Geology, geomorphology and the lithosphere Books

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Book SynopsisSydney Cannings and Richard Cannings tell the story of the province's geology and the history of its living creatures. Starting 200 million years ago, when there was no British Columbia west of the present Rocky Mountains, the authors take us on a journey through time, describing the collisions of island chains called terranes, the sliding of plates, the erupting of volcanos, and the movement of glaciers that created British Columbia as we know it today. They also describe the rich legacy of fossils left behind as a result of all this geological activity. This updated edition has been extensively revised to reflect the current thinking about plate tectonics and the geological history of British Columbia. There are also seven new maps and a number of new photographs. An appendix lists the various types of rock in British Columbia.

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Book SynopsisIn this long-awaited sequel Kirk Johnson and Ray Troll are back on a road trip—driving, flying, and boating their way from Baja, California to northern Alaska in search of the fossil secrets of North America’s Pacific coast. They hunt for fossils, visit museums, meet scientists and paleonerds, and sleuth out untold stories of extinct worlds. As one of the oldest coasts on earth, the west coast is a rich ground for fossil discovery. Its wonders include extinct marine mammals, pygmy mammoths, oyster bears, immense ammonites, shark-bitten camels, polar dinosaurs, Alaskan palms, California walruses, and a lava-baked rhinoceros. Join in for a fossil journey through deep time and discover how the west coast became the place it is today.Trade Review"Johnson and Troll have done it again, congratulations! This book is a knockout blend of science and humor, featuring superb artwork, people, and stories about the West Coast of the US and its fascinating prehistory. This book will make you laugh while exciting you with extraordinary science. It revives that sense of childhood wonder about dinosaurs and other bizarre creatures of bygone days." John Long, Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders University in Australia, and author of many books, including Dawn of the DeedThe Prehistoric Origins of Sex"Far from a dry scientific textbook, this is a charming celebration of fossils and those who study them." Publishers Weekly" Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline packs written and visual stories from cover to coverall infused with a genuine passion for science and the joy of discovery." Susan Ewing, author of Resurrecting the Shark"This is a fun and informative book that moves briskly, bringing science and scientists alive." David A. James, Anchorage Daily News"In the long and storied history of fossil-hunting, the dynamic duo of Johnson and Troll is unique. No one else has made this grueling work look like so much fun. Once again, they've returned from an 'epoch' road trip laden with tales and images that are at once joyfully accessible and deeply informative. And the colors! They'll knock your eyes out." John Vaillant, author of The Tiger and The Golden Spruce

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Book SynopsisAnswers hundreds of questions on the most interesting of topics—planet Earth!It’s right under our feet every day—Earth and all its glorious components. From fossils, rocks, and minerals to caves, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, The Handy Geology Answer Book traces the formation of the universe and the planet, investigating the layers of the planet and explaining the formation of mountains and bodies of water. Questions and answers are also devoted to physical and chemical processes, fossil fuels, the effects of global warming on glaciers, world morphological features, and even the geology of other planets.It answers nearly 1,000 of the most frequently asked questions on the complexities that shaped our planet. It is also a trivia buff’s delight with the stats for Earth’s deepest (the Mariana, the deepest-known ocean trench), lowest (the shoreline of the Dead Sea), highest (Mt. Everest), the longest river (the Nile), and the largest freshwater lake (Lake Superior) along with the “how and why” of these features.Easy to understand and use, The Handy Geology Answer Book is invaluable for students and general science readers of all ages. With numerous photos and illustrations, this informative book also includes a resource section on educational places, government organizations, and other references, a helpful bibliography, an extensive index, and a glossary of terms, adding to its usefulness. From the microscopic formation of crystals to the titanic, eons-long processes that result in islands, volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, oceans, continents, and even planets, you’ll learn about the events that created today’s world and the changes that continue to affect Earth every day.Trade Review“...offers clear, detailed explanations of the many fascinating and diverse aspects of geology. The book is written in understandable language, but the answers are not over-simplified...” – ARBA“...invites browsing and injects a fun style into the learning process.” – Bookwatch

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Book SynopsisScience tells us that a new and dangerous stage in planetary evolution has begun the Anthropocene, a time of rising temperatures, extreme weather, rising oceans, and mass species extinctions. Humanity faces not just more pollution or warmer weather, but a crisis of the Earth System. If business as usual continues, this century will be marked by rapid deterioration of our physical, social, and economic environment. Large parts of Earth will become uninhabitable, and civilization itself will be threatened. Facing the Anthropocene shows what has caused this planetary emergency, and what we must do to meet the challenge.Bridging the gap between Earth System science and ecological Marxism, Ian Angus examines not only the latest scientific findings about the physical causes and consequences of the Anthropocene transition, but also the social and economic trends that underlie the crisis. Cogent and compellingly written, Facing the Anthropocene offers a unique synthesis of natural and social science that illustrates how capitalism's inexorable drive for growth, powered by the rapid burning of fossil fuels that took millions of years to form, has driven our world to the brink of disaster.Survival in the Anthropocene, Angus argues, requires radical social change, replacing fossil capitalism with a new, ecosocialist civilization. "Trade Review"A crisp, eloquent and deeply informed call to arms by a leading eco-socialist."-Mike Davis"

