Geology, geomorphology and the lithosphere Books

Book SynopsisLying off the south-western tip of Mull, the island of Iona has huge significance as the first important centre of Christianity in Scotland. But the Abbey itself is built upon rocks that tell of events of much greater antiquity: the Lewisian gneisses of western Iona are some of the oldest rocks in the world. Alan McKirdy explores the fascinating geology of the area - in particular the eruption of two major volcanoes around 60 million years ago whose magma chambers formed the spectacular hills and glens of the Ardnamurchan peninsula and Glen More on Mull; and the Ice Age, when glaciers ripped away much of the upper part of the two volcanoes and sandpapered the landscape to create the rounded contours we see today.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisThe written history and archaeological records of Central Scotland takes us back to Pictish times some 5,000 years ago. The geology of the area stretches back a further 400 million years. The oldest rocks are found near Lesmahagow and in the Pentland Hills. Known geologically as ‘inliers’– small areas of rocks from an older age, surrounded by younger strata – these strata have yielded some of the oldest fish on earth and are highly prized for what they tell us about early life on the planet. Rocks of the Old Red Sandstone and the succeeding Carboniferous era underlie the rest of Central Scotland in almost equal measure. Explosive volcanic rocks, thick layers of lava, desert sandstones, limestones and productive coal measures make up this bedrock patchwork. Then, sometime later, a covering of ice, some two kilometres thick, blanketed the landscape. It sandpapered and burnished the bedrock into the familiar scenes we see today – our matchless Scottish landscape. The coal and iron ore which lay beneath the ground between Edinburgh and Glasgow provided the raw materials that drove the Industrial Revolution in Scotland, and the early focus on understanding the rocks beneath our feet was unsurprisingly initially concentrated on the most useful minerals resources.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisGeologists are among that group of scientists who must factor the passage of time into their investigations and they thus have a perspective on time that sets them apart from many other researchers. The proposition that geological time is vast, encompassing thousands of millions of years, is relatively recent. It is a concept that remains controversial and unacceptable to many people today who still consider the Earth to have been made to a timetable covering no more than ten thousand years.Paul Lyle examines how our fascination with time has developed from our earliest ancestors' recognition of the cycles of the sun and the moon. It considers the passage of time as a series of non-repeatable events, Time's Arrow, in contrast to time as a series of repeated processes, Time's Cycle, both of which can be used to explain geological features on the Earth's surface.The author argues for a greater understanding of geological or ‘deep time’ as society becomes more aware of the vulnerability of the Earth's resources to over-exploitation by an expanding consumer society. This debate and the controversy surrounding global warming emphasises the importance of geological time to the process of economic and political decision-making. It is a book for those interested in the intellectual challenge presented by the extent of geological time. It is written for environmentalists and policy-makers who wish to better place their concerns and decisions in proper context but, above all, it is a book that offers to share a geologist’s appreciation of time with the widest possible audience.Trade Review'In his latest book, Paul Lyle presents a learned, well-designed and readable account of time in a geological context, drawing its title from James Playfair’s famous aphorism when reflecting on the enormous length of time revealed by the Siccar Point unconformity. It might perhaps have been subtitled ‘The intelligent person’s guide to eternity’, as its intended audience is those with a general interest in the natural world, its development and its future.Specifically it is aimed at those making environmental and development policy who should be better informed of the temporal and geological contexts of their decisions. Plentifully illustrated with well-chosen good quality examples, it would also be a valuable source for introductory geology courses and for those working in the peripheral areas of the Earth sciences.Lyle recounts how our thinking about deep time developed historically in the different perspectives of those who have contemplated it, from the ancient and medieval philosophers, through James Hutton and the Scottish Enlightenment, to the famous geologists and theorists of more recent times.He reviews the formative debate about uniformitarianism and catastrophism, introduces the concepts of time’s arrow and time’s cycle and presents an elegant and succinct overview of the processes working on and within our planet, as we now understand them.He describes the Earth’s development since the beginning, using time as a framework to explain the changes wrought on the Earth both by slow earth processes and by isolated events. Finally he examines contemporary phenomena, both natural and anthropogenic, and applies plate tectonic theory to peer further into the future. In the great scheme of things, while some may think of Man as the most significant being on Earth, we are left perhaps to infer that our effect on the planet itself and its ultimate future is likely to be negligible in the very long run.Tangentially, useful and informative accounts are presented of methods of dating, from semi-quantitative approaches of sedimentology and palaeontology, to quantitative radiometric, dendrological and magnetostratigraphic methods.' Geoscientist'For anyone like me who finds the immensity of geological time ('deep time') both fascinating and fundamentally difficult - both emotionally and intellectually - this is a great book. Paul Lyle has written it for environmentalists and policy makers to help them explain their concerns and decisions more clearly in the context of geological time, but these are not the only people who should read it. It covers (among other things) the history of man's efforts to quantify the earth's age (both relatively and absolutely), from the Ancient Greeks and biblical scholars, through the renaissance to nineteenth and twentieth century efforts to reach an absolute figure of about 4.54 billion years. It also covers the grand themes of geology, including the unifying theory of plate tectonics, and shows how an understanding of time is fundamental to geologists. Therefore, anyone with an intellectual interest in geology and why their science is quite different from the others should read the book.As the author explains, fundamental to the concept of geological time are the concepts of the 'Time's Arrow' and 'Time Cycle'. The first refers to non-repeatable aspects of the flow of time (e.g. the extinction of species, and the creation of banded iron and an oxygen rich atmosphere); while the second refers to series of repeated processes (e.g. rock and water cycles, and the cycles of the moon and sun). Both concepts are essential to explain geological processes and both present problems for lay-people to understand.The author clearly hopes that greater understanding of 'deep time' will lead to more awareness of the Earth's vulnerability, as its resources are depleted by consumers and its climates are affected by global warming. We must realise that economic and political decision-making relies on this understanding. For example, the geology involved in creating crude oil (time's cycle) takes so long that, for human beings, once our supplies have gone, they have gone forever (time's arrow).I can recommend this book on a number of levels and thoroughly enjoyed it.' DepositsTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. 1: In good time; 2: Tempus fugit – time flies; 3: The importance of understanding time; 4: The early chronologers; 5: Time’s arrow and time’s cycle; 6: The determination of relative time – beds in order; 7: Measurement of absolute time – the age of the Earth; 8: Archaeological time; 9: Time future. References and further reading. Index. Illustration credits.

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Book SynopsisThe extraordinary and beautiful scenery of the Northern Scottish Highlands has been created by a geological history lasting over three billion years. The new and thoroughly up-dated edition of this popular book takes its readers through those three billion years, shows the rocks, visits the places, introduces some famous researchers and presents the geological theories that have been inspired by the Highlands. Even though the influence of this magnificent place can be overwhelming, the book is about geology and the modern science involved. It is written for all to understand. It is a book for non-specialists interested in modern science, scientists and all lovers of the Northern Scottish Highlands.The text is sometimes light-hearted, but the science is serious. The subjects covered are as wide as he the splitting open of the North Atlantic Ocean: a time when the Earth resembled modern Mars; early continent formation; billion year old bacteria; the very beginnings of human evolution; Snowball Earth; and, inevitably, climate change. This is modern science wrapped up in good writing and humour: a rare combination.Trade Review'Hutton’s Arse is a rumbustious account of geology, geologists, landscapes and controversies all written with passion and a certain quirkiness. These are personal stories with the authors guiding readers on adventures in the countryside, describing how landscape reveals clues of past geological activity and how this knowledge can illuminate broader scientific questions. Some of the heroes (and villains) of Victorian earth science are introduced along the way. This second edition improves on the first and will surely sell well, certainly to the visitors taking refuge from the weather, midges and the queues of motorhomes on the A 838. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association Of the first edition:'This book should be read by all: from the thoroughgoing specialists to those who have been touched by the magnificence and awe-inspiring nature of Scotland’s scenery and geology, and anyone who appreciates well-written work on an inspiring subject that is interspersed with wit, wisdom and emotion.’ Ian Inglis, The Geoscientist‘… a wonderful title for Malcolm Rider’s beautifully produced and easily read book. His description of Cape Wrath’s capacity to diminish the human spirit deserves more than one reading. This is more a page-turner than a text-book.’ Frank Woods, Northwards NowTable of ContentsAbout the authors. Introduction. 1. A RED EARTH: The enigma of the ancient Torridonian; 2. DEEP SCAR: THE MOINE THRUST: The story of a bitter scientific controversy; 3. THE FISH GRAVES OF ACHANARRAS: Devonian fish are human ancestors; 4. VOLCANO: The Tertiary volcanic province and the Atlantic opening; 5. THE COMING ICE AGE: Past and future climates in the Highlands; 6. LEFT-OVERS: The Lewisian Gneiss and the creation of continents; 7. HUTTON’S ARSE (1795) Just another planet? 8. THE FUTURE. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis guide is a starting point for exploring the geology of the Pennines between the southern Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale in the north and the southern part of the Derbyshire Peak District in the south. The book concentrates on the main Pennine range, but also takes in higher ground to the west, including Rossendale, the Forest of Bowland and the Staffordshire Moorlands. While the guide is aimed primarily at undergraduate level, it is written and illustrated to also appeal to visitors to the area. The greater part of the guide deals with sedimentary rocks of Carboniferous age (360-300 Ma). It discusses the changing tectonic regime and its influence on the development of sedimentary basins and their sedimentation. It describes the depositional environments, the subsequent tectonic deformation of the sediments and the controls on present-day outcrop patterns. The older visible geology consists mostly of limestones, deposited in a tropical setting during the Dinantian (360-330 Ma) on shallow-water carbonate platforms, on ramps and in deeper settings. Mound-shaped reef-like structures, that occur in many limestone areas, consist mostly of carbonate mudstone and formed under the influence of micro-organisms. On the Derbyshire Platform, carbonate deposition was disrupted by basaltic magma around several volcanic centres. Limestone deposition was followed by accumulation of a complex series of sandstones and mudstones comprising the Millstone Grit, deposited throughout the Namurian (330-318 Ma), when the Dinantian sea-floor topography was eliminated by the advance of large deltas, creating a vast plain across which Westphalian (318-308 Ma) Coal Measures were deposited. Introductory chapters explain the tectonic, stratigraphic and sedimentological factors that governed deposition, later deformation and mineralisation. The interaction of fluctuating sea-level in response to southern hemisphere glaciation and ongoing tectonic activity are emphasised. The field guide proper is in six chapters, each devoted to a particular area, where individual localities are described and illustrated. While some itineraries are suggested, the format allows users to plan trips to match their interests. An extensive glossary should help non-geologists with technical terms.

