPS's review of this book was a perfect description:

"This book is filled with black and white and color photos as well as sketches that explain the geology of the Great Basin. A terrific jargon-free guide for anyone who wants to know about the physical characteristics of the region. This best-selling book has introduced casual readers to the geologic wonders of the Great Basin for over ten years. From the sun-scorched sands of Death Valley to the briny waters of the Great Salt Lake, Fiero takes readers on an earthly tour that encompasses nearly 250,000 square miles--in six states. Magnificent color photos and informative diagrams are combined to make it easy for the nonscientist to understand this still relatively secret part of the North American Continent."

If you have any interest in the national parks, stop by the National Park's wonderful website nps.gov . If you have any interest in the Great Basin, follow NPS's suggestion and pick up this excellent book.

Robert C. Ross 2008

Excellent Great Basin introduction
While perhaps not for the hedonistic traveler intent on enjoying the nightlife in Las Vegas or Reno, this book is an excellent primer for those interested in understanding the origin of the geologic structures observable in the Great Basin.
I checked it out of the Library and have since determined to purchase it as it explains much what I observe around me (as a resident of the area in question) on a daily basis.

America's Great Unknown revealed
The Great Basin is generally regarded as "flyover country", meaning you either fly over it or drive through it on your way to somewhere else.The big cities are all on the edge; Salt Lake City, Reno, Las Vegas.And it isn't "scenic" for the most part, having only one national park. Say the two words, and most Americans think of a dreary, dry, empty expanse of overgrazed sagebrush.Well, most Americans are wrong.

The Great Basin, explored on its terms, is a fascinating expanse of unique geology, as Bill Fiero, a professor of geology at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, shows you in this fine book.Written in easily read style, and understandable to anyone who has gone to high school,the book takes you on a general tour of the wonders of Great Basin, including well-known Bonneville Salt Flats, a remnant of an Ice Age lake bigger than Lake Michigan.You will also read about recent volcanoes, earthquake activity and faults, deep trenches such as Death Valley, ancient, dried up rivers, and fossil sand dunes.Canyons, badlands, and mountains are also part of this region, and author Fiero takes you through these areas as well, all the while explaining how and why all of these features came to exist as they do.

The book not only has excellent color and black and white photographs, following side-by-side with the narratives, but gives the reader an excellent background on physical geology in general,Indeed, it could easily be used as an introductory college text.Remember that one advantage to the Great Basin is its aridity, which enables you to see and understand the rocks and what they tell much better.

I bought the original edition two decades ago, and the recent revision is even better.Anyone planning a trip to the Southwest, in particular, Nevada, would be well advised to obtain this book.As with most folks, I like to gamble and see the shows when I go, but this book will show you many more fascinating things to see and do.Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the geology, or the Southwest as a whole. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is for everyone who ever traveled in these lovely states and wondered about the meaning of their landscapes and tortured rocks. Since it is a book for the traveler, it concentrates on what you can see from a car, yet it points out interesting places to stop and examine rocks you can get close to, touch, or even sample. It addresses the broad plate tectonic concepts of opening and closing oceans, volcanism, mountain building, and colliding continents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Too much geology, not enough roadside
I have a layperson's understanding of geology, from plate tectonics to glaciers and moraines.Yesteryear, I had found the Roadside volume on Idaho quite helpful in understanding the variety of geological formations in that state.I hoped that the guide to Vermont and New Hampshire would be equally helpful when I visit family in New Hampshire.The text, which I am reading in Georgia, may be helpful when I am there on the ground, but I am worried that it will not be.The geological detail is more than I am willing to spend time absorbing.The highways covered are too few to be useful to me, and I found the maps difficult to read, even with a magnifying glass.