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Book SynopsisThe life of Grove Karl Gilbert, first chief geologist of the U.S. Geological Survey, spanned the heroic age of American geology during the time that this young earth science was being intellectually and institutionally defined. By the time of Gilbert's death in 1918 at age seventy-five, geology ranked as one of the outstanding traditions in American science, with a magnificent history of exploration. As Stephen Pyne reveals in his biography, few other scientists can match Gilbert's range of talents. A premier explorer of the American West who made major contributions to the cascade of new discoveries about the earth, Gilbert described two novel forms of mountain building, invented the concept of the graded stream, inaugurated modern theories of lunar origin, helped found the science of geomorphology, and added to the canon of conservation literature. Gilbert knew most of geology's grand figures - including John Wesley Powell, Clarence Dutton, and Clarence King - and Pyne's chronicle of the imperturbable, quietly unconventional Gilbert is counterpointed with sketches of these prominent scientists. The man who wrote that ""happiness is sitting under a tent with walls uplifted, just after a brief shower,"" created answers to the larger questions of the earth in ways that have become classics of his science. Stephen Pyne's clear explication of these scientific complexities and attention to the idiosyncratic details that make up a life form a compelling biography of America's greatest geologist.

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Book SynopsisScientific proof validating the legends and myths of ancient floods, fires, and weather extremes• Presents scientific evidence revealing the cause of the end of the last ice age and the cycles of geological events and species extinctions that followed• Connects physical data to the dramatic earth changes recounted in oral traditions around the world • Describes the impending danger from a continuing cycle of catastrophes and extinctionsThere are a number of puzzling mysteries in the history of Earth that have yet to be satisfactorily explained by mainstream science: the extinction of the dinosaurs, the vanishing of ancient Indian tribes, the formation of the mysterious Carolina Bays, the disappearance of the mammoths, the sudden ending of the last Ice Age, and the cause of huge underwater landslides that sent massive tsunamis racing across the oceans millennia ago. Eyewitness accounts of these events are chronicled in rich oral traditions handed down through generations of native peoples. The authors’ recent scientific discoveries link all these events to a single cause.In The Cycle of Cosmic Catastrophes Richard Firestone, Allen West, and Simon Warwick-Smith present scientific evidence about a series of prehistoric cosmic events that explains why the last Ice Age ended so abruptly. Their findings validate the ubiquitous legends and myths of floods, fires, and weather extremes passed down by our ancestors and show how these legendary events relate to each other. Their findings also support the idea that we are entering a thousand-year cycle of increasing danger and possibly a new cycle of extinctions.Trade Review“The Cycle of Cosmic Catastrophes tells a fascinating, remarkable, and scientifically convincing story that will change how we look at our world. The important conclusion that catastrophes like this could happen again at any time should inspire a united global effort to confront this serious danger to Earth.” * Prof. Anders Nilsson, Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, Stanford University, and the Department of P *“Reads like a mystery novel while presenting hard evidence for a cosmic catastrophe 13,000 years ago that rendered mammoths and many other large North American animals extinct. This is serious research presented in an easy-to-read style.” * Bob Kobres, Carolina Bay Archivist, University of Georgia Libraries *". . . possibly, the most concise picture of our planet's history ever presented." * Henry Reed, Venture Inward, Jan 2007 *"This well-written book reads like a captivating detective story and, in my view, is the best available popular account of the great ice-age calamity that significantly shaped humanity’s cultural evolution." * Georg Feuerstein, Traditional Yoga Studies, Oct 2006 *"This is a memorable reading experience with much information to consider. This book is a page-turner." * Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, July 21, 2006 *"The Cycle of Cosmic Catastophes is not a book for the faint of heart; it is true to its title. In an easy to read manner, three vetted scientists bring ancient myths and geological facts into, possibly, the most concise picture of our planet's history ever presented." * The Intuitive Connections Network, Jan 25, 2007 *"This is a book to get excited about. It's riveting, suspenseful, factual, and thoroughly science based. The authors are certainly not shallow armchair couch potatoes spinning tall tales as they have solid credentials and backgrounds in science and have traveled extensively to numerous archeological sites all over the North American continent to literally unearth and to piece together numerous scattered and startling clues." * Brent Raynes, Alternate Perceptions Magazine, Dec 2007 *"The authors, through their own research around the world provide a new explanation about the puzzling mysteries of cosmic catastrophes, especially one 13,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age that is chronicled in rich oral traditions." * Nancy Pearlman, editor, The Compendium Newsletter, Nov/Dec 2007 *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroductionPART ONE: THE SEARCH 1. The Search for Clues 2. “Bullets” in the Dirt 3. Mammoth under the Black Mat 4. Hunting Mammoths 5. Bright Yellow Bones 6. To Clovis from Czechoslovakia 7. The Horse and the Clovis Spear 8. The Mystery of the Drumlins 9. Out on a Limb in Carolina 10. The Mystery of the Carolina BaysPART TWO: THE MAIN EVENT 11. What Really Happened? PART THREE: THE EVIDENCE 12. Scientists and Storytellers 13. The Ominous “Guest Stars” 14. Explosions in the Sky 15. Giant Bubbles in Space 16. Radiation from the Heavens 17. The Carolina Bay Craters 18. The Martian Connection 19. The Main Craters 20. Bays on the High Plains 21. Streaks across the Plains 22. Earth, the Radiation Detector 23. Supernova 41,000 BP 24. Solar System Impact 25. Chemistry of the Comet 26. Crater below Lake Michigan 27. Moment of Impact 28. Possible Canadian Impact Craters 29. Impacts on Other Continents 30. Fires across the Land 31. Fast-Moving Ice and Water 32. The Waters Cover the Land 33. Endless Waves 34. Diamonds from the Sky 35. Wrapping it UpAppendix A. Find Your Own StardustAppendix B. Chemistry of the Comet Appendix C. Lakes with Firestorm CharcoalAppendix D. Key Clovis-era MarkersBibliography Index