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Book SynopsisThe Isle of Wight is a geological gem with its 110km (68 mile) long coastline displaying a range of rocks dating from Lower Cretaceous to Oligocene age. Many of the sands and clays yield fossil bivalves and gastropods, and its famous dinosaur footprints attract much attention from geologists and tourists alike. Yet the scenic beauty of the island is the product of its differing strata, former earth movements and the erosive power of the sea and the rivers. The monoclinal fold that crosses the island forms the chalk downland ridge that ends in the splendid cliffs of Culver in the east and The Needles in the west. By contrast, the softer rocks produce low, slumped cliffs often cut by steep-sided chines or alternatively, on the north coast, branching estuaries and salt marsh creeks. With over 120 colour illustrations this book discusses the geological processes that created the island's distinctive landscape; it provides a field guide to the identification of rocks and fossils and includes details of nineteen itineraries to discover the geological examples and fossils discussed.Trade ReviewBeautifully illustrated - it discusses the geological processes that created the island’s distinctive landscape in a simple (but not patronising) language that will be attractive to a wide range of readers interested in geology. -- John Trevelyan, Editor Deposits Magazine * Deposits magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis book is designed as an easy night's read and introduction to fossil soils and the relatively new disciplines of Paleopedology and Astropedology. It includes line art and color illustrations to visualize the topic for the informed layperson or interested colleagues. It provides comprehensive information on paleosols, which are soils of the past providing a variety of clues to the evolution of life and climate on Earth and deals with topics such as the evolution of grassland ecosystems, mass extinction of the Late Permian and origin of life, all viewed from the perspective of the fossil record of soils. This turns out to be a refreshing new perspective of wide interest.Trade Review“Soil Grown Tall, reviewed here, is a shorter summary intended for a wider audience. … Retallack’s book is well stuffed with insights and ideas, some quite startling. … The book shines with a sense of the beauty of landscape, which has served Retallack well. The book is full of well-chosen reminiscences, which lend life to the narrative. … The book is clearly written, well illustrated, and well produced.” (Egbert Giles Leigh, Evolution, Education & Outreach, Vol. 15 (1), 2022)Table of ContentsChapter 1. Rainbow rocks Chapter 2. Soil as a many splendored thing Chapter 3. Civilization built from soil Chapter 4. Humanity from global change Chapter 5. Grass that changed the world Chapter 6. Death from the sky Chapter 7. An occasion for flowers Chapter 8. Dinosaurs and dirt Chapter 9. World's greatest mid-life crisis Chapter 10. Roots of trees Chapter 11. Mighty millipedes Chapter 12. Lichens and till Chapter 13. When the rust set in Chapter 14. Soils in space Chapter 15. Living soil Chapter 16. The Proserpina Principle Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThe Catalogue of Violent and Destructive Earthquakes in the Philippines is a complete reference work that chronicles the seismic history of the Philippines, documenting widespread earthquakes that have formed the kingdom's geological landscape. While there isn't always a broadly identified e book with this identify and writer in my know-how up to September 2021, this sort of guide would be invaluable for researchers, geologists, and catastrophe management specialists. In a hypothetical book of this nature, readers might possibly find unique money owed of historical earthquakes, together with their magnitudes, epicenters, influences on nearby communities, and geological effects. The work may additionally explore the broader geological context of the Philippines, shedding light at the tectonic forces at play on this seismically energetic vicinity. This kind of catalogue would serve as a essential aid for knowledge the earthquake dangers and vulnerabilities in the Philippines, aiding in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and the development of resilient infrastructure. Such a ebook could emphasize the significance of reading and tracking seismic hobby to defend lives and belongings in earthquake-prone areas.

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Book SynopsisA core component of the natural world is the geology, in the rocks and the landforms that have been created by their erosion. The plants that cover so much of the world's land areas, ant the myriad animals that inhabit each environment, form the wonderful world of nature, but the backdrops to all of them are the landscapes that are the world of geology. So many of the world's great natural attractions - the sites, the sights, the national parks, the wow places that folk travel to see - are features of their geology, with landforms that range from awe-inspiring to simply beautiful. And then there are so many more terrains and landscapes that have great stories to tell. Travelling the world, always armed with a camera, led to the author compiling a substantial collection of photographs, many of which reflected his own interests in their geological theme. This has grown into a worldwide overview of just a fraction of the magnificent sights, both natural and influenced by mankind, that make the geological world so totally fascinating and frequently so beautiful. Within these pages, the photographs and their short, accompanying texts offer just a taste of the visual delights within the world of geology. They constitute a grand tour across the surface of our planet, taking in as many as possible of our most spectacular and most fascinating sites. The whole book is perhaps best viewed as a glorious journey of discovery.Trade Review`...makes a splendid coffee table type book, one to be periodically dipped into... Tony's excellent book provides inspiring insight into the Earth's magnificent landscapes...' Mercian Geologist--------------------'...It's a real bargain. I can't imagine you'll find a more attractive and informative book of fantastic geological landscape photos anywhere and at any price'. Magazine of the Geologists' Association------------------'...World of Geology...takes its readers...to some of the strangest, iconic and little-known places on earth...Tony's writing flows and is eminently readable...making this very attractive to cavers and to use as a present for others. Speleo Reader-------------------'...a splendid and substantial collection of photographs...it is the beautiful, full-colour photographs that dominate and make this a lovely addition to one's library - to dip into whenever time allows or to read from cover to cover'. Deposits Magazine

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Book SynopsisEvery fossil tells a story. Best-selling paleontology author Donald R. Prothero describes twenty-five famous fossils in a gripping scientific history. Recounting the adventures behind the discovery of these objects and interpreting their significance within the larger fossil record, Prothero creates a riveting history of life on our planet.Trade ReviewDonald R. Prothero is one of the most talented science writers of his generation-as a paleontological writer, he has no peer. This is an engaging, attractive book! -- David J. Bottjer, University of Southern California There is no other book that brings together such diverse fossils and tells their unique stories in a way that is both accurate and approachable. -- Xiaoming Wang, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County The Story of Life in 25 Fossils shows the reader the joys of paleontological discovery as well as the stories behind some of the most important fossils. I loved reading it, and I suspect that most paleontologists, and many members of the general public, will feel the same way-the text is lucid, extremely easy to read, and highly informative. Anyone interested in ancient life-forms and the fossil record would be well served to buy this book. -- Bruce S. Lieberman, University of Kansas Prothero, an outstanding paleontologist and skilled communicator, has written the best up-to-date account of the history of life as revealed by the fossil record that I have ever had the pleasure to read. His lucid prose brings these long-dead organisms back to life, while painting a picture of how all life has been interconnected through evolution. I was especially struck by the inclusion of field outcrops, as well as museums, where one can go to see these fossils. I will keep Prothero's book handy as a core reference for years to come! -- Niles Eldredge, author of Eternal Ephemera: Adaptation and the Origin of Species from the Nineteenth Century Through Punctuated Equilibria and Beyond A guide to museums where the original fossils or high-quality reproductions are housed and more than 150 illustrations accompany Prothero's lively account of the science and politics that shaped the rich history of these discoveries. Kirkus Reviews Engaging and accessible... Ideal for anyone interested in the origins of life on earth. Library Journal (starred review) An accessible, well-done book that will better enable general readers to understand the fossil record and how paleontologists interpret it. Publishers Weekly Prothero's careful description of 25 fossils... offer[s] an overview of the progression of plants and animals in the last 3.5 billion years. -- Ashley Yeager Sciece News [Prothero] pays attention not just to the fossils themselves but to the continuing quest to uncover and understand how life has been changing since it first came into existence on Earth. Sure, The Story of Life in 25 Fossils includes snakes with legs, giant dinosaurs, walking whales and extinct primates whose existence confirms that our own species is a variety of modified ape. But most chapters also introduce us to the researchers who labored to pull back the curtain on lost worlds. -- Brian Switek Wall Street Journal Ideal for all who love prehistoric landscapes and delight in the history of science, this book makes a treasured addition to any bookshelf, stoking curiosity in the evolution of life on Earth. -- Ian Paulsen The Birdbooker Report Prothero brings erudition and expert perspective to the material, but animates it in an entertaining and accessible manner. It reads like a fun conversation with a learned friend. -- Nathan H. Lents The Human Evolution Blog Written with bright enthusiasm... [The Story of Life in 25 Fossils] is a wonderful primer. -- Rob Hardy The Commercial Dispatch Chock full of excellent and interesting illustrations... [Prothero] writes excellent, readable prose, and vigorously makes connections between evolutionary questions and evolutionary data. Greg Laden's Blog A thoroughly enjoyable, highly readable, and entertaining book. Prothero is a masterful communicator of science and a lover of paleontology, and these traits have combined to produce one of the best books on the history of life I have read. If you want an introduction to the history of life on Earth, get this book. -- Jason S. Anderson BioScience A great introduction to the history of life on the planet Earth... A solid primer on why evolution is true... A fun read with lots of tales of paleontological adventure and derring-do... I recommend this book without hesitation. -- John Dupuis Confessions of a Science Librarian A magnificent journey through life's story told in such loving detail... Highly recommended. Choice [The book], written with bright enthusiasm and describing clearly how the fossil record shows evolution to have occured, is a wonderful primer about what paleontologists do. The DispatchTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. Planet of the Scum: The First Fossils (Cryptozoon) 2. Garden of Ediacara: The First Multicellular Life (Charnia) 3. "Little Shellies": The First Shells (Cloudina) 4. Oh, Give Me a Home, When the Trilobites Roamed: The First Large Shelled Animals (Olenellus) 5. Is It a Worm or an Arthropod? The Origin of Arthropods (Hallucigenia) 6. Is It a Worm or a Mollusc? The Origin of Molluscs (Pilina) 7. Growing from the Sea: The Origin of Land Plants (Cooksonia) 8. A Fishy Tale: The Origin of Vertebrates (Haikouichthys) 9. Mega-Jaws: The Largest Fish (Carcharocles) 10. Fish out of Water: The Origin of Amphibians (Tiktaalik) 11. "Frogamander": The Origin of Frogs (Gerobatrachus) 12. Turtle on the Half-Shell: The Origin of Turtles (Odontochelys) 13. Walking Serpents: The Origin of Snakes (Haasiophis) 14. King of the Fish-Lizards: The Largest Marine Reptile (Shonisaurus) 15. Terror of the Seas: The Largest Sea Monster (Kronosaurus) 16. Monster Flesh-Eater: The Largest Predator (Giganotosaurus) 17. Land of the Giants: The Largest Land Animal (Argentinosaurus) 18. A Feather in Stone: The First Bird (Archaeopteryx) 19. Not Quite a Mammal: The Origin of Mammals (Thrinaxodon) 20. Walking Into the Water: The Origin of Whales (Ambulocetus) 21. Walking Manatees: The Origin of Sirenians (Pezosiren) 22. Dawn Horses: The Origin of Horses (Eohippus) 23. Rhinoceros Giants: The Largest Land Mammal (Paraceratherium) 24. The Ape's Reflection? The Oldest Human Fossil (Sahelanthropus) 25. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds: The Oldest Human Skeleton (Australopithecus afarensis) Appendix: The Best Natural History Museums Index

