Book Description
With contributions from more than 120 highly regarded geologists and geoscience educators, and an exceptional illustration program by Dennis Tasa, this user-friendly, best-selling laboratory manual focuses on the basic principles of geology and their applications to everyday life in terms of natural resources, natural hazards, and human risks.This edition of the AGI/NAGT Lab Manual in Physical Geology addresses many current technologies such as satellite technologies, atomic resolution imaging, seismic tomography, and UTM mapping and system. It also covers many current topics such as isostasy, origin of magma, modeling Earth's interior, rock cycling and plate tectonics, volcanic processes and hazards, numerical dating, GPS, UTM, floods, ground water, glaciers as barometers of climate change, dryland hazards, coastal hazards, earthquakes, Earth resources, and human risks.For anyone wishing to learn more about physical geology through practice exercises. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Terrible lab manual
I inherited this lab manual when I started teaching physical geology this semester, and I told my students to return it to the bookstore. It contains factual errors (such as referring to hornblende and other non-metallic minerals as metallic, which they are not - metallic minerals are opaque in thin section), and the pedagogy is highly questionable. In the rock and mineral sections, it relies too heavily on photographs. Students already have a tendency to want to simply match minerals and rocks to pictures, which doesn't work, and this book encourages this. The book is too much talk and not enough action. Students in a lab should be guided to work with objects, not to simply answer questions out of a book. There is too much explanation provided, with little left for students to figure out on their own. Labs should be presented to students as mysteries to be solved, and this book takes all the mystery out of everything.

Geology Prof.
This "lab manual" is VERY thick and far too wordy.Really, it's more of a spiral-bound textbook than a lab manual.Additionally, the lab questions appear in list format at the end of each section, so there is virtually no standardized answersheet for students to record their work on.That not only makes it harder on the students, but efficient grading is nearly impossible unless the instructor makes his/her own taylor-made answer sheets for the students to use on EACH lab.As if that weren't bad enough, the lab manual's companion web site is horrid.I am amazed that the AGI and the NAGT produced this lab manual.

Because they asked me to
I bought this book for school, since my school was out of the book and this one was cheaper.It does the job, it is probably less expensive than your school, and you can't get a used one because usually some of the pages you need are missing.

Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology
Publishers are driving me nuts with their inflated prices...they made a small number of edition #6 which was considered their best one and then let their supplies run out so that schools would have to buy their "new" one.After flipping through it, it is clear that it is nearly identical to the sixth edition lab manual. Such a waste.

Incorrect Item
I orderd one item and received something else. This item was needed for an on-line class and due to the error I am behind schedule on my class work. ... Read more

Book Description
Building on the tremendous reception to its parent volume, Earth 8th edition, the same groundbreaking media package is now integrated into the brief version of the best-selling introductory physical geology volume. This eighth edition of Essentials of Geology represents a thorough revision, yet retains the hallmarks readers have come to expect from Tarbuck and Lutgen. Reader friendly writing style, carefully crafted illustrations by Dennis Tasa that are both geologically accurate and visually appealing, and updated coverage of the most recent geologic events.The volume provides an introduction to geology covering minerals, igneous rocks, volcanoes and other igneous activity, weathering and soil, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, mass wasting, running water, groundwater, glaciers and glaciation, deserts and wind, shorelines, the ocean floor, earthquakes and earth's interior, plate tectonics, mountain building, geologic time, and earth history.For individuals interested in an introduction to geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Hmmm.
I honestly do not know how to rate this, because I still have not received this book.I already had my first test.So, I had to go buy this textbook from the bookstore on campus and was charged an outrageous amount.Also, I emailed the seller to see what the tracking number was and still haven't had response.

Essentials of Geology
The book has a wealth of information, I have enjoyed reading it, and using it in my class.

A good textbook for the the physical geology student
This book is intended as a text for the collegiate course in physical geology.The course encompasses a general overview of the physical processes by which the Earth continues to develop, both gradually and by sudden events of great magnitude. Plate tectonics, volcanism, erosion, mountain building and shaping, mineralogy, mass wasting, the impact of man, glaciation, and all other manner of things are clearly discussed in nineteen separate chapters.The color photography and diagrams are remarkably good, and closely follow the text, which is a real boon, especially to a student who is hard-pressed for time.The coverage is up-to-date and accurate in all respects.Many of the photographs, such as the those of the eruptions at Montserrat, are very current.

Given the fact that physical geology is the first of six courses required for any geology degree, and that any well-informed person should have no trouble understanding the contents of this book, I would recommend it to any reader interested in earth science, student or not.