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Book SynopsisYour Definitive Guide to Petoskey Stone Michigan’s state stone is prized for its beautiful patterning, which is said to resemble the rays of the rising sun. Take an in-depth look at the famous fossilized coral—including a summary of the fascinating natural history, which began 400 million years ago. Learn all about it, and then head out and search for your own. Get expert advice from author Dan R. Lynch on how to identify and collect Petoskey stones. With tips on where to look and what to look for, along with information about Petoskey lookalikes and other fossils you might find, your rock-hounding trips will be better than ever! Suggestions on what to do with your finds and how much they’re worth add to the knowledge you’ll gain from Petoskey Stone. From Lake Michigan beaches and Petoskey State Park to gravel pits and riverbeds, grab this book and begin your rock-hunting adventure!Table of ContentsPetoskey Stones, and How They Formed Finding and Identifying Petoskey Stones What to Do with Your Finds What Is My Petoskey Stone Worth? Glossary Bibliography and Recommended Reading About the Author

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Book SynopsisWith over 100,000 copies sold, the new 4th edition joins this series to provide the most complete upstream petroleum guide for students and professionals. Dr. Norman Hyne guides you through the upstream segment of the value supply chain. Commonly used in universities, this easy-to-read and interpret book provides insight into the nature of gas and oil production explaining how it occurs in the earth, how to find it, how to drill for it, how to read well logs for evaluating the well, how to complete a well, how to produce gas and oil, and how to revive mature fields. He also introduces you to newer concepts such as drilling unconventional shale reservoirs which have revolutionized the industry and changed the world market.Features and Benefits New, colored figures and plates Present-date statistics Modern techniques and equipment A glossary of need-to-know industry terms Italicized key words and phrases in the text

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Book SynopsisStructural geology includes features of and overlaps with facets of geomorphology, metamorphism and geotechnical studies. By studying the three dimensional structure of rocks and regions, inferences on tectonic history, past geological environments and deformation events can be made. These can be fixed in time using stratigraphical controls as well as geochronology, to determine when the structural features formed. This book provides leading-edge research on this field from around the world.

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Book SynopsisThe lithosphere is the outer solid part of the earth, including the crust and uppermost mantle. The lithosphere is about 100 km thick, although its thickness is age dependent (older lithosphere is thicker).The lithosphere below the crust is brittle enough at some locations to produce earthquakes by faulting, such as within a subducted oceanic plate. This book presents leading research in the field from around the globe.

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Book Synopsis“Get your head into the clouds with Aerial Geology.” —The New York Times Book ReviewAerial Geology is an up-in-the-sky exploration of North America’s 100 most spectacular geological formations. Crisscrossing the continent from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, Mary Caperton Morton brings you on a fantastic tour, sharing aerial and satellite photography, explanations on how each site was formed, and details on what makes each landform noteworthy. Maps and diagrams help illustrate the geological processes and help clarify scientific concepts. Fact-filled, curious, and way more fun than the geology you remember from grade school, Aerial Geology is a must-have for the insatiably curious, armchair geologists, million-mile travelers, and anyone who has stared out the window of a plane and wondered what was below.

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Book SynopsisAn essential reference for rockhounds, hikers, climbers, and geology enthusiasts Rocks, Minerals, and Geology of the Pacific Northwest highlights 100 rocks, minerals, and fossil types found in Oregon and Washington. Each entry has color photography that shows a range of possibilities in appearance and a description of the defining physical properties and textures. Lists of minerals organized by other physical properties like habit, hardness, and cleavage are included. Rocks, Minerals, and Geology of the Pacific Northwest also includes 40 landscape features viewable along trails in Washington and Oregon that will empower hikers to make observations and interpretations about how these features came to be. ·More than 400 photographs, illustrations, tables, and maps showcase and explain everything from minuscule crystals to planetary tectonics ·Interprets the histories of dominant landscape features along regional hiking trails ·Profiles more than 100 minerals and rocks in detailed entries with photos, descriptions, identification graphics, and mini indexes ·Covers the geologic composition and 13 physiographic regions of Washington and Oregon

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Book SynopsisThe most up-to-date and comprehensive reference to the geysers of Yellowstone National Park.

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Book SynopsisThe collection of topics in this book aims to reflect the diversity of recent advances in geosciences and built environment with a broad perspective which may be useful for scientists as well as for graduate students and engineers. This book presents leading-edge research from around the world in this dynamic field which is relevant and valuable to the whole the geoscience and built environment community and serve to both define and advance state of geocomputing. Diverse topics on geosciences and built environment published in this book are the original works of some of the brightest and well-known scientists from: University of Sheffield (UK), University of Aberdeen (UK) , Heriot-Watt University (UK), University of Padua (Italy), Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), University of Guilan (Iran), University of Bradford (UK), Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc., West Sacramento, California (USA), University of Glasgow(UK).