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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."-author of "Planet of Slums" and "In Praise of Barbarians: Essays against Empire," Mike Davis"

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Book SynopsisRegional Geology Guides provide a broad view and interpretation of the geology of a region.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The book provides complete information on the structural features and geological maps and techniques in a simple language. Coloured Beld photographs, geological maps and line diagrams are of very high quality and help in visualizing the three-dimensional features. Worked examples help in solving the exercises provided. Problems at the end of each chapter help in self-study. The book is very much useful for undergraduate Geology and Civil Engineering students for understanding the fundamentals of structural geology. I recommend this book as a valuable resource for the libraries of universities and institutions having earth science as branch of study or for personal collection of students and researchers in the Beld of structural geology." --JESSTable of Contents1. Geological Maps 2. Uniformly Dipping Beds 3. Folding 4. Faulting 5. Unconformity 6. Igneous Rocks 7. Folding with Cleavage

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Book SynopsisAn internationally recognized scientist shows that Earth's separate continents, once together in Pangea, are again on a collision course. You've heard of Pangea, the single landmass that broke apart some 175 million years ago to give us our current continents, but what about its predecessors, Rodinia or Columbia? These supercontinents from Earth's past provide evidence that land repeatedly joins and separates. While scientists debate what that next supercontinent will look likeand what to name itthey all agree: one is coming. In this engaging work, geophysicist Ross Mitchell invites readers to remote (and sometimes treacherous) lands for evidence of past supercontinents, delves into the phenomena that will birth the next, and presents the case for the future supercontinent of Amasia, defined by the merging of North America and Asia. Introducing readers to plate tectonic theory through fieldwork adventures and accessible scientific descriptions, Mitchell considers flows deep in the Earth's mantle to explain Amasia's future formation and shows how this developing theory can illuminate other planetary mysteries. He then poses the inevitable question: how can humanity survive the intervening 200 million years necessary to see Amasia? An expert on the supercontinent cycle, Mitchell offers readers a front-row seat to a slow-motion mystery and an ongoing scientific debate.Trade Review"Although Mitchell’s destination is the distant future, don’t be fooled. His book is as much a romp through the past as it is a look ahead, complete with references unique to the present....Throughout the book, Mitchell’s clear explanations and carefully chosen images help make sense of even the most complicated concepts." * Science News *"Locked in rocks, mountains, and oceans lies evidence of an ancient, active earth. Subduction, plate tectonics, and volcanic activity continually reshape continents. . . . [Those] interested in geology and geophysics will appreciate Mitchell’s compelling vision and research." * Booklist *"Ross Mitchell provides a cinematic view of Earth over billion-year timescales, showing how the slow-motion dance of the continents has a deep underlying logic that makes it possible to predict geographies of the distant future." -- Marcia Bjornerud | author of "Timefulness: How Thinking Like a Geologist Can Help Save the World""Geological puzzles don’t get bigger than unravelling the choreography of continents since Earth’s childhood. It takes bold thinking, and reconciliation of hard-won field data with computer models of our planet’s interior, to figure out the lay of the land hundreds of millions of years ago. Ross Mitchell draws on his own cutting-edge research to explain how Earth’s heat engine works, and what ancient configurations of land and sea—vastly different from today’s map—meant for the atmosphere, climate and, crucially, the evolution of life. It’s a gripping story, vivaciously told, of prescient scientists, perilous fieldwork, and the amazing ways in which geology empowers us to situate humanity in the context of billions of years of Earth history, and to ground speculation of how the next billion might play out." -- Clive Oppenheimer | author of "Eruptions that Shook the World"“Mitchell is the only person who could write this inviting and engaging book, which shares the thrill of scientific discovery.” -- Brendan Murphy | St. Francis Xavier University"The world is like a giant clock, with enormous tectonic gears of seemingly infinite complexity. That clock will keep ticking long after we humans are extinct, and Ross Mitchell, watchmaker, lets us see far into that future: an amazing Amasia." -- Peter Ward | author of "Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe"“A clear, accessible introduction to a ‘super’ significant topic—the supercontinent cycle—and to scientific study itself.” -- Richard E. Ernst | Carleton University"An engaging insider’s story of geological discovery and insight at a grand scale—the unification and fragmentation of supercontinents over geologic time, and why such behavior is repeating, yet changing. This first-hand account reads like The Double Helix, but with mountains for molecules." -- Paul Hoffman | Harvard UniversityTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. Pangea 2. Rodinia 3. Columbia 4. The Unknown Archean 5. The Next Supercontinent Epilogue: Surviving Amasia Acknowledgments Notes Index

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER  SELECTED AS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, AND THE ECONOMIST  FINALIST FOR THE L.A. TIMES BOOK PRIZE, THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY’S HELEN BERNSTEIN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM, AND THE PEN/E.O. WILSON AWARD FOR LITERARY SCIENCE WRITING.New York Times best-selling journalist Jeff Goodell presents a 'masterful, bracing' (David Wallace-Wells) examination of the impact that temperature rise will have on our lives and on our planet, offering a vital new perspective on where we are headed, how we can prepare, and what is at stake if we fail to act.​  “When heat comes, it’s invisible. It doesn’t bend tree branches or blow hair across your face to let you know it’s arrived…. The sun feels like the barrel of a gun pointed at you.”    The world is waking up to a new reality: wildfires are now seasonal in California, the Northeast is getting less and less snow each winter, and the ice sheets in the Arctic and Antarctica are melting fast.  Heat is the first order threat that drives all other impacts of the climate crisis.  And as the temperature rises, it is revealing fault lines in our governments, our politics, our economy, and our values. The basic science is not complicated: Stop burning fossil fuels tomorrow, and the global temperature will stop rising tomorrow. Stop burning fossil fuels in 50 years, and the temperature will keep rising for 50 years, making parts of our planet virtually uninhabitable.  It’s up to us.  The hotter it gets, the deeper and wider our fault lines will open.    The Heat Will Kill You First is about the extreme ways in which our planet is already changing. It is about why spring is coming a few weeks earlier and fall is coming a few weeks later and the impact that will have on everything from our food supply to disease outbreaks. It is about what will happen to our lives and our communities when typical summer days in Chicago or Boston go from 90° F to 110°F. A heatwave, Goodell explains, is a predatory event— one that culls out the most vulnerable people.  But that is changing. As heatwaves become more intense and more common, they will become more democratic.     As an award-winning journalist who has been at the forefront of environmental journalism for decades, Goodell’s new book may be his most provocative yet, explaining how extreme heat will dramatically change the world as we know it.  Masterfully reported, mixing the latest scientific insight with on-the-ground storytelling, Jeff Goodell tackles the big questions and uncovers how extreme heat is a force beyond anything we have reckoned with before.