Not that bad
If you are taking a Geology class, this book is very helpful.Its easy to read, and has many pictures. ... Read more

Book Description

To understand timely issues such as natural disasters and environmental challenges—and to evaluate solutions to related problems—the average citizen needs a basic awareness of the scientific principles that influence our planet. This trusted book makes an often-complex subject accessible to readers with a strong focus on readability and illustrations. Offers a meaningful,non-technical survey that is informative and up to date for learning basic principles and concepts. Includes a revised and expanded GEODe Earth CD-ROM. Updates and revises art and illustrations to include dozens of new high-quality, photographs carefully selected to aid understanding and add realism. Provides a wealth of new special-interest boxes, including "Earth as a System," "People and the Environment," and "Understanding Earth." A useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about Earth's geology.

Book Description
The first edition of Essentials of Geology—an abridged version of Earth: Portrait of a Planet for courses that require a shorter book—quickly became the bestseller in its market on the strength of the text's seamless integration of traditional geological concepts with the most recent theoretical advances in geology, including the theories of plate tectonics and earth systems science. Retaining the core strengths of the first edition, the second edition has been meticulously revised, adding engaging new material and learning tools. The text's popular art program has been significantly expanded, including new satellite photographs and eighteen new "What a Geologist Sees" illustrations. Additionally, the second edition features the most effective and current multimedia tools available for instructors and students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Yawn
This is a textbook, what else is there to say. Boring, not a very "reader-friendly" style of writting.

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

Very readable, logical sequencing, great illustrations, fun.
This is the third of the textbook type of geology books which I have tried, and it is by far superior to the other two (both of which are very popular and well known.) The problem with the other two is that they begin discussing rock types before discussing plate tectonics and the forces which create and change rocks. Thus, much reference is made to concepts which were never introduced. Marshak does it correctly. He starts with plate tectonics and thereby he introduces the concepts necessary to understand the other dynamic forces at work on Earth. His explanations are complete, well presented and easy to follow. They are accompanied by illustrations which are not only very clear, but esthetically very pleasing to look at. I am glad I found this book. It is a pleasure to read, is very informative, and a welcome change from its more frustrating peers. I highly recommend Essentials of Geology by Stephen Marshak. ... Read more

Book Description
From exploring the basic principles of geology to starting a rock and mineral collection, The Practical Geologist is the perfect introduction to the world of earth science.

Beginning with a history of the earth's formation and development, this book explores the substances that compose the planet, movements within the earth, the surface effects of weather and water, and underground landscapes.

It shows you how to search for, identify, and extract samples of various rocks and minerals, and for each rock and mineral type there is a brief mineralogy and explanation of its locations. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curating specimens, and geological sites on the six continents.

Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is the essential practical companion for natural science enthusiasts everywhere.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A rocky read
Among my many interests, geology has always been lurking in the background, one that I never really pursued but nonetheless seemed worth knowing about.For this reason, I finally got around to getting a book on the topic, and picked out The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon.Although it isn't a bad book, it was also not the wisest choice for me.

As the title indicates, this is a book for the practical geologist, one that goes out to sites to assess the landscape:the types of rocks, the shape of the hills, et cetera.There are plenty of illustrations and photographs to assist the reader, along with information about how to write up notes and set up displays.

All this is wonderful in its own way, but for the true geological layman like myself, it is a bit more than what I wanted.That is to say, as an introduction to geology, this book is not wholly successful:while never getting overly technical, it also doesn't offer enough in the way of explanation.Instead, it just presents the facts and moves onto the next topic.It reads a bit more like a reference book than a regular science book.

The back of the book describes The Practical Geologist as the "perfect introduction to the world of earth science".This is not really the case.Nonetheless, I am giving this book four stars:I think that what this book does, it does well.If you're looking for a first book on geology, however, I would search elsewhere.

Excellent but brief introduction
I checked this book out of the library and after halfway through decided it was a keeper and ordered my own copy. Mr. Dixon's writing style is straight forward and easy to follow. Plenty of illustrations to help visualize various concepts and landforms. I found the bit about tools and equipment really informative. It deals with what you really need and not just what neat tools you can get (and probably never have a use for.)

All of this makes for a good 'First Book on the Subject' read. I say that because if you have read any other introductory texts most of this book will be a review. Great for someone who is wanting to learn a little geology but hasn't done any study before. Both adults and children.