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Book SynopsisRobert Fillmore's clear, easy-to-read text documents spectacular features of the eastern Colorado Plateau, one of the most interesting and scenic geologic regions in the world. The area covered in detail stretches from the Book Cliffs to the deep canyons of the San Juan River area. The events that shaped this vast region are clearly described and include the most recent interpretations of ongoing geologic forces. The book also includes mile-by-mile road logs with explanations of the various features for most of the scenic roads in the region, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Natural Bridges area.Table of ContentsContentsList of Figures Preface 1. An Introduction to the Science of Geology 2. The Pennsylvanian Period: The Rise of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains 3. The Permian Period: Rivers, Ergs, and Shorelines 4. The Mesozoic Era: Rivers, Dunes, Red Rocks, and Dinosaurs5. The Triassic Period: Tidal Flats and Forests 6. The Jurassic Period: Sand and More Sand 7. The Cretaceous Period: The Sea Appears 8. The Tertiary Period: The Rise of the Colorado Plateau 9. The Quaternary Period: Canyon Cutting, Mammoths, and the Appearance of Humans Road LogsA. Arches National Park B. From the Junction of Utah Highway 191 and Route 313 to Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park C. Utah Route 279 along the Colorado River to Potash D. Utah Highway 128 from Moab to Cisco via Dewey Bridge E. La Sal Mountain Loop Road from Castle Valley (Utah Highway 128) to the Junction with U.S. Highway 191 F. Utah Route 211 to the Needles District, Canyonlands National Park G. West on Utah Highway 95 across Comb Ridge, Cedar Mesa, and White Canyon to Lake Powell H. Utah Route 275 to Natural Bridges National Monument I. Bluff to Mexican Hat via Utah Highways 191 and 163 References Index

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Book SynopsisIn February 2000, while excavating his property in St. George, Utah, Sheldon Johnson turned over a piece of ground and discovered a fully preserved dinosaur footprint. That track was the first of many fossils to be uncovered. Five years later, the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site (SGDS) at Johnson Farm was established to preserve one of the richest and oldest dinosaur-age fossil sites in Utah.Tracks in Deep Time presents, for the first time, an engaging, thoroughly readable account of the history, geology, and paleontology of this important site. Two hundred million years ago, Lake Dixie covered this area. Within its waters and along its shores, a diverse ecosystem of organisms thrived, leaving behind thousands of footprints and other fossils preserved in layers of rock. Unusual fossils found here include the world's largest collection of tracks left by swimming dinosaurs, and one of only six traces known to have been made by a sitting, meat-eating dinosaur. With approachable text and lavish, full-color photographs and illustrations, Jerald Harris and Andrew Milner describe how geologists and paleontologists have painstakingly reconstructed a vivid snapshot of life from the Early Jurassic.Trade Review“This book will enhance the experience of anyone visiting the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. It provides an exceptional opportunity for readers to explore the thrill of scientific discovery and the enchantment of Utah’s prehistoric life.” —Frank L. DeCourten, author of Dinosaurs of Utah and The Broken Land: Adventures in Great Basin Geology "This is a fantastic read for teens and adults with an interest in paleontology and geology. Harris and Milner describe in detail how scientists discover, classify and interpret various types of fossils. The scientists piece together what they learn from the geological evidence to bring prehistoric eras to life." —Deseret News “Every page of this book aims to provide context, placing the discoveries within a history of scientific knowledge, and the prehistoric animals themselves within a geologic and evolutionary history. . . .This was an enjoyable voyage into the paleontology of southwest Utah and a great read.”—Quarterly Review of Biology

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Book SynopsisGeomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them. Geomorphology is practised within geology, engineering geology, geodesy, geography, archaeology, and geotechnical engineering. Practical applications of geomorphology include measuring the effects of climate change, hazard assessments including landslide prediction and mitigation, river control and restoration, coastal protection, and assessing the presence of water on Mars. In addition, understanding and recognition how rivers behave is crucial in the assessment of ecological conditions of streams and important for river restoration purposes. In this book, the geomorphological structure of river channel of small streams in terms of River Morphology Hierarchical Classification (RHMC) is analysed. The authors also develop a workflow that aims to facilitate a sustainable land-use decision making that has the concept of a spatial decision support system as its centre. State of the art 3D modelling technologies are applied and information retrieved from these models into a GIS are integrated. It is argued that if a planned land-use involves a strong interaction with the geosphere, geoscientific criteria need to be addressed in the most accurate and transparent manner. Moreover, the most effective erosion control in physical and economical terms is prevention, because once erosion processes accelerate, corrective action is not only expensive, but often also insufficient. The WEPP predictive erosion model is examined in this book, which has been validated for check dam watersheds in Mediterranean ephemeral gullies, in particular for two catchments with semiarid environments representative of the South-East of Spain. The Lisa Matthews Memorial Bay contains a population of the federally endangered Canby''s Dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi). A study of the soils, hydrology, and geomorphology of the Lisa Matthews Memorial Bay is also included in this book to aid in the management of the Canby''s Dropwort habitat in the bay and to assist in the restoration of the uplands to longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Twelve pedons were described and sampled for determination of soil texture, pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.