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Book SynopsisAn exhilarating, time-travelling journey to the solar system’s strangest and most awe-inspiring volcanoes.Trade Review"Super Volcanoes sculpt the sea, land and sky, and alter the machinery of life. Join science writer Robin George Andrews on a journey from Yellowstone, Tanzania and the ocean floor on Earth to the moon, Venus and Mars. " -- New Scientist"“In Super Volcanoes, Robin George Andrews takes readers on a Cook’s tour of volcanoes near and far, fuelling a broader curiosity about our planet and its place in the solar system... Andrews’s descriptions are breezy, readily engaging the reader… He is at his best when discussing those who live in the shadow of volcanoes and, especially, the scientists who study them.”" -- Andrew H. Knoll - Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisThe Atmosphere and Ocean is a fully revised and updated student friendly physical introduction to the atmosphere and ocean. Now in its Third Edition, the book continues to provide students with an accessible description of the atmosphere and ocean with emphasis on their physical properties and inter-dependence.Trade Review“This book is commendable for attempting such an approach to educate a new generation of scientists armed with a unifying view of the ocean and atmosphere. It is a unique book for those who seek knowledge of not only ocean or atmosphere but also their commonality, distinction, and interaction.” (Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 1 November 2012) "I highly recommend the comprehensive and readily understandable book The Atmosphere and Ocean: A Physical Introduction, 3rd Edition by Neil C. Wells, to any advanced undergraduate students in meteorology, climatology, oceanography, and earth sciences. The book is valuable as well as to any business leaders and public policy makers seeking an approachable book on the topic of the interdependency between the ocean and atmosphere. This book is an excellent and accessible textbook on the topic and should be given priority for anyone interested in learning and understanding the principles of the interrelationship between the planet's atmosphere and its ocean." (Blog Business World, 26 February 2012) Table of ContentsSeries Foreword ix Preface to the Third Edition xi 1 The Earth within the Solar System 1 1.1 The Sun and its constancy 1 1.2 Orbital variations in solar radiation 4 1.3 Radiative equilibrium temperature 8 1.4 Thermal inertia of the atmosphere 10 1.5 Albedo 14 1.6 The topography of the Earth’s surface 18 2 Composition and Physical Properties of the Ocean and Atmosphere 25 2.1 Evolution of the atmosphere and ocean 25 2.2 Present-day composition of sea water 29 2.3 Introduction to gases and liquids 31 2.4 Hydrostatic equilibrium 39 2.5 Adiabatic changes and potential temperature 41 2.6 Vertical stability of the ocean and atmosphere 46 3 Radiation, Temperature and Stability 53 3.1 Vertical variation of atmospheric constituents 53 3.2 The attenuation of solar radiation 58 3.3 Absorption of planetary radiation 65 3.4 Vertical temperature profile and its relation to radiation 67 3.5 The absorption of solar radiation in the ocean 75 3.6 Diurnal and seasonal temperature cycles in the ocean 78 4 Water in the Atmosphere 83 4.1 Introduction 83 4.2 The moist atmosphere 84 4.3 Measurement and observation of water vapour 86 4.4 Stability in a moist atmosphere 88 4.5 Processes of precipitation and evaporation: The formation of clouds 94 4.6 Macroscopic processes in cloud formation 106 5 Global Budgets of Heat, Water and Salt 111 5.1 The measurement of heat budgets at the surface 111 5.2 Observations of surface heat fluxes and budgets 117 5.3 The measurement of the water budget 126 5.4 Observations of the water budget 127 5.5 The salt budget of the ocean 131 5.6 Temperature and salinity relationships in the ocean 134 5.7 Tracers in the ocean 141 6 Observations of Winds and Currents 147 6.1 Measurement of winds and currents 147 6.2 Scales of motion in the atmosphere and ocean 159 6.3 Time averaged circulation 164 6.4 Time-dependent motion 175 7 The Influence of the Earth’s Rotation on Fluid Motion 181 7.1 An introduction to the Earth’s rotation 181 7.2 Inertial motion 184 7.3 Pressure gradients and geostrophic motion 187 7.4 Vorticity and circulation 197 7.5 The atmosphere and ocean boundary layers 206 7.6 Equatorial winds and currents 210 8 Waves and Tides 219 8.1 The spectrum of surface waves 219 8.2 Wind waves and swell 223 8.3 Long waves 230 8.4 Internal waves 234 8.5 Ocean tides 237 8.6 Storm surges 244 8.7 Atmospheric waves and tides 249 9 Energy Transfer in the Ocean-Atmosphere System 253 9.1 Modes of energy in the ocean–atmosphere system 253 9.2 The kinetic energy of the atmosphere and ocean 259 9.3 Mechanisms of kinetic energy transfer 262 9.4 General circulation of the atmosphere 271 9.5 General circulation of the ocean 277 10 Mathematical Modelling of the Ocean and Atmosphere 283 10.1 Introduction 283 10.2 Scientific modelling: A simple model of the surface layer of the ocean 284 10.3 A dynamical model of the ocean surface layer 288 10.4 Numerical solutions of mathematical models 291 10.5 Numerical solutions for momentum on a rotating Earth 293 10.6 Atmospheric and climate general circulation models 295 10.7 Global ocean models 301 10.8 Observations of the ocean and atmosphere 305 11 Atmosphere-Ocean Interaction 315 11.1 Air-sea interaction: An introduction 315 11.2 Seasonal anomalies of the ocean-land-atmosphere system 322 11.3 Interannual fluctuations in the ocean-atmosphere system 326 11.4 Decadal variations in the ocean-atmosphere system 332 12 Climate Change 337 12.1 Past climate observations 337 12.2 Mechanisms of climate change 341 12.3 Current climate change 346 12.4 Understanding recent climate change 350 12.5 Predicting future climate 351 Problems 353 Glossary 369 General Reading 377 Further Reading and References 379 Figure Sources 385 Appendices A Standard International (SI) Units 391 B SI Unit Prefixes 391 Index 393

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisRegional Geology Guides provide a broad view and interpretation of the geology of a region.

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Book SynopsisThis guide describes the geological history of Wales, the evolution of its structure, its stratigraphy and the nature of the rocks and processes that have shaped the Welsh landscape.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive account of the geology of Northern England, including Lake District National Park, Northumberland National Park and part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is suitable for geologists, students and those who are interested in the various interpretations of the geology of the region.

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Book SynopsisThe geology of Cornwall has been the subject of continuing investigation since the end of the seventeenth century. A literature of great historical interest exists, and this is analysed in this book alongside a wide-ranging review of the current position and assessments of the environmental consequences of rock and mineral exploitation.Trade Review"A useful book for an introduction to Cornish geology." (OUGS Journal, Spring 2001) "Altogether this is a most informative and readable book, and the paperback version is very reasonably priced. It is recommended for anyone who wishes to gain an informed up-to-date introduction to the geology of this geologically complex, yet historically important area." (Mineralogical Magazine October 1999) Table of ContentsList of Plates List of Figures List of Tables Contributors Abbreviations Preface-Geological Field Work A Code for Geological Field Work Acknowledgements Chapter One: Introduction, C.M. Bristow, E.M. Durrance and E.B. Selwood Chapter Two: The Pre Devonion Tectonic Framework, E.M Durrance Chapter Three: The Lizard Complex, J.R. Andrews Chapter Four: Devonion, K.P. Isaac, E.B. Selwood and R.K. Shail Chapter Five: Carboniferous, K.P. Issac and J.M Thomas Chapter Six: Variscan Structure and Regional Metamorphism, J.R. Andrews, K.P Isaac, E.B. Selwood, R.K Shail and J.M. Thomas Chapter Seven: Granites and Associated Igneous Activiy, D.A.C. Manning Chapter Eight: Mineralization, R.C. Scrivener and T.J Shepherd Chapter Nine: Modelling the Mineralization Framework, F.W.A.A Lucas and J. Willis-Richards Chapter Ten: China-Clay, C.M. Bristow Chapter Eleven: Offshore and Mesozoic Geology, M.B. Hart Chapter Twelve: The Tertiary, K. Atkinson Chapter Thirteen: The Quaternary, R.A. Cullingford Chapter Fourteen: History of Metalliferous Mining, R. Burt Chapter Fifteen: The Contemporary Extractive Industry, C.M. Bristow Chapter Sixteen: Environmental Geology, R.P. Edwards, P. Grainger and M.J Heath References Subject Index Locality Index

