Historical geology and palaeogeology Books

Book SynopsisThe perfect stocking filler for beach lovers. A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures – pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles. Pebble spotting is one of life’s simple joys. There’s nothing quite like searching the rocks on a beach until that special one catches your eye – a perfect shape, a gorgeous colour, an intriguing pattern. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought… Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home. This book contains entries on 40 different types of pebble, complete with detailed facts about the composite rock’s structure and where to find them, with examples including: Flint Feldspar veins Spotted slates Serpentinite Granite ovoids The rare rhomb porphyry – the holy grail of pebble hunting The book includes a space to ruminate on your own findings, taking note of the treasures that you pick up along the way and discovering the secrets of the stones beneath your feet. The Pebble Spotter’s Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn’t know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThoroughly revised and expanded from the 2012 edition (twice the number of pages, almost double the number of illustrations) this book pays tribute to the man and his diverse works and achievements. James Hutton (1726-1797) was one of the first environmentalists, a man ahead of his time. He developed a grand theory of the Earth in which he tried to make sense of a lifetime of observation and deduction about the way in which our planet functions. For example, he connected temperature with latitude. His measurements, with rudimentary thermometers, of temperature changes between the base and summit of Arthur’s Seat, were remarkably accurate and he studied climate data from other parts of the world. A leading figure in the eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment, he was also an innovative farmer, successful entrepreneur and a man with endless intellectual curiosity. The year 2026 will be the tercentenary of his birth. There will be many special events leading up to and in that year organised by The James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s premier environmental and agricultural research organisation.Trade Review' … For anyone interested in the history and personalities of the Scottish Enlightenment, McKirdy's book must be essential reading, and will gently initiate those readers into the glories of Scottish geology. The book is equally valuable as a contribution to the history of science more generally. Even for those who think they know all about Hutton and his works, I guarantee a few surprises … ' Scottish Journal of Geology 'James Hutton was one of the first environmentalists ... ' Arran Banner Table of ContentsDedication Forewords Introduction 1. Hutton's early life and studies 2. Hutton the traveller 3. Hutton the farmer 4. Permanent return to Edinburgh 5. Hutton and the Scottish Enlightenment 6. Theory of the Earth 7. Trial of Hutton's Theory of the Earth by fieldwork 8. Hutton's final years 9. Hutton's legacy 10. Places to visit Further reading and watching Acknowledgements and image credits Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe paperback of the Sunday Times bestseller that reveals how the earth became the shape it is today. This book will change the way you see the world permanently.The face of the earth, criss-crossed by chains of mountains like the scars of old wounds, has changed constantly over billions of years. Its shape records a remote past of earthquakes, volcanos and continental drift, and the ongoing subtle shifts that bring our planet alive.Richard Fortey introduces us to the earth's distinct character, revealing the life that it leads when humans aren't watching. He follows the continual movement of seabeds, valleys, mountain ranges and ice caps and shows how everything our culture, natural history, even the formation of our cities has its roots in geology. In Richard Fortey's hands, geology becomes vital and exhilarating and unmistakably informs our lives in the most intimate way.Trade ReviewPraise for ‘The Earth’: ‘A dazzling achievement. Richard Fortey is without peer among science writers.’ Bill Bryson ‘Books with a title this ambitious generally do not live up to their billing. This one does.’ New Scientist ‘“The Earth” is a true delight: full of awe-inspiring details…it blends travel, history, reportage and science to create an unforgettable picture of our ancient earth.’ Sunday Times ‘Read this book because it is, indeed, the best natural history of the first four billion years of life on earth.’ John Gribbin, Sunday Times Praise for ‘The Hidden Landscape’: ‘Don’t drop dead until you have read “The Hidden Landscape”.’ Jonathan Keates, Observer Praise for ‘Life: An unauthorised Biography’: ‘This is not a book for people who like science books. It is a book for people who love books, and life…[Fortey] has written a wonderful book.’ Tim Radford, Guardian