I recommend this book to anyone, like myself, who hasn't had a formal education in geology and just wanted to find out a little more. If you're wanting text on more involved subjects or specific reference I would suggest the NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY books. Good jumping off point, but the subject is deep and wide.

intro to rocks
Not a bad intro to geology for older kids or interested adults; well-illustrated and clearly written.

perfect for the hobbyist
After a long search, I've finally found a basic geology that is not for children, but is wonderful for an adult hobbyist. Gorgeous pictures, nice explanatory drawings, index and glossary are very helpful

Uneven material
This book provides a fair introduction to geology with fairly clear diagrams and introduction to basics such as geological time scale and plate tectonics.The book tries to emphasize the practical side of geology: what can be seen and picked up.The introduction to common minerals was perhaps not as practical as I'd hoped, for some of the minerals without picture and just a description of chemical structure, hardness, and gravity I could not identify them. The information level was uneven: "a backpack full of rocks can be heavy" to arcane (The chemical reaction with feldspar to produce clay minerals).The section on different rock types was well done, but the section of mapping didn't seem practical (I couldn't really map a bed of coal).I think this book might be best if used with a very local or state geology guide. ... Read more

Book Description
To understand timely issues such as natural disasters and environmental challenges–and to evaluate solutions to related problems–the average citizen needs a basic awareness of the scientific principles that influence our planet. This trusted book makes an often-complex subject accessible to readers with a strong focus on readability and illustrations. Offers a meaningful, non-technical survey that is informative and up to date for learning basic principles and concepts. Includes a revised and expanded GEODe Earth CD-ROM. Updates and revises art and illustrations to include dozens of new high-quality, photographs carefully selected to aid understanding and add realism. Provides a wealth of new special-interest boxes, including "Earth as a System," "People and the Environment," and "Understanding Earth." A useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about Earth's geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Condition
I bought the book for my sis who is in college, so I cant speak for the content of the book, but the service and condition in which it arrived was excellent.

A very enjoyable text for the general reader as well as the student - with a nicely done CD
I have found reading this text to be an awful lot of fun.Does that sound strange?Learning how the physical features and materials of the Earth came to be has always been fascinating to me.Part of it is because of the vast amounts of time involved, but also because how the descriptions of what has been observed connects so well with what we have come to know.Certainly, there is a lot left to explain, but many things are pretty welldocumented.

While the concept of Continental Drift has been around for many decades, I remember some of the descriptions of Plate Tectonics when I was a kid in the 60s and the hoopla the idea of floating continents caused.Adults debated back and forth what they heard in the news without much real information about the ideas.Here we are four decades further on and a great deal of confirming discoveries have been made.

The authors write with a lively style what could have been a dry as dust textbook.I love the way it is organized, the wonderful illustrations, and the "Students Sometimes Ask" feature.Each chapter is summarized well with the main concepts in bullet points.There are review questions so you see if you have internalized the material enough to formulate a proper answer.A list of key terms is also provided (with the page numbers so you can pop back into the chapter to dig into those words that haven't quite stuck in your brain).

The authors also list web sources for materials they provide on their Prentice Hall website.A particularly nice CD comes with the text that not only presents animated slides of the material for each chapter, but it is also narrated.There is also a chapter quiz for the material presented on the CD.This disk is a very nice feature for our more visually oriented age.Sure, I prefer the text, but I bet I could sell studying the CD to young people quite easily.

The physical geology of the Earth is covered very well in the book's (and CD's) twenty-four chapters.After the introduction we dive into plate tectonics, minerals, igneous rocks weathering & soil, sedimentary rocks, metamorphism and a lot more.And like all science texts, the concept of climate change is presented.

I think general readers like myself can enjoy this book and get a great deal from it.

... Read more

Book Description
Exploring Geology by Reynolds/Johnson/Kelly/Morin/Carter is a new, innovative textbook intended for an introductory college geology course, such as Physical Geology. This ground-breaking, visually spectacular book was designed from cognitive and educational research on how students think, learn, and study.

Nearly all information in the book is built around nearly 2,700 photographs and stunning illustrations, rather than being in long blocks of text that are not articulated with figures. These annotated illustrations help students visualize geologic processes and concepts, and are suited to the way most instructors already teach. To alleviate cognitive load and help students focus on one important geologic process or concept at a time, the book consists entirely of two-page spreads organized into 19 chapters. Each two-page spread is a self-contained block of information about a specific topic, emphasizing geologic concepts, processes, features, and approaches. These spreads help students learn and organize geologic knowledge in a new and exciting way.

Inquiry is embedded throughout the book, as is the way geologists investigate problems. The title of each two-page spread and topic heading is a question intended to get readers to think about the topic and become interested and motivated to explore the two-page spread for answers. Each chapter is a learning cycle, which begins with a visually engaging two-page spread about a compelling geologic issue. Each chapter ends with an Investigation that challenges students with a problem associated with a virtual place. The world-class media, spectacular presentations, and assessments are all tightly articulated with the textbook. This book is designed to encourage students to observe, interpret, think critically, and engage in authentic inquiry, and is highly acclaimed by reviewers, instructors, and students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Second only to Earth itself
If only we could learn geology though genuine field experiences with a master scientist, geologist and communicator...