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Book SynopsisMapping closely to how ore deposit geology is now taught, this textbook systematically describes and illustrates the major ore deposit types, linking this to their settings in the crust and the geological factors behind their formation. Written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a basic background in the geosciences, it provides a balance of practical information and coverage of the relevant geological sciences, including petrological, geochemical, hydrological and tectonic processes. Important theory is summarized without unnecessary detail and integrated with students'' learning in other topics, including magmatic processes and sedimentary geology, enabling students to make links across the geosciences. Students are supported by further reading, a comprehensive glossary, and problems and review questions that test the application of theoretical approaches and encourage students to use what they have learnt. A website includes visual resources and combines with the book to provide students and instructors with a complete learning package.Trade Review'This is ore deposit geology the way most professional economic geologists think, using deposit descriptions as a basis for understanding genetic processes. It is clearly structured, simply illustrated and lucidly explained. This book will be appreciated by students, teachers and professional geologists for its clarity of expression and scholarship of content.' Noel C. White, Consulting Economic Geologist and Honorary Research Professor, CODES, University of Tasmania'If you've been searching for a modern textbook on metallic ore deposits, this is a good choice. Incorporating recent observational and theoretical advances, excellent graphics, an accessible treatment of chemical processes, and end-of-chapter questions, [it] appears ideal for undergraduate geology majors.' Donald M. Burt, Arizona State University'In this textbook, the author combines up-to-date scientific literature with well-structured discussions on ore-forming processes. This results in stimulating and insightful chapters, which provide students and teachers with an extremely useful tool. The end-of-chapter boxes and questions provide great pedagogic support for courses.' Paolo S. Garofalo, Università di Bologna'As a teacher of an ore geology graduate course, I would efinitely suggest that this book is an improvement on what was previously available. … it delivers on its aim to convey a systematic scientific approach to understanding ore formation and I think, if used as a course book, it will help develop a generation of students with solid process-based knowledge of most ore types. The book will be dominantly read by students and teachers, but could also be useful for professional geologists wanting a modern overview of a wide range of ore deposits and ore-forming processes. Ian Pitcairn, Economic Geology'… [the] layout, [the] clear presentation of the topic, the choice of sample deposits, the glossary of selected terms, and the excellent graphic material make this textbook a most useful means to study the geology of ore deposits.' GeologosTable of ContentsPreface; Glossary; 1. What is an ore deposit?; 2. Magmatic ore deposits; 3. Hydrothermal ore deposits I: magmatic and orogenic environments; 4. Hydrothermal ore deposits II: sedimentary environments; 5. Ore deposits formed in sedimentary environments; 6. Supergene ores and supergene overprinting of ores; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisDavid Sandwell developed this advanced textbook over a period of nearly 30 years for his graduate course at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The book augments the classic textbook Geodynamics by Don Turcotte and Jerry Schubert, presenting more complex and foundational mathematical methods and approaches to geodynamics. The main new tool developed in the book is the multi-dimensional Fourier transform for solving linear partial differential equations. The book comprises nineteen chapters, including: the latest global data sets; quantitative plate tectonics; plate driving forces associated with lithospheric heat transfer and subduction; the physics of the earthquake cycle; postglacial rebound; and six chapters on gravity field development and interpretation. Each chapter has a set of student exercises that make use of the higher-level mathematical and numerical methods developed in the book. Solutions to the exercises are available online for course instructors, on request.Trade Review'Advanced Geodynamics brings the unique perspective of a leading geophysicist to the solution of a wide array of problems in geodynamics. The approach emphasizes the use of advanced mathematics, in particular the Fourier transform, to obtain a quantitative understanding of the processes involved in shaping the Earth's surface. The advanced mathematical approach not only enhances the elegance of the solutions, but it enables the consideration of many problems not accessible with less sophisticated mathematical methods. The choice of problems benefits from the deep physical insights of the author to their solutions. The book discusses the physical processes involved in plate tectonics and the earthquake cycle and provides the latest relevant observational data sets. An emphasis is also placed on the use of gravity data to learn about these processes. The book is the product of decades of teaching by the author and is a must read for students of the physics of the Earth with the appropriate mathematical background.' Gerald Schubert, University of California, Los Angeles; co-author of Geodynamics'Most authors would find writing a sequel to Turcotte and Schubert's classic book on Geodynamics a daunting task. Not so for David Sandwell, whose first book is a wonderful mix of observations and theory, elegant mathematics and a focus on the oceans and the Fourier method which together help illuminate some of the fundamental physical processes that underlie plate tectonics.' Tony Watts, University of Oxford; author of Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere'Advanced Geodynamics: The Fourier Transform Method by David Sandwell is a godsend for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers actively engaged in the broad area of geodynamics. It complements the classic Geodynamics book by Turcotte & Schubert in a way nothing else could: by elevating the treatment to real, cutting-edge research problems via Fourier transforms that deliver simple and elegant solutions to complicated science problems.' Paul Wessel, University of HawaiiTable of Contents1. Observations Related to Plate Tectonics; 2. Fourier Transform Methods in Geophysics; 3. Plate Kinematics; 4. Marine Magnetic Anomalies; 5. Cooling of the Oceanic Lithosphere; 6. A Brief Review of Elasticity; 7. Crustal Structure, Isostasy, Swell Push Force, and Rheology; 8. Flexure of the Lithosphere; 9. Flexure Examples; 10. Elastic Solutions for Strike-Slip Faulting; 11. Heat Flow Paradox; 12. The Gravity Field of the Earth, Part I; 13. Reference Earth Model: WGS84; 14. Laplace's Equation in Spherical Coordinates; 15. Laplace's Equation in Cartesian Coordinates and Satellite Altimetry; 16. Poisson's Equation in Cartesian Coordinates; 17. Gravity/Topography Transfer Function and Isostatic Geoid Anomalies; 18. Postglacial Rebound; 19. Driving Forces of Plate Tectonics; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis concise, accessible, market-leading textbook brings together the wide-ranging fundamentals students need to understand rocks and minerals, and shows them how they relate to the broader Earth, materials and environmental sciences. Designed specifically for one-semester courses, it is beautifully illustrated to explain the key concepts in mineralogy and petrology. This edition has been fully updated based on classroom experience, and new features include a completely new chapter providing an elementary introduction to thermodynamics, kinetics, radioactive decay and absolute dating; new mineral descriptions and many new stunning color photographs; and a new section on hydraulic fracturing and discussion of some of its most serious potential environmental consequences. The book uses stunning photos of mineral specimens and rock thin sections to help students build a core understanding. It also creates a highly effective learning experience through close integration of clear illustratiTrade Review'Earth Materials is a magnificent textbook that illustrates in a wonderful way how petrology and mineralogy relate to our planet Earth, its formation and modification by igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes. Outstanding photographs and detailed thin section images are neatly combined with clear illustrations, fostering the link between observations and fundamental theoretical principles. A new section in the second edition about thermodynamics and kinetics nicely complements the thorough coverage of key concepts in petrology and mineralogy. The available online resources are an essential aid for teaching, and students will benefit from the review questions at the end of each chapter. Earth Materials is simply a great textbook, which I can highly recommend.' Ralf Halama, Keele University'Earth Materials captures the fundamentals of mineralogy and petrology in a one-semester text in a surprisingly thorough and direct way. This book can be successfully used for both one-semester courses and two-semester sequences. My students appreciate the clear, color images, and I appreciate the depth of information provided.' Christine M. Clark, Eastern Michigan University'There is an increasing trend to condense mineralogy and petrology into a one semester course, and Earth Materials - An Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology authored by Klein and Philpotts, provides the perfect textbook for such a course. It is extensive enough to supply fundamental information on mineralogy and petrology separately, while also seamlessly integrating these two subjects into a cohesive entity. Most impressive to me are the extensive colour figures and thin sections for most of the rock types.' Zhaohui (George) Li, University of Wisconsin'I have used this textbook in my undergraduate Earth Materials course since its publication in 2013, and the second edition adds important new elements, including a more comprehensive treatment of thermodynamics and phase equilibria. The components that made the first edition so welcome are still here: the integration of crystallography with sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic geology; the colorful images of atomic structures, minerals and geologic localities; and the consideration of the role that minerals play in our society. It is by far the best text for those of us who have to cover all the mineralogical and petrological bases in one semester.' Peter J. Heaney, Pennsylvania State University'I really like the way this book organizes the subjects of mineralogy and petrology to emphasize the connection between plate tectonics, mantle processes, mineral stability, and rock composition. Teaching with this organization clearly reinforces the big picture of geologic processes while digging into enough depth in each subject area to prepare students to tackle integrated geologic problems.' Alexis Sitchler, Colorado School of Mines'Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! A landmark text in the Earth Sciences for modern times! The color illustrations, figures and photographs of all things geologically important, accompanied by lucid text, will seductively attract young minds. The chapters covering wide-ranging topics are all relevant for 21st century students of Earth and material science. I can't think of a better text that is a 'must buy' for our undergraduates.' Asish R. Basu, University of Texas, Arlington'This latest edition includes a number of new topics …The authors discuss concepts such as heat, work, internal energy, enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy in a simple, intuitive fashion that most any reader can understand and appreciate … Phase diagrams show the stability fields of minerals in terms of temperature and pressure, and temperature and composition. Another addition to the book is a section on the use of hydraulic fracturing to extract shale oil and gas prospects and its implications on the environment. The authors treat this last topic in a fair and open manner, admitting the potential risks, but also acknowledging the benefits of having this technology to meet the world's energy needs.' The Leading EdgeTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Materials of the solid Earth; 3. How are minerals identified?; 4. Fundamentals of crystal structures; 5. Introduction to crystallography; 6. Minerals and rocks observed under the polarizing optical microscope; 7. Igneous rock-forming minerals; 8. The direction and rate of natural processes: an introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics; 9. How do igneous rocks form?; 10. Igneous rocks: their mode of occurrence, classification, and plate tectonic setting; 11. Sedimentary rock-forming minerals and materials; 12. Formation, transport, and lithification of sediment; 13. Sedimentary rock classification, occurrence, and plate tectonic significance; 14. Metamorphic rock-forming minerals; 15. Metamorphic rocks; 16. Some economic minerals, mainly from veins and pegmatites; 17. Some selected Earth materials resources; 18. Earth materials and human health.

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Book SynopsisAn up-to-date publication on geological field techniques on the market, this title covers the broad spectrum of tasks completed during geological field work. Geological Field Techniques shows how to make geological field observations and collect primary geological data rather than teaching model-driven data collection.Trade Review"It is highly informative, attractively designed and illustrated, reasonably priced and has its corners already rounded to survive in the rucksack. It deserves to be widely used." (Geological Magazine, February 2011) Table of ContentsPreface x Acknowledgements xi 1 Introduction 1 1.1 A selection of general books and reference material on geology 2 1.2 Books on geological field techniques 3 2 Field Equipment and Safety 4 2.1 Introduction 4 2.2 The hand lens and binoculars 5 2.3 The compass-clinometer 6 2.3.1 Orientation of a dipping plane 11 2.3.2 Orientation of a linear feature 16 2.3.3 Triangulation: Determining location using a compass 20 2.4 Global positioning systems and altimeters 25 2.5 Measuring distance and thickness 26 2.5.1 Standard thickness and distance measurements 26 2.5.2 Use of the Jacob staff to measure the thickness of inclined strata 27 2.6 Classification and colour charts 28 2.7 Hammer, chisels and other hardware 31 2.8 The hardcopy field notebook 33 2.9 The laptop, netbook or PDA as a notebook 34 2.10 Writing equipment, maps and relevant literature 35 2.10.1 Writing equipment 35 2.10.2 Maps and relevant literature 35 2.11 Comfort, field safety and field safety equipment 36 2.11.1 Clothes, backpack/rucksack and personal provisions 36 2.11.2 Field safety 36 2.11.3 Field safety equipment 39 2.12 Conservation, respect and obtaining permission 40 2.13 Further reading 41 3 Introduction to Field Observations at Different Scales 42 3.1 Introduction: What, where and how? 42 3.1.1 Defining the fieldwork objectives 42 3.1.2 Deciding where to do the fieldwork 43 3.1.3 Locating your position 45 3.2 Scale of observation, where to start and basic measurements 45 3.2.1 Regional context 45 3.2.2 Whole exposure 46 3.2.3 Hand specimens 49 3.3 Overview of possible data formats 51 4 The Field Notebook 53 4.1 Introduction: The purpose of field notes 53 4.2 Field notebook layout 54 4.2.1 Preliminary pages 54 4.2.2 Daily entries 54 4.2.3 General tips 56 4.3 Field sketches: A picture is worth a thousand words 57 4.3.1 General principles: Aims, space and tools 59 4.3.2 Sketches of exposures 63 4.3.3 Sketching metre- and centimetre-scale features 67 4.3.4 Sketch maps 68 4.4 Written notes: Recording data, ideas and interpretation 72 4.4.1 Notes recording data and observations 72 4.4.2 Notes recording interpretation, discussion and ideas 72 4.5 Correlation with other data sets and interpretations 77 5 Recording Palaeontological Information 79 5.1 Introduction: Fossils are smart particles 79 5.1.1 Why are fossils important? 79 5.1.2 Collecting fossil data 80 5.2 Fossil types and preservation 82 5.2.1 Body fossil classifi cation 82 5.2.2 Body fossil preservation 82 5.2.3 Trace fossils 85 5.2.4 Molecular fossils 87 5.3 Fossil distribution and where to fi nd them 87 5.3.1 Transported or life position? 88 5.4 Sampling strategies 90 5.4.1 Sampling for biostratigraphic or evolutionary studies 90 5.4.2 Sampling of bedding surfaces and palaeoecology 92 5.5 Estimating abundance 95 5.5.1 Presence/absence and qualitative abundance estimates 96 5.5.2 Quantitative measures of abundance 96 5.5.3 How many samples are required? 99 5.6 Summary 100 5.7 Further reading 101 6 Recording Features of Sedimentary Rocks and Constructing Graphic Logs 102 6.1 Introduction 102 6.2 Description, recognition and recording of sedimentary deposits and sedimentary structures 104 6.2.1 Recording sedimentary lithology 104 6.2.2 Recording sedimentary structures 109 6.3 Graphic logs 117 6.3.1 Conventions for graphic logs 119 6.3.2 Constructing a graphic log 121 6.4 Rocks in space: Reconstructing sedimentary environments and their diagnostic features 127 6.5 Using sedimentary rocks to interpret climate change and sea-level change 133 6.5.1 Climate change 134 6.5.2 Sequence stratigraphy and relative sea-level change 134 6.6 Further reading 137 7 Recording Features of Igneous Rocks 139 7.1 Equipment, basic tips and safety 139 7.2 Field relationships of igneous rocks 140 7.2.1 Relationships with surrounding rocks 140 7.2.2 Internal architecture: Joints and veins 144 7.2.3 Internal architecture: Other exposure-scale fabrics 146 7.3 Mineralogy and small-scale textures of igneous rocks 154 7.3.1 Petrologic type 155 7.3.2 Mineral texture and fabric 155 7.4 Recent and active volcanoes 159 7.4.1 Equipment and safety 159 7.4.2 Access 160 7.4.3 Observations 160 7.5 Further reading 161 8 Recording Structural Information 163 8.1 Equipment and measurement 164 8.1.1 Structural measurements and notations 164 8.2 Brittle structures: Faults, joints and veins 165 8.2.1 Planar brittle features – orientation 165 8.2.2 Determining past motion on brittle structures 170 8.3 Ductile structures: Shear zones, foliations and folds 176 8.3.1 Orientation of ductile planar features 176 8.3.2 Direction of shear/stretching: Stretching lineations 180 8.3.3 Sense of shear: Kinematic indicators 182 8.3.4 Magnitude of shear strain 185 8.3.5 Fold analysis 185 8.4 Further reading 191 9 Recording Features of Metamorphic Rocks 192 9.1 Basic skills and equipment for metamorphic fieldwork 192 9.1.1 Field relations and context 192 9.2 Textures 194 9.2.1 Banding 194 9.2.2 Grain textures 196 9.2.3 Reaction textures 197 9.3 Mineralogy 198 9.3.1 Identifying common metamorphic minerals 198 9.3.2 Using mineral assemblages 198 9.3.3 Classification of metamorphic rocks 200 9.4 Unravelling metamorphism and deformation 201 9.4.1 Pre-kinematic features 202 9.4.2 Syn-kinematic features 202 9.4.3 Post-kinematic features 203 9.5 Further reading 205 10 Making A Geological Map 206 10.1 Principles and aims 206 10.2 Preparation and materials 207 10.2.1 Base maps and other aids 207 10.2.2 Equipment for mapping 212 10.3 Location, location, location 214 10.3.1 Equipment 214 10.3.2 Using base maps 214 10.4 Making a field map 216 10.4.1 Information to record on field maps 216 10.4.2 The evolving map 218 10.4.3 Sketch cross-sections 221 10.5 Mapping techniques 222 10.5.1 Traverse mapping 223 10.5.2 Contact mapping 225 10.5.3 Exposure mapping 226 10.5.4 Using other evidence 228 10.6 The geological map 233 10.6.1 Inking in the field map 233 10.6.2 Cross-sections 235 10.6.3 Fair copy maps 235 10.6.4 Digital maps and GIS 239 10.7 Further reading 240 11 Recording Numerical Data and Use of Instruments In The Field 241 11.1 Data collection 241 11.1.1 Instrument calibration and base stations 244 11.1.2 Survey grids 244 11.2 Transport and protection of the instruments 245 11.3 Correlation with other data sets 245 11.4 Further reading 246 12 Photography 247 13 Sampling 250 13.1 Selecting and labelling samples 250 13.1.1 Samples for thin-sections 251 13.1.2 Orientated samples 251 13.1.3 Samples for geochemical analysis 253 13.1.4 Samples for mineral extraction 253 13.1.5 Samples for fossils 253 13.1.6 Sampling for regional studies 254 13.1.7 High-resolution sample sets 254 13.1.8 Labelling samples and their packaging 255 13.2 Practical advice 256 13.2.1 Packing and marking materials 256 13.2.2 Extraction of samples 257 14 Concluding Remarks 259 14.1 Further reading on scientific report writing 260 References 261 Appendix A1: General 263 Appendix A5: Fossils 265 Appendix A6: Sedimentary 273 Appendix A7: Igneous 293 Appendix A8: Structural 296 Appendix A9: Metamorphic 302 Appendix A10: Mapping 306 Index 310