Handy on a road trip
I purchased this book for my husband who has a lively if amateur interest in geology, so that we could consult it during a trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is one of a series that seem to be very well done, especially because you can refer to the landscape as you are traveling according to the indexing in the book. ... Read more

Product Description
From the plunging depths of the Grand Canyon to jagged volcanic peaks, from Sedona's vibrant red rocks to the tapered slot of Antelope Canyon, Geology Underfoot in Northern Arizona introduces you to a land of contrasts. At twenty special sites in this timeless landscape, readers can see and sometimes touch evidence of an ancient supercontinent and colliding volcanic island arcs, mighty mountain ranges and tropical seas, thousand-foot sand dunes, a meteor with deep impact, swimming dilophosaurs, a spring that grows rock, and more. The Geology Underfoot series encourages you to get out of your car for an up-close look at rocks and landforms. Books in the series inform, no matter how much geology you know. They're also simply a good read, on-site or in the comfort of your home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Northern Arizona Geology Revealed
Effective scientific writing directed at the laypersonis difficult to achieve. Many writers either over-simplify or over-complicate. Abbot and Cook seem to have struck a good balance in their "Geology Underfoot in Northern Arizona". Unless you are put off by their occasionally florid prose (words like stunning, majesty, breathtaking, and dazzling often appear)you should find their book a good introduction to a cross-section (pun intended) of the Geology of Northern Arizona.

Rather than attempt to describe NAZ geology as a whole (a difficult task) this book presents 20 "vignettes" in each of which a particular geological feature or small area is discussed in some detail. This approach has the disadvantage of discussing geological detail without first discussing geological principles (there is a very basic eight page introduction), but the Abbot-Cooks seem to have pulled it off and with a style and grace seldom seen in popular science books (Timothy Ferris' writing excepted).Admittedly, since several of the vignettes are located within a few miles of my home, and many others within a 100 miles radius, I may have enjoyed the book more than will the typical reader.

All the locations discussed have the advantage for the traveler of being located in stunning (one of their words) scenic areas, as well as areas of geological interest. The "Getting There" sections of the vignettes provide a mini-field trip to each location, with several stops identified along with the features to be seen at each. However, the book has a depth that would cause one to profit from a period of study prior to visiting each location, rather than using the book as simple tour guide. Unfortunately, the black and white photos are often muddy, but the drawings (by Donna Abbot) are elegant and effective.

There is nit to be picked for those who are so inclined, and I am reminded that most books, even well vetted text books, will have errors in fact and presentation. For example, "an astounding 70 percent of creatures" may very well have died during the K-T extinction, but what they really mean is 70 percent of species. Were the rocks now exposed in Jerome and in Prescott really deposited on separate volcanic island arcs?The interpretation of the development of the inner basin of San Francisco Mountain as caused by a land slide, rather than by a Mt St Helens style eruption, does not accord with my reading of specialists studying the area. And the idea that meteor impacts are somehow associated with oil production is entirely fanciful. But none of that, and other minor errors, detracts significantly from the overall value of the book.

A rare combination of effective scientific and literary presentation, this one is highly recommended.

Buy This Book, Now.
If you are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, or if you are considering planning one, buy this book and read it. Likewise, if you have any desire to understand the geologic evolution of the region, buy this book.

My wife and I planned a trip, to the region, almost completely based on this book and we had an amazing time. We had such an amazing time, that when we were finally heading to the Grand Canyon, on the last leg of our journey, we were asking ourselves if we had seen so much as to take away from the beauty and grandeur of the Grand Canyon, itself. Of course, that's no truly possible, so it made a perfect end cap to our journey, but it certainly lends to the book's ability to amaze you with things you may not ever have even heard of.