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Book SynopsisHumankind is under the permanent influence of the geological environment. Roles of some geological biotropic factors, such as volcanic explosions, strong earthquakes, and geochemical anomalies, have been well studied. Little is known about biotropic effects of the Earth''s fluid degassing, geomagnetic activity, natural background radiation, fluid migration and gas emission within fault zones, mild seismicity, cyclicity of tectonic and climatic processes, etc. This book is the first attempt to synthesise the interdisciplinary knowledge on all geogenic factors influencing humans, society, and civilisation. The book consists of two parts. The first part represents the state-of-the-art in the field of geo-bio-interactions. The second part of the book introduces particular examples of the influence of the geological environment on the biosphere and anthroposphere. The scientific intrigue of the book resides in the fact that most geogenic biotropic factors are functions or manifestations of two "meta-agents" -- the deep degassing of the Earth and the geomagnetic field -- which are generated by processes in the liquid outer core.

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Book SynopsisWeathering involves important processes that alter the original structure, texture and chemical components of a granitic rock. The changes in mineralogical and chemicals properties of the rocks as a result of weathering can be studied by means of a number of chemical and petrographic techniques. This paper evaluates some chemical indexes as indicators of the weathering state of granites used in ashlars and to establish the correlation between these indices and the index physical properties of the rocks such as rock density and porosity. Additionally, numerical modeling of mineral deposition from hydrothermal solutions and fluid-rock interaction is used to outline the main regularities of the formation of hydrothermal veins and related metasomatic alteration of wall rocks. This book examines the conditions of fluid flow evolution and geological environment during hydrothermal system activity derived from the data on mineral assemblages in the veins and altered rocks. Furthermore, this book focuses on the tectonic and geological settings, analytical methods, petrographical characteristics, geochemical features, mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the volcanic rocks in the Central Anatolia. Other chapters explain the hydraulic evolution of Tinos, Panormos Bay ore fluid associated with Au-Ag-Te mineralisation and the biological and ecological aspects of the littoral system, composed by bedrock, boulders and cobbles. Furthermore, two types of degradation processes that are affecting some pictographs have been discovered and are described in this book. The information obtained is fundamental to undertake appropriately the conservation of these fragile works of art.

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Book SynopsisThe chapters in this book will cover the paleontology and geology of some important rock formations (Paleozoic and Paleogene) in the northeastern United States. The emphasis will be on brachiopod paleontology, specifically taxonomy, but will also include comments on morphologic variation and community analysis. The Martinsburg formation in the lower mid-Hudson Valley has been studied for many years but recently yielded numerous marine fossils that shed new light on the community ecology of the formation in the region. The Middle Silurian Shawangunk Formation near New Paltz, New York, is an important ridge-maker that extends toward the southwest into Pennsylvania. Recently discovered rare trace fossils in the Shawangunk will be discussed along with the depositional environment of the conglomerate. The Onondaga Limestone is a well-known formation that crops out from Port Jervis, northeast toward Albany and the westward to Buffalo. The brachiopods and community structure of the formation will be covered in some detail. The paleoecology of the Paleogene Hornerstown Formation of New Jersey will also be discussed, including a biostrome of large terebratulid brachiopods.

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Book SynopsisIn Landslides, early fluent readers learn what happens in a landslide and about the conditions that cause the earth to give way. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn about the deadliest landslides and how to help prevent them.An infographic illustrates locations that are historically susceptible to landslides, and an activity offers kids an opportunity to extend discovery. Children can learn more about landslides using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Landslides also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.Landslides is part of Jump!''s Disaster Zone series.

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Book SynopsisBeach erosion is a chronic problem along many open-ocean shores of the United States. As coastal populations continue to grow and community infrastructures are threatened by erosion, there is increased demand for accurate information regarding past and present trends and rates of shoreline movement. There is also a need for a comprehensive analysis of shoreline movement that is consistent from one coastal region to another. To meet this national need, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted an analysis of historical shoreline changes along open-ocean sandy shores of the conterminous United States and parts of Hawaii, Alaska and the Great Lakes. This book explores the development of a standard and repeatable method for mapping and analysing shoreline movement so that periodic, systematic, internally consistent updates regarding coastal erosion and land loss can be made nationally.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the basic physics needed to model the past, present and future of large continental ice sheets. Minimal mathematical ability is needed. Simple triangles and rectangles allow a visual treatment of the force balance for stresses driving and opposing glacier flow. The holistic aspect of the book recognises that ice flow in ice sheets begins as slow sheet flow from high convex ice domes near the centre of an ice sheet, with most sheet flow converging on fast concave currents of ice called ice streams near the ice-sheet margin, and ends as relatively thin and flat shelves of ice floating in water or lobes of ice grounded on land.

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Book SynopsisThis richly-illustrated, full-color guide to the geology of Mount Desert Island, Maine, the home of Acadia National Park, makes the spectacular scenery and rich geological history accessible to outdoor explorers, geology enthusiasts, and armchair travelers alike. The Guide grounds readers in basic geologic concepts before chronicling the unique history of the area from 550 million years ago to the present. Including information-packed self-guided trips with stops at 31 points of interest, this book is lavishly illustrated with 100 full color photos, maps, and illustrations that enhance appreciation of this national treasure.Duane and Ruth Braun relate the fascinating story of the region’s formation, explaining how a slice of South America with Mount Desert Island bordering its southern side landed on the edge of North America to form Maine. Another piece of South America collided with this landing, causing Mount Desert Island to erupt violently in a ten mile wide volcanic caldera. The Island then underwent a long period of stream erosion culminating in a period of glacial erosion to form the present landscape. The exceptional scenery that resulted has attracted visitors from around the world. This book unlocks the many secrets of the formations, offering a deeper understanding of the land and its origins.