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Book SynopsisWritten by Dr David Rothery, a volcanologist, geologist, planetary scientist and Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: A Complete Introduction is designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. It covers the key areas that students are expected to be confident in, outlining the basics in clear English and providing added-value features like a glossary of essential terms and even examples of questions you might be asked in your seminar or exam.The book uses a structure chosen to cover the essentials of most university courses, with an introduction on how the Earth moves, followed by separate sections on volcanoes (including eruptions, types of volcano, volcanic hazards, volcanoes and climate, monitoring volcanoes, predicting eruptions and living with volcanoes), earthquakes (including faults, measurement, seismic monitoring, prediction, prevention and preparedness) and tsunamis.

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Book SynopsisA beautiful memoir, travelogue and meditation on stone by artist and stone mason Beatrice Searle.'Extraordinary' Guardian‘A magnificent book’ Alex Woodcock‘Exceptional’ Kerri Andrews‘Luminous’ SpectatorAt the age of twenty-six, artist and Cathedral stonemason Beatrice Searle crossed the North Sea and walked 500 miles along a medieval pilgrim path through Southern Norway, taking with her a 40-kilogram Orcadian stone.Fascinated with the mysterious footprint stones of Northern Europe and the ancient Greco-Roman world, stones closely associated with travellers, saints and the inauguration of Kings, she follows in their footsteps as her stone becomes a talisman, a bedrock and an offering to those she meets along the way.Stone Will Answer is an unusual adventure story of journeys practical, spiritual and geological, of weight and motion, and an insight into a beguiling craft.Trade ReviewExtraordinary... Confessional, elemental and at times moving, this is a memorable and unique celebration of the power and beauty of stone. * Guardian *Searle is an excellent storyteller... [and Stone Will Answer] make[s] for gripping reading... it's the human spirit that emerges triumphant in this sparky blend of memoir and travelogue... Above all, this is the story of a young woman's astonishing feat of endurance * Herald *A gifted writer, capable of luminous description * Spectator *Subtle and thought-provoking * TLS *Illuminating... I was quickly taken in by Beatrice Searle's distinctive voice, and by the end I couldn't help but feel very differently about stones, rootedness, belonging, and indeed what walking might mean. Beatrice's story is exceptional, and she is an exceptional story teller. -- Kerri Andrews, author of Wandering: A History of Women WalkingA magnificent book. Written with the eye of a poet and the heart of an artist, Stone Will Answer is both a moving account of an unconventional journey and a testament to the power of stone in finding anchorage in an uncertain world -- Alex Woodcock, author of King of DustA story of dedication and tenacity that is deeply moving and utterly captivating. Stone Will Answer is a truly remarkable book, a beautifully crafted tale of an artist's extraordinary journey. Searle seamlessly contemplates the meaning of craft, ancient myths, the mutability of stone and the transformations within her own life. Its rare to read a story of such artistic integrity. I felt bereft when I finished but also buoyed by a new found fascination with stone and all its many meanings. -- Sally Huband, author of Sea BeanAn astonishing mission with huge integrity in the telling. -- Linda Cracknell, author of Writing LandscapeA story of determination and soul-searching... Compellingly narrated, entertaining and thought-provoking... treat yourself to a copy of this book and enjoy the journey * Natural Stone Specialist *A moving testimony to the power of art, of finding the extraordinary in the everyday and acting upon your instinct. To walk with Searle in its pages is to experience stone within a new light... as a part-knowable, ever-shifting medium in the process of slow but perpetual change, one long work-in-progress. -- Alex Woodcock * Caught by the River *

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Book SynopsisAn ancient and long-extinct volcano lies at the heart of Scotland's capital. It roared into life some 350 million years ago and has been a source of fascination since it was first studied in earnest during the Enlightenment by James Hutton, one of the most significant geologists of all time. Many of Hutton's ground-breaking ideas of how the world works were predicated on the rocks and landscapes of his home city and surrounding area. This book is a fascinating exploration into Edinburgh's geological history over millions of years - including the passage of ice during a great freeze that has left an indelible stamp on Edinburgh's cityscape, the use rocks quarried locally from ancient, now long disappeared seas to create the stunning elegance of Edinburgh's New Town, and the coal deposits and oil shale which were exploited from the Industrial Revolution to the present day.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisThe Small Isles comprise the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. The landscapes, rocks and fossils of these beautiful, remote islands tells of a drama involving erupting volcanoes, an ancient ecosystem that included dinosaurs and an ancient desert landscape. The geological history stretches back 3 billion years to the earliest events recorded on Earth. All four islands owe their origin to a group of three adjacent volcanoes that were active around 60 million years ago. Rum is the eroded remains of the magma chamber of one of these volcanoes. Eigg and Muck are part of the lava field that extends north from the Mull volcano and Canna lies towards the southern extent of the lavas that flowed from the Skye volcano. The final event that left a mark on these islands was the Ice Age that started around 2.4 million years ago. Its effect on the landscape was profound. The thick cover of erosive ice shaped the contours of the land into the hills and glens that we are familiar with today.Trade Review'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland' * West Highland Free Press *‘Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change' * Dundee Courier *

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Book SynopsisThe six hundred miles between the northernmost Shetland island and the Mull of Galloway in the South of Scotland contain some of the most interesting geology and most varied landscapes in Europe. This variety was the inspiration for a tradition of geological investigation that stretches back to the earliest earth scientists. The origins of the Scotland that we know today lie in five quite distinct geological histories.The Geology and landscapes of Scotland takes the reader on a tour of each of these regions in turn, starting with the Northwest Highlands and Outer Hebrides, which contain some of the oldest rocks on Earth, through the mountain terrains of the Highlands and Uplands to the Lowlands and then the fringes of the North Sea. A section describes the volcanic provinces of Scotland; another deals with the effects of the Ice Ages while a final section looks at Scotland's natural resources.Of equal appeal to the professional geologist seeking a broad overview of a much-studied terrain and a resource for the resident, visitor, walker, climber or angler who wants to understand the origins of the landforms they observe, Geology and landscapes of Scotland has proved itself as a reliable guide. In this thoroughly revised edition the many illustrations are presented in colour.Trade Review'Geology and landscapes of Scotland by Con Gillen is an excellent overview of the geology of Scotland. We are delighted to see the 2nd edition published by Dunedin, updated in a larger size with full colour photos.' http://www.scottishgeology.com'the book is a reasonably comprehensive and generally excellent account of Scotland’s geodiversity, explaining and promoting both its rich geology and varied scenery and landforms. It is written for and should appeal to a wide audience and, given my previous ignorance of the modern interpretation of the Hebridean Volcanoes (Chapter 7), is easily readable and enjoyable. This is probably not surprising since the author has led or taken part in many field trips across Scotland and the surrounding islands capturing the essence of these in photographs. Much of his career has been focussed on introducing geology to those with little knowledge of the subject. In this book he uses his experiences in life-long-learning and educating tourist guides to show why Scottish landscapes are what they are and why they are so much loved by us residents and our visitors alike. His narrative also makes the reader aware of the historical beginnings of the science of geology in the late 18th century with James Hutton, and other later historic figures such as Ben Peach and John Horne. It also shows how Scotland’s geodiversity continues to be at the heart of modern research as it spreads from the detail contained in the basic topics of geology, geomorphology etc. into the modern cross-discipline (environmental) themes relating to climate change, changing sea levels and the low carbon economy. I have no hesitation in recommending a trip to the bookshop for this one…' The Edinburgh GeologistTable of ContentsPrefaces and acknowledgements. 1 Geology, the science of the Earth; 2 Geological regions of Scotland; 3 Scotland's oldest rocks - the far northwest; 4 The Caledonian Mountains; 5 Lowland Scotland: after the mountains; 6 The North Sea and the Inner Hebrides; 7 Hebridean volcanoes; 8 Ice Age Scotland; 9 Natural resources, people and landscape. Appendix. Glossary of technical terms. Gaelic terms. Bibliography. Index of place names. General Index.