As a last piece of advice, take special interest in vignette number 12: the desert niagara. There are no signs to this place and it is an interesting journey, just to get there (we did it in a prius, so it's possible without a truck, for many parts of the year, but be forewarned, during the rainy season, it may be impassable for all, but a four wheel drive), but when you arrive, you will thank me. ... Read more

Product Description
The small chunk of North America enclosed within the state boundaries of Connecticut and Rhode Island includes parts of at least six former continents, microcontinents, and volcanic island chains, each with its own geologic history. Roadside Geology of Connecticut and Rhode Island introduces readers to the sequence of mountain-building collisions that welded the pieces of land together and to the subsequent upwelling of magma that nearly broke them apart again. Twenty road
guides, complete with maps, photographs, and diagrams, locate
and interpret the rocks and landforms visible from the state s
highways and at nearby parks and historic sites. Readers will discover stretched pebbles at Purgatory Chasm, folded marble
at Kent Falls State Park, Eubrontes footprints at Dinosaur State Park, and glacial moraines protruding from the waters of Long Island and Block Island Sounds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful book
I learned so much from this book.You can learn a lot from this book about Connecticut and what is in this state.A great learning tool for yourself and your family.

Yes, small states can have interesting geology too
If you were impressed by "Roadside Geology of Massachusetts",expect the same detailed, yet quite readable, treatment by the same author. Dr. Skehan is lucky to have 3 of the smallest states as his assignment, enabling him to cover nearly every significant aspect of the present and past geology of these states in a space equal to that devoted to many much larger states in others of this book series. Just because these states lack tall mountains, present volcanic activity, or great mineral wealth, by no means assume that their geology is boring and simple to grasp. As with most other northern Atlantic seaboard states, their terrain includes bits of a number of exotic land masses from the distant past welded on during tectonic plate collisions, as well as evidence of past rift valleys associated with the breakup of Pangea, as detailed in this book. This is the first book among the the many in this series that I possess that includes color photographs(quite a few), perhaps an indication of a new trend?

Chapters focus on different sites, geologic experiences, and local history
Any library strong in U.S. regional geology and any collection with a focus on the East Coast will welcome Roadside Geology of Connecticut and Rhode Island, an addition to the expanding U.S. series. Connecticut and Rhode Island's geology is covered in chapters that focus on different sites, geologic experiences, and local history. With maps, charts, and lots of easily-absorbed detail, this lends to a destination-bound traveler's take-along tote as well as to public lending libraries.
... Read more

Product Description
From the ancient sedimentary formations in the north through the overthrust belt in the southeast, Idaho's rocks are as interesting as rocks come. The authors know these rocks well through their years of research in Idaho, which led to their theory explaining the flood basalts of the Columbia Plateau and the hotspot track of the Snake River Plain as the results of a giant meteorite impact that happened about 17 million years ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

YES, buy this book
Have purchased a number of books in this series. All were very useful.
Whethera student of geology [i am] or just someone who enjoys an enhancement to a trip. This is a wonderful companion.
Idaho is a extremely diversearea geologically. And a great choice to visit if you have an interestin such.

Great book, great series
The entire Roadside Geology series is excellent; this book is no exception. I particularly enjoy their maps, which do a good job showing the different geological formations you can expect to pass through as you drive on a particular highway. The authors explain geological processes with extreme patience, as though they are teachers as much as writers.

I have one general quibble with the series, and that is the seeming disdain the authors show for old-time prospectors. It shouldn't be hard to understand why hordes of miners flocked from one gold rush to the next; getting their first could mean striking a fortune. Idaho's mountains are full of ghost towns and deserted mining camps that came and went, and I find those old locations--especially the tailings piles--to be a great source of rocks and minerals. The men who prospected hidden valleys and remote locations were smart and able, and save for those few who trespassed on reservations and misbehaved, my hat is off to them.The authors don't seem to share my feelings, but that doesn't take away from these great books. Anyone intent on exploring Idaho would do well to add this book to their research stack.