This is as close as it gets in a textbook. Based on illustrations of real field locations and enticing geological investigations, this book takes the excitement of field geologists into real-world inquiry of the workings of planet Earth.

Since John S. Shelton's classic, "Geology Illustrated," published just over 40 years ago, no textbook has been centered on engaging illustrations and real locations. But Reynolds et al have presented over 2,700 full color images, diagrams and maps. Like most other textbooks, each chapter centers on a skill set or content area of current interest. But this book and its extensive ancillary materials draws the student into the process of investigation. This approach imparts the basic needs of an introductory college course in geology. By bringing the student into the investigative process, geology becomes a spectator sport and the student an eager participant.

What is lost? Tedium and frustration. The student need not find her way through long passages of text and jargon. In the field, a geologist is hampered by the inconvenience and expenses of long-distance travel, variable weather conditions, a limited view of and from Earth's surface and a random encounter with each process that is revealed. But not here. In other words, not much of educational value is lost.

This is a geology textbook for the 21st century to educate students for a new millenium.

Thomas McGuire, Geology/Earth Science Educator & Author ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Nice People
There were a few gliches, but they were taken care of beyond my expectations

Look for it in a used bookstore
The book explains very basic environmental terms and concepts fairly well.The information is very clear and the wording concise.It does a good job of getting some general themes across. However, I would definitely not payfull price for a book such as this.Look for it in a used book store. ... Read more

Book 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 (2)

piece of crap
this book isnt worth what they're asking for it. if you can get around it, DO NOT BUY THIS PICE OF CRAP BOOK! IT'S NOT WORTH IT!

A coherent text that doesn't quite live up to expectations
Keller's text is a thorough exploration of both facets of environmental geology:natural hazards and the human impact on the environment.The text includes numerous case studies to illustrate the concepts, though most of them are set in the United States (especially the West Coast).Keller presents, in chapter one, four principles that are supposedly woven throughout the text.At the end of each chapter, he includes "Critical Thinking Questions", which I hoped would lead to vibrant in-class discussions.The other aspect of this book that led me to select it for undergraduate class was the CD-ROM, which promised to provide students with simulations of real-world environmental problem solving.

Alas, the book does not live up to its promises.My greatest disappointment is that the text is rather dry, and the Critical Thinking Questions rarely moved beyond synthesizing material from the chapter.I am also concerned that students explore environmental issues at both the local (for me, northeastern US) and global scales.Apart from a fairly thorough coverage of global warming and an occasional photo of an earthquake or volcano overseas, Keller seems content to focus on the US, especially his own home state, California. His only nod to Earth Systems Science is a few paragraphs crammed into the first chapter, along with mention of Gaia.The CD-ROM was less exciting for students than I had anticipated, and my class found the written part of the CD assignments difficult, and many answers were based upon previous ones, so if they got one wrong, they would get several wrong and do poorly as a result.Finally, I was disappointed by Keller'ss uninspired philosophical assertion in the final chapter, in which he insisted that "sustainable development" is possible and ought to be pursued.In a class discussion, the students all concluded that development and sustainability are mutually exclusive things.

The text is thorough and fairly accessable, but fails to move beyond being "like most other textbooks" despite the numerous ways it appears to do so at first glance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Physical Geology Textbook
I think this is a great book especially for learning purposes. Very helpful to my geology class. Thank you. ... Read more

Book Description
Physical Geology is a market-leading classic that has been used in classrooms for over 20 years.Updated to include the latest technology and most current information,Physical Geology is for both non-science majors and for students contemplating majoring in geology. The beautiful new art program and interactive writing style will grab students' attention and further their interest in geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

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
Roadside Geology of Hawai`i details the evolution of this volcanic island chain, from the origin of a hot spot and the tumultuous creation of each island to ongoing eruptions and the gradual death and erosion of old volcanoes. Residents and tourists alike will soon become experts on lava tubes and lava flows, ancient beaches and coral reefs, ephemeral black sand beaches and the occasional tsunami. Includes a chapter each on six easily accessible and populated islands: Hawai`i , Maui, Lana`i, Moloka`i, O`ahu, and Kaua`i. Each chapter begins with a general discussion of the rocks of that island, then proceeds with a seres of road guides that provide the local details. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wait for the New Edition Not Just a Reprint
While the rocks may not have changed much since this book was researched, written and published, our way of looking at them certainly has. Plate tectonics is not even listed in the index and this overarching paradigm of modern geology rates less than 4 pages in the introductory text. Therefore, the explanations of the origins of many of the features rely on outdated hypothoses or ignore the now well documented origins altogether. There are several newer books that will give the interested lay person a much better introduction to the geology of Arizona until this one is completely revised to incorporate modern thought throughout the text.