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Book SynopsisThis guide is for those who wish to understand the interplay between rocks and scenery in a truly classic geology in Europe. Nowhere else in Britain is this link to be more clearly observed. Key geological localities that make the Scottish Highlands a unique region for the study of geology are linked together geographically in a series of journeys. The Western Highlands contain some of the oldest rocks in Europe in a landscape formed more than a billion years ago that has re-emerged from the depths. Geologists have been examining these rocks since the early nineteenth century and, in spite of intense research in this tiny fraction of the Earth's surface, major controversies still surround some of the rock formations. Many fundamentally important concepts in geology were first developed here and then applied elsewhere around the world. The region is an outstanding natural laboratory for the study of mountain building and folding, including the discovery that thick sequences of rocks have been turned completely upside down, and pushed sideways for over 100 kilometres. Representatives of all the major rocks types are found here, and their ages span three-quarters of geological time since the Earth began, some four and a half billion years ago. The journeys and localities are detailed in chapters: Tongue to Lochinver; Lochinver, Assynt, Ullapool; Ullapool to Gairloch; Gairloch to Kyle of Lochalsh; Kyle of Lochalsh, Glenelg, Mallaig, Cluanie, Glen Roy; Fort William, Loch Eil, Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Ardnamurchan, Strontian; Fort William, Ballachulish, Kentallen, Oban, Easdale, Kilmartin, Tayvallich and Kilmory; Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis, Ballachulish, Glencoe, Glen Etive, Glen Orchy and Loch Lomond. Excursions are easily accessible, along footpaths and the coast, with a few more challenging options, including Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.This is an ideal accompaniment for geologists and earth science students visiting the Western Highlands.Trade Review'The author has clearly spent a lifetime exploring and appreciating the geology of the Western Highlands, and he has a lot to share with the reader. The diverse geology of the chosen area is explained in a concise introduction and he then embarks on eight road journeys in which he covers 96 sites of geological interest (some with several sub-sites). That is certainly ambitious, and at first glance the book looks a rather like a tourist guide, but it is much more than that. His style is fast-paced, factual and commendably clear, without unnecessary detail, and aimed squarely at readers with knowledge of geology. Where appropriate he makes useful references to other geological guides and papers which offer more details of specific areas or excursions... The book has much of interest for any geologist visiting the area, whether a visitor to Scotland or a ‘local’ such as myself. It encourages me to explore more of the geology, and I would certainly see, enjoy, and learn more about it by taking this book with me.' Highland Geological Society 'This book is a field trip between round-cornered covers (so it gets less dog-eared taking it in and out of your rucksack). It covers the whole of western Scotland, excluding the Isles (inner and outer — planned as another volume in the series). The text is readable, but technical. It is structured like a field trip progressing in each regional trip locality by locality. The book is meant to be a carried guide, a set of notes, if you like, but more than that, for Dr Gillen directs you, points out what you should look for explains what you see, explores, challenges and interprets the rocks, structures and formations…This is definitely not a book to read and put down, but rather a book to have constantly in hand as you walk the Scottish Highlands. I truly wish I had this book available years ago when I tramped and climbed in many of the regions it so ably describes.' Proceedings of the OUGTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. 1: Introduction; 2: Geological evolution of the Highlands; 3: Tongue to Lochinver; 4: Lochinver to Assynt; 5: Ullapool to Gairloch and Loch Maree; 6: Gairloch to Kyle of Lochalsh; 7: Kyle of Lochalsh, Glenelg and Glen Roy; 8: Fort William, Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Ardnamurchan, Strontian; 9: Fort William to Easdale, Kilmartin, Tayvallich and Kilmory; 10: Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis, Ballachulish, Glencoe to Loch Lomond. Selected references and further reading. Appendix. Glossary. Gaelic terms. Index.