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Book SynopsisEverette Lee DeGolyer wore many hats—and he wore them with distinction. Though not a geophysicist, he helped make geophysics central to oil exploration. Though not a politician, he played an important role in the national politics of energy. Though trained as a geologist, he became an important business executive. DeGolyer left his stamp on oil exploration and his name on a number of philanthropic institutions, including the DeGolyer Library at Southern Methodist University.This account of DeGolyer’s life, at once readable and yet authoritative, covers the period from his training with the United States Geological Survey in the American West, to his geological exploration of Mexico during the Revolution of the 1910s, his pioneering investment in geophysical prospecting technologies, and his work on behalf of the United States government in World War II, including a ground-breaking secret mission to the Middle East. Houston Mount develops his account of the career of Everette Lee DeGolyer in a way that provides a useful lens through which to examine the rising fortunes of earth scientists in the oil industry and in government—a process for which DeGolyer’s spectacular career was both an exemplar and a catalyst.

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Book SynopsisIn 1981, Woods Hole researcher C. Wylie Poag published the book Ecological Atlas of the Benthic Foraminifera of the Gulf of Mexico.In this new volume, Poag has revised and updated the atlas, incorporating three decades of extensive data collections from the open Gulf and from an additional seventeen estuarine systems to cover species of benthic foraminifera from more than eight thousand sample stations. Benthic Foraminifera of the Gulf of Mexico features 68 plates of scanning electron photomicrographs, 64 color figures, and a large color foldout map, indicating species distribution of forams.This book is designed to aid students and teachers of geology, biology, oceanography, and ecology, as well as micropaleontologists in government and industry laboratories, and other researchers and consultants who have an interest in benthic ecology or paleoecology.

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Book SynopsisDeadly Snakes. Heatstroke. Scorpions. These are just a few of the obstacles that George Zelt encounters as a graduate student in apartheid-era South Africa. In A Rock and a Hard Place, readers will follow George as he explores this contradictory, beautiful country during a time of growth and oppression. With tales of finding refuge in a desert sandstorm, being stalked by a leopard, and narrowly escaping a herd of rampaging Cape buffalo, George's story will leave readers breathless--their hearts racing, with the imagined grit of sand in their teeth! Nature is not the only obstacle George encounters. When he makes a discovery that may disprove an established geologic theory, his graduate advisor (and developer of said theory) does everything in his power to prevent George from going public. George has to fight not only against nature but also the politics of university life, all while navigating the complexities of South African culture. Who would have thought studying rocks could be so thrilling?

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the mineral composition, geology and petrogenesis significance of feldspar, a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up as much as 60% of the Earth''s crust. Topics discussed in this compilation include the patterns of phosphorus enrichment in alkali feldspars; crystallisation conditions of feldspars in basement rocks in Bangladesh; industrial evaluation and beneficiation of Jordanian feldspar for application in the ceramic industry; unimpeded growth of K-feldspar megacrysts in granitic liquids; the extent to which simple twinning occurs in igneous K-feldspar; and multiple growth twinning of K-feldspar in hypersolvus granite.

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Book SynopsisMountain areas constitute exceptionally rich environments characterised by an extremely high biodiversity, high geomorphological dynamics, peculiar climatic environments and an important reserve of natural resources (hydrological, geological). But these areas are also characterised by specific cultural aspects and varied forms of territory exploitation and occupation. The highest mountain areas were once considered repulsive areas, until they began to attract scientists (mainly geographers) in the 19th and 20th centuries. The gradual occupation of these areas with different economical activities during this period started to slow down between the 1960''s-980''s, when mountains suffered a gradual abandonment. In the 1990''s, a movement of appropriation over these mountain spaces occurred, promoted mainly by urban societies, in search of new spaces for sport, leisure and tourism. This modification of uses, a key process for revitalisation of economically depressed areas, posed some issues, however, in terms of the preservation and management of environmental resources. Although mountain areas are important to local and regional societies, they play a crucial role in the global economy and the environment. They are a source of energy, water, food and other natural resources for both local and distant populations. Therefore, the protection and preservation of mountains is an issue that belongs to all mankind and forces the development of a globally sustainable strategy. The present book intends to outline different perspectives regarding the geology, topography and environmental issues of mountains, including 13 valuable contributions that reflect its title.