A great traveling adventure book
I went on a trip out West and found this book very useful.The organization of the material is outstanding, so that it's perfect for people who know a little or a lot about geology.The first section of the book covered basic introductory geology information.The book then covered the three provinces that make up Arizona.Each section covered the geology to be seen on specific highways, such as Interstate 40 as it goes from Flagstaff to Winslow in the Colorado Plateau Province.There are also geological bedrock maps included with the aforementioned highway section.Geological descriptions of the national parks in this state provided a better understanding of what the traveller is observing.

I am also the proud owner of the Roadside Geology books for Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, and Utah.Non of these have let me down, and as my collection grows so will the number of stars for outstanding ratings.A big thanks goes out to the authors of these fabulous books!Your dedicated work is much appreciated!

A great book if you travel around the state
I have to admit that I am not normally interested in geology. But as I'vetraveled around the state by car or bike the uniqueness of Arizona'sgeology has always fascinated me.I purchased this book on a whim andfound it to be one of my favorite books.Now, whenever I'm going to betraveling in a new part of the state I read about the geology of the areathat I'm traveling through.Because this is written in a"roadside" format, the book explains what you'll see as you drive(or bicycle) through the various regions in the state.

Halka Chronic's "Arizona"
Yesterday I threw my "Roadside Geology of Arizona" away -- for the third time.Like the two copies before them, my latest had lasted about five years in my truck's door pocket, and it had gotten to the pointthat there was simply more duct tape holding the book together than therewas paper, and at least four pages had disappeared.

That's the way it iswith any book by Halka Chronic.The folks who buy them, use them -- andusually use them up.I have had three "Arizona", two each"Colorado" and "New Mexico" and am on my third"Utah" Roadside series.I would no more drive somewhere withoutthese books than I would without five gallons of water in the Southwestdesert summers.

The first chapter or two of all these books is a Geology101 of the State -- including terms, an historical timeline, and discussionof the latest geological theories that have any bearing at all on thelandforms you will see from your car or truck as you drive across thestate.

Then coomes the good part -- a series of chapters with excitingnames like "Route 60; Globe to Mesa".As you drive, yourcompanion reads the book, keyed to mile-markers, freeway exit ramps, smalltowns, etc.Every rill, dike, escarpment -- even the various colored rocksyou see as you ride through the roadcuts on the freeway -- are explained. Follow the highways in the book, and you're and expert on Arizonageology.

But it's never that simple, of course.Soon you're taking yourfriends and relatives from out of town through those same trips, showingthem the beauties of your state that Halka Chronic helps make come alive. Out comes the book again and again, and finally it begins to fall apartfrom sheer, joyous use.

That's why I threw away my third "RoadsideGeology of Arizona" yesterday.But don't worry, I already bought myfourth copy -- and I'm sure I'll buy my fifth in another five years or so. ... Read more

Book Description
Take a learning journey through billions of years of Earth history

This indispensable guide to the fundamentals of geology is the ideal way to introduce yourself to all the basics, from rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels to earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics. Using quick quizzes and self-tests to reinforce key concepts, Geology carefully walks you through billions of years of Earth history. Illustrated with more than one hundred specially commissioned illustrations and fifty photographs that help clarify difficult concepts, this easy-to-follow book is an interactive resource for anyone interested in learning more about our planet.

Whether you are new to geology or want to refresh and update your knowledge, the proven self-teaching guide approach will allow you to work at your own pace, check your progress, and learn more about this fascinating field of study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for beginners
I taught a course that used this book along with a few others. At first I thought this book was overly simplistic, but upon further review, and numerous positive comments from my students (teachers who were working to get certification credits actually), I can now see that this book has a lot of valuable geologic information in an easy to read format. This book presents a lot of important geologic topics without getting overly technical, which is good for beginning students, those that are simply curious (like the other review by a rockhound) or those that want a quick brush-up. At the end of each chapter there are quizes to help the reader review the material. This is helpful for some, but not for others (in which case you can always ignore them). For the class I taught we used this book in conjunction with The Earth System, Second Edition which I liked better but many of the students found difficult to read.

Wow! Something I can understand!
Knowing only the least rudimentaries on geology, this book has been invaluable to this amateur rockhound. Easy to understand concepts. I'm reading this book without the benefit of classes and its still great! ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (6)

A reasonably good textbook, but WAY overpriced
For a hundred and fifty bucks, a reader has a right to expect something REALLY spectacular in a textbook, and this one just doesn't provide the goods. It's a competent book, readable, well organized and quite well-illustrated, but technically shallow in most subject areas and DEFINITELY not worth the asking price. If the book has been recommended to you elsewhere, try and pick it up used from one of the sellers listed on this site. (Don't pay more than eighty or ninety bucks, though, unless you absolutely need it for a class.)