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Book SynopsisGeological research does not flow steadily onwards by means of small incremental advances but can be better understood as a series of significant discoveries or changes in interpretation that transformed the way we understand the Earth. Each of these changes or new ideas encouraged a burst of activity as researchers attempted to apply them more widely in order to test their universality, and thereby their validity as a scientific theory. Probably the best example of such a transformative idea is Plate Tectonics, which, although questioned at the time it was introduced, is now universally accepted as a general principleA large number of the subsequent advances in geological understanding have been based upon this breakthrough. Each of the 12 chapters in this book represents a new idea or discovery, which is discussed in its historical context. In each case the salient features of these ideas are described, together with some biographical details of the individual scientists credited with them - but also mentioning others whose role in the generation of the idea is perhaps not so obvious. Of instant appeal to geologists and other earth scientists interested in how their science evolved over time by means of a number of revolutionary ideas, this book also serves as a paradigm for the history of science across many disciplines.Trade Review'This volume is a welcome history of major geological 'success stories', based on the solid, steady fieldwork and research of dedicated scientists through more than a hundred years. The book's dust jacket quotes James Hutton's "no vestige of a beginning - no prospect of an end." As geologists have come to realise, geological understanding comes both from slow, accumulative processes and from periodic and arbitrary catastrophic occurrences that drive the shaping of the Earth. Prof. Graham Park's text relates how geological research does not necessarily flow steadily onwards in small incremental advances, but both by accumulated, hard-won evidence punctuated by a series of significant discoveries - in facts and in realisations - and of interpretations... As an archaeologist, historian and keen student of the history of science, this book will take a prominent place among my stratified bookshelf foresets and bedforms. At GBP24.99 for the hardback it's worth every penny.' Proceedings of the OUGS'Impressively informed and informative, expertly organized and presented, enhanced for academia with the inclusion of numerous illustrations, a sixteen page Glossary, an eight page listing of References, and an eight page Index, "Breakthroughs in Geology: Ideas That Transformed Earth Science" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and university library Earth Science & Geology collections and supplemental studies lists.' Midwest Book Review 'What does impress me a whole lot about this book is the clarity of the writing - it is concise, easy to read and generous in spirit seeking to see that all those who put their shoulders to the wheel get their due recognition. There are also nice little asides that give us an insight into the characters involved and the events that shaped them - be it the war service of Derek Flinn or the agricultural background of James Hutton. The book also represents a really good way to get a basic understanding of a whole range of key concepts and processes in the Earth Sciences. As a result I can see this as a text that in the UK would be really useful for undergraduates at a First Year level - and also those interested in understanding how Geology differs in its rationale from many other physical sciences. Central to this is the fundamental importance of the geological record and the need to develop a historical approach in addition to the more traditional causal scientific method. The volume shares much in common with the author's other text books: it is well illustrated (in colour), succinctly and engagingly written and should be understandable to the reasonably well-informed layperson. It also comes with an extensive glossary of technical terms and a nice collection of key references for each chapter. Retailing at about 25 pounds (35 dollars), it is in my opinion very good value and should be an essential purchase for any university library. But I would recommend it also to the general reader - if you wanted to find one book that concisely summarises and illustrates why the Earth Sciences is so diverse, eternally fascinating and downright bloody wonderful, this is it. I congratulate the author on a job well done.' Proceedings of the Geologists' AssociationTable of ContentsSourced illustrations. Preface. Acknowledgements. 1) Uniformitarianism: the first breakthrough; 2) Evolution and the Origin of Species; 3) Continental drift. 4) Mantle convection: a mechanism for continental drift? 5) Deformation ellipsoid to ductile shear zone; 6) Plate tectonics; 7) Ophiolites: clues to the ocean crust and mantle; 8) Fault system kinematics; 9) Back-arc basins and trench roll-back; 10) Hot-spots and mantle plumes; 11) Sequence stratigraphy; 12) Gravity spreading. Appendix. Glossary. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe diversity of Scotland's mountains is remarkable, encompassing the isolated summits of the far northwest, the serrated ridges of Skye, the tor-studded high plateau of the Cairngorms and the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands. Born on ancient continents and uplifted by tectonic forces, the mountains of Scotland have been sculpted by successive ice sheets, landslides, frost, wind and running water. This book explains the geological evolution of Scotland's mountains, and how this has produced an unparalleled variety of mountain forms. It outlines the effects of successive ice sheets on mountain scenery, and explains the dramatic changes in climate that terminated the Ice Age only 11,500 years ago. In non-technical terms it explains the effects of frost action in forming the rubble that mantles many mountain summits, and how such debris has slowly migrated downslope by freezing and thawing of the ground. The dramatic effects of deglaciation and earthquakes in triggering catastrophic landslides and downslope displacement of entire mountainsides are described, along with accounts of more recent events involving the rapid downslope flow of saturated debris. The book also outlines how Scottish mountains experience frequent gale-force winds, and their impact of wind in scouring plateaus and depositing expanses of windblown sand on lee slopes. The role of floods in eroding upland terrain and depositing floodplains, terraces and fans of sediment is described in the context of possible human influence on river regime through forest clearance.Written in clear, non-technical language and abundantly illustrated, this book is designed to provide an essential guide to landforms for all those who walk, climb, live and work in the mountains of Scotland.Trade Review'This is much, much more than a book about Scotland’s diverse mountains, it’s staggering range of rock types of differing ages and the many processes operating here through deep time, many millions of years ago, through ice ages to today’s weathering, erosion and deposition. The book as a whole tells a very coherent, detailed story of the development of the mountain landscapes we observe today and how these landscapes may look in the future. It is not a book of published scientific papers, equations and technical academic jargon, nor does the author shy away from all of those, but hits the middle ground, and the book is immensely readable and wonderfully illustrated… I found Colin Ballantyne’s book to be very accessible and, although I read it cover to cover, it is also one to easily dip into. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in mountains, from the walker and budding geologist through to those who study the mountains of Scotland.' Proceedings of the OUGS'The book is well illustrated throughout with the explanatory figures clearly presented and hopefully understandable by most. The number of such figures sets it clearly apart from a coffee table book. There are copious and excellent photographs throughout which are for the most-part presented at the size more familiar to readers of academic texts, i.e. there are few full page photographs. I think this book will provide a welcome resource for many who venture into the Scottish mountains on foot, on bikes, in their cars, on coaches or on the train, as many mountain landscapes can be seen from the vantage points of road and rail. There is an index of locations, and one for the mountains and hills, and these are likely to become well-thumbed pages by readers in search of an explanation for some part of the landscape which they have just observed. Colin’s academic background is finally revealed by a short section which provides references to ‘Further reading’ for those who are interested in delving deeper. I stated that Colin had set himself a daunting challenge with his aim for this book and I think he has achieved this, in as far as it is possible to do so. It provides an accessible explanation to the relevant solid earth and surface processes, however, the more complex and nuanced explanations, may be more challenging for some. If you have experienced the Scottish mountains and found yourself, at some point, wondering “why does it look like that” or “what is that mound” or “what is that hollow”, then this book may well provide an answer for you. I found it a very enjoyable read and I am sure that so will very many others.' Scottish Geographical Journal'As a hillwalker who has tramped Scotland's mountain landscape regularly for over 30 years and spent countless days surrounded by and wandering through the diverse and contrasting upland areas of this country it has been a pleasure to sit down with this book and review these past adventures in a new light. Most of us who head to the hills frequently have to contrast our delight at being immersed in our favourite highland landscapes with very scant knowledge of how the individual characters of these mountain areas were formed. Typically, we will of course be aware to some extent of the volcanic origin of some of our favourite haunts, the impact of glaciers on the topography and the effect of erosion on our mountain ranges. Ballantyne s book though takes these grains of knowledge and expands them with a very thorough and exceptionally well researched record of the formation and evolution of the landscape which forms our playgrounds. This reader's previous efforts to explore Scotland s geological past have floundered on other authors overly scientific and dry presentation. Ballantyne's book contains plenty of science and technical information, but it is written in an easier to read style that is very palatable to the non-expert. The book contains fascinating insights into many mountain areas that have been frequently visited in the past, but which will be looked on with fresh eyes the next time round. There are plenty illustrations and photographs highlighting the descriptive text and putting the research into context. This book would make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys walking the Scottish hills or who is simply fascinated by this rich landscape of ours.' Norrie Shand Secretary, The 45 Degrees Mountaineering Club'Scotland’s Mountain Landscapes: A Geomorphological Perspective provides a highly engaging and technically comprehensive guide to the development of Scotland’s upland terrain. The book is presented largely as a journey through time, starting with the formation and tectonic movement of the rocks that form the present-day Scottish landmass, to subsequent shaping of this terrain by weathering, glacial, periglacial, fluvial and slope processes. The book aims to find the middle ground between the academic literature, full of technical jargon, and more popular accounts that are often lacking in scientific detail. To enable the reader to navigate through the specialist terminology that is required to achieve any level of detailed explanation, each chapter begins by systematically outlining the key terms and concepts required to understand the richly detailed, Scotland-specific, remainder of the chapter. The overall result is an excellent account of the evolution of Scotland’s mountain landscapes. Colour diagrams and some impressive photographs throughout provide a powerful visual accompaniment to the detailed descriptions and process explanations, although in places I wish that features of interest within photographs had been directly labelled or highlighted. The book will be enjoyed by academics, students and non-specialists alike; anyone with an interest in the rich geomorphological history of the Scottish uplands… The major strength of the book lies in its ability to synthesise the vast body of literature associated with the evolution of Scotland’s landscapes into a manageable account, without scrimping on detail. This is no easy feat given the range of disciplines (geology, geochronology, glaciology, various strands of geomorphology, etc.) that the book draws upon, and the many complex debates on landform or geochronological interpretation within each subject area or locality. In general, the book manages to delicately navigate any contentious landform-process interpretations, and a range of potential explanations is often included. Non-specialists who just want to dip into the book may struggle as the text often relies on knowledge gained in a previous chapter. However, those who read the book from start to finish will be well rewarded with a comprehensive and fascinating account of the geological and geomorphological history of Scotland’s mountain landscapes. Overall, the book was a pleasure to read, providing a great overview with something for readers of all specialisms and backgrounds.' The HoloceneTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. 1:Introduction, The land of the mountain and the flood ; 2:The geological evolution of Scotland; 3: Rocks, relief and the preglacial landscape ; 4:The Ice Age in Scotland; 5: Glacial landforms; 5: Periglacial landforms; 6: Landslides and related features; 7: Aeolian landforms; 8: Fluvial landforms; 9: Key sites. Further reading. Index of locations in Scotland. Index of Scottish mountains and hills. General Index.

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Book SynopsisA concise and authoritative field guide to an exceptional natural laboratory, this title in the Classic Geology in Europe series is an essential companion for those visiting Iceland to observe the Earth in action. Rifting of the crust, volcanic eruptions and glacial activity are among a host of processes and features to be observed in this fascinating land. Nowhere else on Earth is the volcanic and tectonic architecture of seafloor rifts better exposed. Large icecaps and extensive river systems grind down the volcanic pile at rapid rates, dispersing and forming thick sequences of sediments. These formations are further modified by the pounding waves of the North Atlantic causing intriguing landforms that exhibit an intricate balance between the construction and erosion of land. Iceland is the only part of the North Atlantic Large Igneous Province that is still active and the only place on Earth where the construction of such provinces can be observed directly. As such, it is a window into the formation of proto-continents early in the Earth’s history. For the past seven million years Iceland has been situated at the boundary of major air and ocean masses and has consequently been exposed to extreme climate changes. The effects of the climate on the rock-forming processes are clearly illustrated by diverse sedimentary and volcanic successions and by the wide range of volcanic landforms formed in sub-aqueous to sub-aerial environments; each succession reflecting the characteristics of internal and external processes.Icelandic culture cannot be fully comprehended without understanding its geology. Thus the book will interest not only student, amateur and professional geologists but also others attracted by the natural environment and seeking a deeper understanding of what makes Iceland the unique place that it is.Trade ReviewThis edition includes a new section describing the 2014–15 eruption at Holuhraun, and publication was delayed from March 2021 to include a brief addendum on the Fagradalsfjall eruption at the Reykjanes Peninsula.The first chapter gives a comprehensive and succinct overview of the geology of Iceland in its unique tectonic and hot spot setting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The chapter describes the geological framework of Iceland’s volcanic zones and belts, the volcanism and its products, volcanic architecture, as well as the products of glacial activity, sedimentary processes and the stratigraphical succession of 18 million years of geological history…I saw no mention of a translator and I am totally in awe of the authors who can write so lucidly in what I assume is for them, a foreign language. I enjoyed reading the book and am inspired to get on a plane and go visit these places again, Classic Geology in Europe: Iceland in hand.Proceedings of the OUGSTable of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgements. Introduction. Travel in Iceland. Pronunciation. The geology of Iceland. Introduction: Geological setting: a global perspective; Geological framework; Volcanism; Tertiary, Quaternary, Holocene. The southwest: General overview; Greater Reykjavík; Reykjanes–Grindavík–Kleifarvatn. The south: General overview; Þingvellir–Geysir–Gullfoss; Hreppar–Þjórsárdalur–Hekla. Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands): General overview; Heimaey; The 1963–7 Surtsey eruption. The central south: General overview; Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalur; The Fire Districts. The southeast and east: General overview; Suðursveit–Lón–Álftafjörðu; The eastern fjords. The northeast: General overview: Jökulsá–Tjörnes; Krafla–Mývatn. The north and northwest: General overview; Fnjóskadalur to Skagi. The west: Snæfellsnes–Borgarfjörður – volcanic zones and rift jumps. The Highlands: General considerations; Askja–Kverkfjöll; Landmannalaugar–Veiðivötn. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. GPS coordinates.

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Book SynopsisThe exploration and extraction of the earth's resources are key issues in global industrial development. In the 21st century, emphasis has increasingly being placed on geo-engineering safety, engineering accountability and sustainability. With focus on rock engineering projects, Structural Geology and Rock Engineering uses case studies and an integrated engineering approach to provide an understanding of projects constructed on or in rock masses. Based on Professors Cosgrove and Hudson's university teaching at Imperial College London, as well as relevant short course presentations, it explains the processes required for engineering modelling, design and construction.The first half of the book provides step-by-step presentations of the principles of structural geology and rock mechanics with special emphasis on the integration between the two subjects. The second half of the book turns principles into practice. A wealth of practical engineering examples are presented, including evaluations of bridge foundations, quarries, dams, opencast coal mining, underground rock engineering, historical monuments and stone buildings.This up-to-date, well-illustrated guide is ideal for teachers, researchers and engineers interested in the study and practice of rock-based projects in engineering.

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Book SynopsisGeology was St David''s doctor Henry Hicks'' huge passion. Author of many articles, he made a major contribution to 19th century geological study and, despite having no formal training in the subject, was eventually elected president of both the Geologists'' Association and the Geological Society.

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Book SynopsisNo such area in Britain, or perhaps the world, displays such a variety of rock types in such a small area. Shropshire was visited by some of the great pioneers of geology and many fundamental terms and principles of geology are based on the county’s geology. This book explains the geological history of Shropshire, a story based on Shropshire’s incredible journey, lasting 500 million years, from the Antarctic Circle through the Tropics and across the equator to our present latitudes, a distance of 12,000km. This journey, often near to plate boundaries, has resulted in Shropshire displaying rocks of ten of the twelve recognized geological periods of time.

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