Quite an Education
As always, David Alt and Donald Hyndman team up to provide a very readable expert presentation of the current and past geology of a state with a very dynamic geological past and present. As a non-geologist who doesn't plan to visit Idaho anytime soon, I still learned plenty about how geology works from the discussion, drawings and photos of many specific sites and regions. 100 million years ago, Idaho was part of the western shore of North America. You'll learn where to find evidence of the collision that ended this era. You will learn about the many Ice Age lake megafloods that left their marks on the major river valleys. Nearly all the surface of the state is dominated by a diverse collection of igneous rocks from at least 5 majorevents over the past 100 million years, one or two of which are still active. You will have to read the book to discover all the other interesting details.

Make A Road Trip Worthwhile
The state of Idaho is full of interesting geology; from the Craters of the Moon, to the Snake River Canyon, to the lakes of the Idaho Panhandle.Every tourist and sightseer should have a copy of this informative book to guide them along an adventure that includes geological orientation interwoven with on-site observation.A "must-read" for the traveler! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
As JohnMcPhee noted in InSuspect Terrain, one of the unintended consequences of largehighways is how much they help geologists -- and casual travellers --learn about geology by exposing geological strata in roadcuts. There are no better books for roadside geologizing than the RoadsideGeology series. When I had a car, a copy of the appropriate title fromthe series was always on the dashboard, ready for consultationwhenever an interesting formation or landscape appeared around thenext bend.

This is just one of a large series of Roadside Geology books. Take yourpick(s), andlearn about the Earth on your next trip!

[ Alaska | Arizona| California (Northern) |California (Southern) | Colorado | Hawaii| Idaho | Louisiana | Montana | New Mexico | New York | Oregon| Pennsylvania | South Dakota| Texas | Yellowstone Country | Utah | Vermont and New Hampshire | Virginia | Washington | Wyoming]

Related Books:

[ Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark| Roadside Kansas: A Traveler'sGuide to Its Geology and Landmarks| U S Interstate 80 BetweenSalt Lake City and San Francisco ] ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Helps all those miles pass
There is a lot of "nothing" in WY. Or so it seems till you have this book. Don't think i would live there but it has a lot of interest [fossils especially]
I've purchased a number of books in this series. All were very enjoyable.
Whether a student of geology or just someone who enjoys an enhancement to a trip. This is a wonderful companion.

Reccommended for bored drivers!
This series is great for spicing up your road trip, or rockhounding. It's a reference work, so don't expect it to be literature. It is repetitive, but it needs to be, so that you can look up the geology of wherever you are at the time.

Another Travel Perspective
A must have book along with the Yellowstone book from the same series. This book made our trip through Wyoming more enjoyable. Our lucky find was at the National Park Service store at Devil's Tower where we found this title along with the Yellowstone version. On our ride into Devil's Tower we were intrigued by the unique rock formations and learned about them as we left for Sheridan reading the Roadside Wyoming book we just purchased. A must travel book for all, kids and adults, which turns a trip into educational adventure. When you read about the history of the famous trails through Wyoming, you get a more realistic perspective with this book by learning about the geology.

The Road Rocks
Road trips are great.The American vistas are a national treasure.But, I used to feel a nagging disappointment that I could NOT remember my freshman Geology enough to really recognize and appreciate rock formations.Four Roadside Geology books later, the disappointment has eased.

This summer we are driving from Texas to Wyoming.We plan to use the book to really appreciate what we see along the way.Then, we will leave the book as a host gift.

Want your road to rock?Buy Roadside Geology...

A must for any traveler in Wyoming
This book is a must have book for travel in this state.Besides making the long miles go by faster it is educational and you will learn why this place looks like it does. ... Read more

Product Description

This book teaches what everyone needs to know about geology and how science and scientists work. Readers will discover a new appreciation for their surroundings, learning how to prepare for any number of geologic and environmental threats and how our Earth can continue providing all of our needs for food, shelter, and material well-being as long as we don’t squander these resources. The latest discoveries in the geosciences are covered, including Earth systems interactions, continental tectonics and mountain-building, a vastly expanded treatment of the geologic timescale and the evolution of life, and more. Up-to-the-minute examples of exciting geological processes are presented, such as the most recent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, floods, and discoveries on Mars and on the Earth’s own seafloors. For anyone interested in exploring how physical geology impacts the world around us.