Very Good, But...
It's a very easy-to-understand textbook, yet there are many spelling errors and at least one obvious grammatical error just in the first five chapters.It's like everything was written in a bit of a rush and nobody proofread the material.

A very useful text for a one-semester course that is also great for the general reader
This book was designed to provide materials for a one semester course in historical geology for both majors and non-majors.Its nineteen chapters focus on three themes:Plate Tectonics, Physical and Biological History (the history of Earth's physical features, systems, and the life forms that have inhabited it), and Evolution.The authors have done a very good job in making the text readable and I believe it can be read enjoyably and to great benefit by an interested general reader outside of class.At least I found it fascinating and informative.The text uses photos, diagrams, charts, and all kinds of illustrations to enhance the reader's understanding of what is being said.There is also a useful CD to supplement the text.And Thomson has provided a website with even more things to read and do.

Each chapter provides an outline of what is going to be discussed, a bulleted set of chapter objectives, an introduction, and the chapter materials.The intra-chapter material is presented to questions asked in the headings of each section.The chapters also have little boxes entitled "What Would You Do?" that try to ask practical questions about real life issues that are related to the material being discussed.Each chapter ends with a bulleted Summary section, a list of important terms (that usefully has the page number where that term was used) and review questions that are multiple choice and short essay types.There is also an Apply Your Knowledge section with a few problems for the student (reader) to think about and practically apply what has been learned in that chapter.Some also have Field Questions that ask questions about a photograph, figure or table provided or referred to in the text.

Chapters 1-4 lay out the systems in the Earth and how the changes its systems affect each other.They talk about the basic materials that make up the Earth, Plate Tectonics, and Geologic Time.Chapters 5 and 6 talk about Rocks, Fossils and how they fit into the time scale of the Earth - and a look at what sedimentary rocks are and how they record the history of life on Earth.

Chapters 7-9 talk about Evolution, its evidences, and early life during the Precambrian period (separate chapters for the Archean Eon and the Proterozoic Eon).Chapters 10-13 cover the Paleozoic.The Mesozoic is covered in Chapters 14 and 15, the Cenozoic in 16-18, and Chapter 19 covers Primate and Human Evolution.

Appendix A is a metric conversion chart, Appendix B lays out the classification of organisms, and Appendix C discusses mineral identification.There is a useful glossary and a helpful index.Between the glossary and index there is a page with the answers to each chapter's multiple choice questions.

This is an interesting, well written, and useful text that is useful for all readers interested in this subject and I am happy to recommend it.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

Good job
Got it a week before school started, which is about two weeks before the school bookstore shipped me my other textbooks.Thanks for that.Also, it was at a better price than the school bookstore tried to sell it to me for.An all around good buy and purchasing experience.

Goodbook
The book is very user friendly and explains Historical geology in a learning way ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Must Read for Anyone Who Wants to Understand the Industry
I'm an investor studying the oil and gas industry. I found this book extremely informative and very easy to read.For anyone who wants to understand the oil industry, this is a great book to start.I wish the book had newer and better graphics, not to look nicer, but to give readers a more realistic "feel" what some of the fascinating technologies are like.

Great high level book
This book is a good source of information about the oil industry if you are working in a different field, and curious to learn about the oil industry.

THE Book for Oilfield Newcomers
In attempting to get quickly up to speed on the oil business for the purpose of participating in a few wells as a (very) small investor, I bought about ten books of various sorts.This is one of them, and has turned out to be the one I refer to the most.

First, let me say that there are two different types of books on drilling for oil/gas.Broadly, they are books that concentrate mainly on the financial and legal structure of oil deals and books that concentrate on where it is and how to get it out of the ground.This book is of the second sort.

The "nontechnical" part of the title is only partly true.Some of the descriptions are sufficiently technical to impart a working understanding of the operations in the field.I, for instance, have been going to our rig (now drilling) and asking questions ("What's that blue thing?"), then coming home and reading about what I was told ("The jar is a section of pipe that either mechanically....").

Same with the drilling reports I receive....I can look up that part of the drilling operation (ie, "sliding") and get a much better understanding of what's happening.A book comes in handy, after all, the tool pushers out on the rigs seem to be men of few words.

There is also a pretty good basic course in petroleum geology in the first thirteen chapters.And, the science (art?) of geophysics gets agood once-over, too, though I confess I've not paid much attention to it yet.

There are chapters on reservoirs, completion, offshore, production, workover, and more, all of which is written at the same level, and much of which I've not read in depth, only scanned.I'll read it as we get there out in the field.

This is a sufficiently information-dense book that actually sitting and reading it from cover to cover won't realistically happen for most folks, no matter how involved.It's more of a textbook and reference resource.