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Book SynopsisOn Solid Ground is intended to inform a general audience about what geologists know about the earth. It will do so by telling the stories of the people who made the discoveries. It will also chronicle the doubters and nay-sayers who have worked so hard to undermine our understanding of the earth. We know, for example, that the earth is old, in part because William Smith created our modern system of dating fossils to win a bar bet. The warming properties of atmospheric carbon dioxide were first discovered by Eunice Newton Foote, when she wasn’t pursuing her other passion –fighting for women’s rights at Seneca Falls. We are sure the earth is round despite the efforts of Samuel Birley Rowbotham, a conman who convinced thousands of people that it was flat before moving on from science to sell bogus health tonics .Each of its nine chapters will contain three things: the human story of a geologic controversy, an explanation of why geologists are so sure about the right answer to that controversy, and a short discussion of the logical fallacies being used by those still unwilling to accept geologic expertise

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Book SynopsisSince the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Act) was passed in 2010, relevant U.S. agencies have undertaken various activities related to responsible sourcing of conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and adjoining countries. In response to the Act, the Department of State (State) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) developed a strategy in 2011 to address the linkages among human rights abuses, armed groups, and the mining of conflict minerals and are implementing various strategy objectives. This book examines, among other things, the extent to which relevant U.S. agencies have undertaken activities related to responsible sourcing of conflict minerals; and what is known about the status of, and information provided by, stakeholder initiatives focused on responsible sourcing of conflict minerals from the DRC and adjoining countries.

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Book SynopsisHydrothermal crystal growth offers a complementary alternative to many of the classical techniques of crystal growth used to synthesise new materials and grow bulk crystals for specific applications. This specialised technique is often capable of growing crystals at temperatures well below their melting points and thus potentially offers routes to new phases or the growth of bulk crystals with less thermal strain. Borate crystals are widely used as nonlinear optical, laser and luminescent materials due to their diversified structures, and good chemical and physical properties. The growth of high-quality borate crystals is required for their applications. A fundamental problem for borate crystal growth is the high-temperature melt structures in the crystal growth systems. This book discusses several crystals and the crystal growth processes.

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Book SynopsisBentonite are usually found in deep geographical areas. They are produced from rock, fossils, weathering of volcanic ash and disposal of high-level of radioactive waste in many countries. Bentonite mainly consist of clay mineral such as montmorillinite and kaolinite. They mainly exist in cationic form of organic compounds such as aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon and are employed to modify high cations exchange capacity, higher structural integrity, thermal conductivity, high chemical buffering capacity, and stiffness. Bentonite is a layer of natural silicate clay mineral having numerous properties such as large specific surface area, great absorption and interlayer exchangeable cation. Bentonite consists of outstanding physico-chemical properties which make it applicable in the areas such as water treatment, medical, groundwater barrier, farming, and construction. They are well known to be one of the most versatile and inexpensive treatments. The current book describes the bentonite characteristic, uses and implications for the environment in many areas of environmental science in particular, such as remediation, clean energy, water research and waste management. Researchers working in the area will benefit from the fundamental concepts and advanced approaches described in the book. The book is going to also be beneficial to researchers who are working for their graduate and postgraduate degrees in the area of science and technology. The book also provides a platform for all researchers as it covers a wide background in the subject from recent literature, abbreviations, and summaries. Additionally, this book covers a broader research area of chemistry, physics, environmental science, materials science, polymer science and engineering to present an interdisciplinary approach. This book contains the fundamental knowledge as well as recent advancements in the research and development of bentonite. The book also covers recent approaches and prospects about the current research and development of bentonite.

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Book SynopsisThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aims to provide unbiased scientific information to describe and understand the geological processes of the Earth; minimise loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect the nation''s quality of life. The USGS is a scientific agency that is housed within the Department of the Interior. Its primary mission is conducting science; it has no regulatory authority, nor does it manage any significant federal lands. The USGS also collects and stores scientific information that is compiled into long-term continuous data sets. These data sets range from satellite imagery of land and ecosystem features to streamflow data on major rivers and streams. The background of USGS, as well as the activities, funding and Congressional issues are all discussed in this book.

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Book SynopsisAsbestos is the commercial name for various mineral silicates associated with numerous respiratory diseases, notably mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. This book examines risk assessments, health implications and impacts on the environment of asbestos. Chapter One provides a summary of exposure during abatement/removal of asbestos-containing floor tile and mastic. Chapter Two discusses the epidemiological patterns of environmental asbestos-related disease. Chapter Three reviews the reduction of anti-tumor immunity caused by asbestos exposure. Chapter Four summarises current knowledge about the putative role of asbestos exposure in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma carcinogenesis. Chapter Five determines the impact of malignant mesothelioma (MM) using average life years lost and lifetime healthcare expenditures in Taiwan. Chapter Six reviews recent perspectives on both asbestos-related pleuritis and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-related vasculitides. Chapter Seven clarifies subjects for protective policies against asbestos disaster and the meanings of local government asbestos measures in the case of Japan. Chapter Eight includes an overview of the mineralogical and morphological characterisation of asbestos in Argentina.