Customer Reviews (2)

Not happy
I was not informed that the book was notebook form, and it took a very long time to ship.

Amazing geologist!
I had Chernicoff as a geology professor at the University of Washington, and we used his book.Not only were his classes fascinating, but his book was fabulous.The way he put it together and explained everything wasfantastic; he excells at making those of us foreign to the world of geologyinterested in the subject (especially undergrads who are taking a geologyclass because it's required!).Furthermore, he does so in a way that iseasily understandable and not at all confusing. He gives countless examplesof what he is describing throughout, making the material even more easy todigest.It is easy to tell that he has a passion for what he does; itshows through in his writing.This is a perfect starting place for thoseinterested in geological matters. ... Read more

Product Description

Provides readers with an introduction to geology with a focus on real-world applications.Case histories in nearly every chapter help emphasize the relationship between geology and engineering. Has a solid background in the basics of geology including mineralogy, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, structural geology and plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, rivers, coastlines, and glaciers. New material covers geologic resources, geologic hazards, and environmental challenges in the current century. A new overview covers the implications of population growth, the use and depletion of energy and water resources, the employment opportunities for geologists, potential effects of climate change.A useful reference for anyone in the fields of civil engineering or environmental/earth science.

Product Description
Text/CD-ROM package for science majors and nonmajors taking a first course in geology. Distinguishing features include nontechnical language, exciting color photos and detailed diagrams. Focuses on basic principles, environmental issues, and Earth as a system. Softcover. CD-ROM included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Full of pretty pictures and diagrams, just the way geology should be explained
I remember doing geology and geography at university, and I never came across a single lecturer who couldn't conjure up a simple but highly explanatory diagram on a chalk board, for every topic covered. These books must have pretty pictures as this one does, that is the way it is taught and the best way to learn it; additionally makes it more entertaining, which prevents college kids from falling asleep in lectures.

This is pretty good!
I bought this study guide to help me in my geology class. It isn't the same edition as my textbook but it is still the same. The chapters are the same and it has really helped me remember the material. The pages have fill in the blank and multiple choice and practice quizzes.All the answers are at the end of the book. I recomend this for anyone who is taking geology and is using the "Earth" book.

An outstanding introductory textbook in physical geology
Despite the proliferation of introductory physical geology textbooks in recent years, none have surpassed the quality of Tarbuck and Lutgens' "Earth".The text is accurate, up-to-date, well-organized, andexceptionally lucid.The writing flows nicely and presents complex topicsand ideas in a way that is easy for non-scientists to understand, while atthe same time resisting the trend toward "dumbing-down" that hasrecently affected many introductory textbooks in Earth sciences.The bookis also illustrated wonderfully with diagrams that are effectivelydesigned, beautifully executed, and perfectly matched to the accompanyingtext.The photographs are likewise outstanding in subject and quality,with great efforts obviously having been made to find excellent picturesthat complement the text and clearly illustrate the features and processesbeing described.The overall quality of the photographs is far better thanin most other textbooks of this kind.Substantial improvements have beenmade for the sixth edition, including the addition of helpful illustrationsto the glossary and the addition of many new photographs throughout thebook (for example, compare the 5th and 6th edition pictures of drumlins,moraines, igneous rock textures, tsunamis, sinkholes, etc.).Afterexamining many textbooks, I have decided to use this one in theundergraduate course I will teach next year.