There are lots of diagrams and drawings and pictures (probably three hundred) and they help a lot.The lengthy glossary is OK, though I've not found a petroleum business glossary that seems to be truly comprehensive. (That was written before I found, and ordered, the comprehensive "Dictionary of Petroleum Exploration, Drilling & Production" by who else but Norman J. Hyne, Ph.D.,.... and nope, I have no axe to grind here; and yes, I have noticed that Norman seems to favor long titles). The folks in the oil business rely very heavily on their own language that is a combination of truly technical terminology, oilman slang and everything in between. A glossary is handy.Also be forewarned that the business uses lots of abbreviations, and they seem to change somewhat from company to company, so that a glossary won't ever have all of the abbreviations in use in the field.

There are some other books that do a pretty good job on a more basic level, including "Money In The Ground" by John Orban, III (which also includes deal structure), but, if you are looking for a book that is deep enough to give you a good understanding of the many various aspects of drilling for oil, this is the book.

Excellent primer for anyone interested in the oi patch
I am considering investing in onshore domestic oil and gas exploration, and sought a book to begin learning about the technical side of the industry.This is the book.Hyne does an excellent job reducing what is clearly a highly complex and tecnhical field down to near-layman's terms.Be forewarned; just like reading descriptions of meats, vegetables and seasonings won't make you a chef, this book won't make it any easier to make a go-no go decision regarding any particular prospect.It will, however, teach you some basic building blocks to help you understand where the risks come from, and really help you understand what a promotor or operator tells you.It is almost mandatory reading if you wish to drill down deeper into other, more technical texts.I have, and would have been lost if it had not been for Norman Hyne's book.

Oil for Dummies - Even I got it!
I work for a MAJOR oil company, but in Government Relations, not on the technical side of the house.Our company has courses such as "Refining for non refiners" and "Drilling for non drillers" meant to give an overview of the operations to people that need to be able to talk intelligently about the industry. This book gives among the finest overviews of the industry that I have seen and makes it easier to do my job.When I first joined I didn't know the difference between upstream and downstream, and the overviews offered in Mr. Hyne's book make me more able to speak intelligently to colleagues, management, customers and partners about our stake in this industry. A must read for anyone who works on the fringes of of oil production. After reading this book, I am somewhat amazed that gasoline does not cost three times its' current price considering all the work it takes to find it, drill for it, extract the stuff from rocks, and get it through a pipeline to a ship to a refinery and then to our gas tanks.This from a guy that gets dirty looks as I drive my Hybrid car into the parking lot of an oil company every morning. ... Read more

Book Description
Physical Geology: Earth Revealed is appropriate for introductory physical geology classes. This text, which includes the same information as the market-leading Physical Geology - 11th edition, by Plummer/Carlson, is for the instructor who prefers to cover plate tectonics early in the course.

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

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

Customer Reviews (3)

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

A Wonderful Text
I used this text for my Geology 101 class.The testing your knowledge and the terms for each chapter help even the geologically challenged understand the material.The text is beautifully illustrated and will be the first college text I won't sell immediately after the semester ends.

Do not buy from this seller
It took me over 2 weeks to receive my purchase.I got an email 1 week and 1/2 after I purchased the item saying they had lost my mailing address.I didn't have my book for one of my test for college and received a poor grade do to it.I would recommend buying from this seller. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Book for the Armchair Geologist
Book is interesting and informative.Gave it as a gift to my husband as he does a lot of driving around Texas and was quite interested in the different rocks and their formation along the side of the roads.He has really enjoyed his book.Wish there were more books out there of this nature.

A Trusted Guide Always
As with all the books in this series, you simply cannot go wrong. On a recent trip to central Texas, we took this guide with us and were able to follow along the drive and both visually and scientifically understand what the geology was all about. A truly great geology guide for Texas.

Excellent
This book is very easy to read and understand - even by someone who knows nothing about geology!I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the geological beauty of the beautiful state of Texas!

A must for roadcut rockhounds!
This is the best book of the Roadside Geology series. Spearing explains not just the location and character of the rock formations one encounterson TX roadways, but the processes which made them. Best of all, hespecifically provides the name and formative time period of almost everyformation mentioned (e.g., "Triassic Trujillo sandstone") --avoiding the overgeneralized naming (e.g., "Mesozoic sedimentlayer") of a few other Roadside Geology volumes. This is certainly atime saver for the rock collector who catalogs his specimens! This book isa must-get for all rock enthusiasts -- even those who have never been toTexas. Now if someone would just write a Roadside Geology of Oklahomavolume...