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Book SynopsisThe incredible story of the creation of a continent—our continent— from the acclaimed author of The Last Volcano and Mask of the Sun."Exuberant. Dvorak is a wonderful storyteller [and] challenges the conventional wisdom. This will enrich your everyday personal experiences.”—The Wall Street Journal The immense scale of geologic time is difficult to comprehend. Our lives—and the entirety of human history—are mere nanoseconds on this timescale. Yet we hugely influenced by the land we live on. From shales and fossil fuels, from lake beds to soil composition, from elevation to fault lines, what could be more relevant that the history of the ground beneath our feet?For most of modern history, geologists could say little more about why mountains grew than the obvious: there were forces acting inside the Earth that caused mountains to rise. But what were those forces? And why did they act in some places of the planet and not at others? When the theory of plate tectonics was proposed, our concept of how the Earth worked experienced a momentous shift. As the Andes continue to rise, the Atlantic Ocean steadily widens, and Honolulu creeps ever closer to Tokyo, this seemingly imperceptible creep of the Earth is revealed in the landscape all around us. But tectonics cannot—and do not—explain everything about the wonders of the North American landscape. What about the Black Hills? Or the walls of chalk that stand amongst the rolling hills of west Kansas? Or the fact that the states of Washington and Oregon are slowly rotating clockwise, and there a diamond mine in Arizona?It all points to the geologic secrets hidden inside the 2-billion-year-old-continental masses. A whopping ten times older than the rocky floors of the ocean, continents hold the clues to the long history of our planet.With a sprightly narrative that vividly brings this science to life, this revised edition of John Dvorak's monumental How the Mountains Grew will fill readers with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the land we live on.Trade Review“Earth scientist John Dvorak’s exuberant new book How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America puts these Anthropocene fires into the context of deep time. Dvorak is a wonderful storyteller. He weaves disparate threads of past worlds into a coherent fabric of time, place and life that provides the ultimate context for all specific modern environmental issues. When reading How the Mountains Grew, I could easily imagine being outdoors with him breaking rocks in a search for fossils, crawling up some canyon wall to count the sands of time or trekking across one of our great ice sheets. His human stories are also fascinating, especially those involving serendipitous discoveries. Is this really a ‘new’ geologic history? Yes. Dvorak challenges the conventional wisdom. [The book] has a vast scope and an envelope-pushing narrative. This new geologic history of North America will enrich your everyday personal experiences.” -- Robert M. Thorson * The Wall Street Journal *“Imagine a world where pigeon-sized dragonflies soar above spiders with half-meter-long legs, where 2-meter-long millipedes slither and 20-kilogram scorpions hunt. About 300 million years ago, such surreal creatures thrived; today, rocks hint at how these and other creatures in the deep past lived. These clues allow geologist and writer John Dvorak to vividly re-create ancient landscapes in How the Mountains Grew.Far from a dusty tome plodding through plate tectonics, the book teems with life as Dvorak establishes inextricable links between geology and biology. Dvorak’s storytelling shines bright.” * Science News *Praise for John Dvorak “Dvorak has done earthquake science sterling service by writing what is unarguably the best, the most comprehensive and compellingly readable book about the great fault that will one day affect all our lives.” -- Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author“For a more expansive look at how eclipses have been mythologized throughout history, turn to Mask of the Sun. Dvorak offers useful, engaging background, and provides a deeper understanding.” * The New York Times *“A lively biography. Dvorak is a great storyteller with a keen eye for details. His descriptions of the intense heat almost singe the page. Riveting.” * Wall Street Journal *"Bubbling and sloughing under the surface of John Dvorak's terrific new book is the quietly terrifying reminder that we somehow manage to live on a tectonically active planet. A remarkable story.” * The Christian Science Monitor *“Dvorak’s meticulously researched book covers the history of human reactions and interpretations from Homer to the Bible and beyond. A well-rounded, entertaining, and authoritative survey.” * Omnivoracious *“A rich chronicle.” * NATURE *“The story of Thomas Jagger and Isabel Maydwell is an inspiring tale of devotion, both to science and to each other.” * Scientific American *“Jaggar's thrilling adventures to volcanic hot zones like Alaska and Hawaii, where he explored inside active volcanoes, makes one appreciate the fearless nature required for a life of volcanology. Riveting.” * The American Scholar *“Dvorak brings Jagger to life in a richly researched narrative as thrilling as his topic, creating the sort of popular science history that flies off the shelves.” * Booklist (starred review) *“Earth scientist John Dvorak’s exuberant new book How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America puts these Anthropocene fires into the context of deep time. Dvorak is a wonderful storyteller. He weaves disparate threads of past worlds into a coherent fabric of time, place and life that provides the ultimate context for all specific modern environmental issues. When reading How the Mountains Grew, I could easily imagine being outdoors with him breaking rocks in a search for fossils, crawling up some canyon wall to count the sands of time or trekking across one of our great ice sheets. His human stories are also fascinating, especially those involving serendipitous discoveries. Is this really a ‘new’ geologic history? Yes. Dvorak challenges the conventional wisdom. [The book] has a vast scope and an envelope-pushing narrative. This new geologic history of North America will enrich your everyday personal experiences.” -- Robert M. Thorson * The Wall Street Journal *“Earth scientist John Dvorak’s exuberant new book How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America puts these Anthropocene fires into the context of deep time. Dvorak is a wonderful storyteller. He weaves disparate threads of past worlds into a coherent fabric of time, place and life that provides the ultimate context for all specific modern environmental issues. When reading How the Mountains Grew, I could easily imagine being outdoors with him breaking rocks in a search for fossils, crawling up some canyon wall to count the sands of time or trekking across one of our great ice sheets. His human stories are also fascinating, especially those involving serendipitous discoveries. Is this really a ‘new’ geologic history? Yes. Dvorak challenges the conventional wisdom. [The book] has a vast scope and an envelope-pushing narrative. This new geologic history of North America will enrich your everyday personal experiences.” -- Robert M. Thorson * The Wall Street Journal *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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