Earth - an average introductory textbook
This book has dozens of errors, but in its defense, I must say that every introductory textbook I've used or reviewed has similar errors. For example, thermal expansion due to daily temperature fluctuations does NOT fracture rocks. Fire fractures rocks, and local fires can occur in manydeserts. The photo of a rock split is actually due to ice (not frost)wedging. Deserts can be freezing. The book does not address the importanceof past climates. Most of North America's landforms were formed under wet,warm climates, not today's. The hydrologic cycle should be expanded to thegeohydrologic cycle, which incorporates plate tectonics. Plate tectonics,as presented, is rather primitive. We're in, I'd say, 3rd generation platetectonics, but it is not being taught. Mountain glacial landscapes areentirely misinterpreted, based on a false paradigm originating in the1840s. Yosemite Valley is far more a relict tropical landscape than aglaciated one, and Bridalveil Falls has existed for 10s of millions ofyears before glaciation. Evolution of desert landscapes is equally as bad.The authors don't understand pediments, which are exhumed weathering fronts(as in Joshua Tree National Park) or exhumed detachments (as in the MojaveDesert). Etc., etc.

Lots of fun for rocks!
This book is an excellent introductory text, with a wide scoop and a clear and descriptive style.The pictures are gorgeous and informative, and theside notes (Boxes) are powerful examples of the topics being discussed, aswell as fascinating sources of trivia (do you know what Bingham Canyon is?)that add flavor to the book!My only complaint was that there are nochapter summaries, but as the material was clear and concise, I had no needfor them! ... Read more

Product Description
Exploring Maine just got easier. Whether you plan to view the geology from the highway, the beach, or the top of Mount Katahdin, Roadside Geology of Maine distills each scene's geologic history into easily understood stories of rocks and landscape. In this odd and spectacular north country, where even standard geology is unusual, contorted layered rock shows the strain of surviving the collision of continents. Glaciers sculpted the battered bedrock and left behind some of Maine's most useful and aggravating geologic features. Readers will learn why ice-age delta mud--highly sought after for making bricks--challenges bridge engineers, and why Maine's plowed fields seem to produce more rocks than crops.

Author D. W. Caldwell divides Maine into four geographically distinct regions: the coast, the central slate belt, the mountains, and the north, and describes the geology of each region's major roads. Detailed maps guide readers through the Maine woods, locating glacially polished pink granite quarried for national monuments, 100-mile-long eskers meandering through boggy lowlands, frozen patterned ground in the alpine highlands, and pillow basalts along the coast. Geologic roadlogs include tours of Acadia National Park and some trails in Baxter State Park. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Roadside Comparison
One of my hobbies is historical geology; e.g. I have most of the Roadside Geology books.I rate this one just behind the one from Massachusetts that I consider to be the best of the lot.

Dr. CALDWELL KNOWS MAINE GEOLOGY LIKE NOBODY ELSE
It was a pleasure adding this book to my Roadside Geology Collection. It is appropriate that Mountain Press had Dr. Caldwell do this book. His vastfield experience and knowledge highly qualify him as an Maine geologyexpert. I fell in love with geology and work as a geologist having been astudent of Caldwell's 25 years ago.The book continues his legacy on theGeology of Maine. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

excellent structural geology textbook for all users
I used this as my textbook for structural geology, and whenever i have a friend who has a question, i frequently refer to this text as a reference. It has simple introductions for those who have not taken a class, as well as a detailed text that makes it an excellent reference.

My new favorite book
The book was in slightly better shape than expected, a few dings in the cover but otherwise pristine... No marks on the pages or folded pages. Arrived sonner than expected. Would definitely do business again.

Structural Geology, Twiss and Moores 1st edition
At first I didn't realize that I buy the first edition instead of the 2nd edition which I am looking for, I receive my book and realize my mistake that's why it is cheaper than I thought it should be, but the book is in a very good condition,and the content is quite similar, so I am not too regret on it and I still can use this book in general

loved it
an excellent primer for the novice geologist. as well, there is a mass of information for even experts.

An excellent book for all levels
This books has an excellent organization and concepts are well defined and concise. A general reference for any undergraduate, graduate or researcher and it should not be out of your general books. ... Read more