The single best book on Texas geology
Excellence abounds in this book. The illustrations are good, but the writing is extraordinarily good for a book on a technical subject. I read it through like a fine novel. I've lived in Texas all my life and wassurprised that there was so much Texas geology that I didn't know. Amust-have for anyone interested in Texas history or geology. ... Read more

Product Description
No one can ignore the colorful rocks of Utah: the Vermilion Cliffs of Wingate sandstone, the snow white and salmon pink bluffs of Navajo sandstone, or the yellow and pink rhyolite of Big Rock Candy Mountain. Roadside Geology of Utah is a riveting account of the forces that made the brilliant cliffs, mountains, and canyonlands we see today. The author's smooth prose brings the rocks of Utah and their long history into sharp and enjoyable focus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Roadside Geology of Utah
This book is amazingly interesting and informative. I can't wait to travel the state of Utah with this book as a guide!

study a bit before you use it
I'd recommend a little study of geology, and the formations found in Utah before hitting the road with this book. KC Publications 48 page glossy color "Colorado Plateau", which I found at one of the National Parks, gives you a great introduction to a good fraction of Utah and shows the positions of the formations along with a time line. If you are a layman at geology, unless you prepare, you will get dizzy with references to formations aided only by black and white pictures. The lack of color illustrations is puzzling when color means so much in identification of rocks in the area. If you can easily recognize formations, this book is a great aid as you travel.

Very nice book to take with you
If you are interested in Geology, Utah is a wonderful place to travel in.From the layercake sedimentary rock of the colorado plateau, to the contorted ranges of the great basin, there is much to see in Utah.The author gives you a basic understanding of Utah's geologic history and then applies it as you travel through various bi-ways.

For more indepth discussion of Utah's geology, try to find a copy of William Lee Stokes or Lehi Hintze's book.You might be able to find them at the Dept. of Natural Resources bookstore in Salt Lake City.

I welcome feedback on this and all reviews at wstrnlibwarrior@yahoo.com

Served me well
I just spent two weeks on the Colorado plateau with a geology field studies class. This, a geo dictionary and Desert Solitaire were the only books I brought with me (I came home with more of course!), and I was OK. Iwould say that the layout of the book is fairly accessible. If you arefamiliar with the series, you know it is arranged by highway. Comparedhowever with the lecture notes I was taking, the geology was ratherrudimentary. But, if you are just passing through (be sure to haul alongRoadside Arizona, Colorado, or wherever else you may be when you run out ofUtah road, and the book dead ends) than this book is sufficient.

Fivestars because it is exactly what it says it is. ... Read more

Product Description
Until about 200 million years ago, the western margin of North America lay to the east, along the present Idaho border, and a broad coastal plain spread westward into Oregon. The rest of the state was ocean floor. Then the continent began moving slowly westward away from Europe and the floor of the Pacific Ocean began sliding beneath the western edge. That is what created Oregon, and this book tells how it happened. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great travel guide!
If you've ever driven along a highway or road and noticed the different layers of rocks and soils on the "cut-bank", then this book is for you!Just pick a main road in OR between two points, such as HWY 101 from Tillamook to Florence, and the geology along the way is spelled out for you.It gives a basic geology of the entire state as well, with a few unusaul graphics that work well with the author's explanations.

Don't visit Oregon without reading this book
Mention "Oregon" and the average traveler thinks of Crater Lake, the Columbia Gorge, and miles of trackless evergreen forest.The more seasoned may be familiar with Newberry Volcano, Mount Hood, and the Oregon Dunes along the Pacific coast.But there is much more, and this is the book to show it to you, give you good directions, and explain why the secenery looks the way it does.Once you read this book, even if you never get there, you will know why Oregon is the Unknown Gem of the West.

The writing is clear and concise, and the routes along which the reader is taken are well chosen.Photography is black and white, and this detracts a bit, but is easily overcome.

Oregon has more geologically recent sites of volcanism than any other state in the Lower 49, and you are directed past many of these. So for anyone into volcanoes, as I am, the book is a must.The various volcanic processes and minerals that formed thse features are excellently explained.

The book also addresses Oregon's many spectacular canyons, as well as its matchless seacoast, its waterfalls, and its sand dunes.Virtually unknown facts, such as the largest U.S. meteorite being known, but not found, near Port Orford, are brought to light, along with a thousand other facts of the same genre.

I would be remiss if I did not praise authors Hyndman and Alt, along with Mountain Press, for this fine book, and others of its kind, covering other states, mostly in the West.All are highly recommended, and will make any tourist's time more well spent and enjoyable.

Nice, Useful Read
A nice addition to anyone's geology library. Alt and Hyndman cover every corner of Oregon, and explain the major players in the shape of the landscape clearly and succinctly, as well as local aspects of geology.There's the added bonus of being able to jump in the car and find whatthey've written about as they provide regional maps, indicating formations,special interest items and more. ... Read more

Book 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 (1)

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