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisLaurence Mitchell uncovers the stories that flint has to tell us in this celebratory journey through the natural and cultural history of the stone. The East of England is characterised by the flint that makes up its world-famous architecture, beaches and landscape. The stone is so ubiquitous, in fact, that it can be easy to overlook how remarkable it is. Here, long time Norfolk resident Laurence Mitchell uncovers its extraordinary history and significance for East Anglia and beyond. Flint Country takes us on a tour around the flint regions of England, documenting how flint was formed, what we can learn from fossil records, and how flint has been used through millennia: from our prehistoric ancestors, to the Romans building roads and forts, and through to the present day. Whether it is thanks to the seismic geological events that have shaped our landscape, the stone we rely on for our homes, or simply the joy of picking up pebbles on the beach, this book shows how flint continues to be a touchstone in our lives.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the key works in the nineteenth-century battle between science and ScriptureCharles Lyell's Principles of Geology (1830-33) sought to explain the geological state of the modern Earth by considering the long-term effects of observable natural phenomena. Written with clarity and a dazzling intellectual passion, it is both a seminal work of modern geology and a compelling precursor to Darwinism, exploring the evidence for radical changes in climate and geography across the ages and speculating on the progressive development of life. A profound influence on Darwin, Principles of Geology also captured the imagination of contemporaries such as Melville, Emerson, Tennyson and George Eliot, transforming science with its depiction of the powerful forces that shape the natural world.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics Table of ContentsEdited with an Introduction by James A. SecordNumbers in italics refer to chapters included only as summaries or in brief extractsList of IllustrationsIntroductionFurther ReadingA Note on This EditionVolume I (1830)1: Objects and Nature of Geology2-4: Historical Sketch of the Progress of Geology5: Theoretical Errors which have Retarded the Progress of Geology6: Assumed Discordance of the Ancient and Existing Causes of Change Controverted - Climate7: Climate, continued8: Climate, continued9. Theory of the Progressive Development of Organic Life10-17: Aqueous Causes18-22: Igneous Causes23-24: Earthquakes and their Effects25: Earthquakes, continued - Temple of Serapis26. Causes of Earthquakes and VolcanosVolume II (1832)1: Changes of the Organic World - Reality of Species2: Theory of the Transmutation of Species Untenable3: Limits of the Variability of Species4: Hybrids5-7: Geographical Distribution of Species8: Changes in the Animate World, which Tend to the Extinction of Species9: Changes in the Animate World, which Tend to the Extinction of Species, continued10: Changes in the Inorganic World, Tending to the Extinction of Species11: Whether the Extinction and Creation of Species Can Now be in Progress12: Modifications in Physical Geography Caused by Plants, the Inferior Animals, and Man13-16, 17: How the Remains of Man and his Works are becoming Fossil beneath the Waters18: Corals and Coral ReefsVolume III (1833)1: Methods of Theorizing in Geology2: General Arrangement of the Materials Composing the Earth's Crust3: Different Circumstances under which the Secondary and Tertiary Formations may have Originated4: Determination of the Relative Ages of Rocks5: Classification of Tertiary Formations in Chronological Order6-7: Newer Pliocene Formations - Sicily8: Rocks of the Same Age in Etna9: Origin of the Newer Pliocene Strata of Sicily10-26: Former Changes of the Earth's SurfaceConcluding RemarksGlossaryNotesBibliography of ReviewsIndex>

Read more less

Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Highland Book Prize 2019 The rocks of northern Scotland tell of turbulent events involving continental collisions that unleashed cataclysmic forces, creating a chain of mountains, the remnants of which we see today on both sides of the Atlantic. Geologists from Victorian times onwards have studied the area, and some of the most important geological phenomena have been established and described from the rocks that built these stunning landscapes. In this book, Alan McKirdy makes sense of the many and varied episodes that shaped the familiar landscape we see today. He highlights a number of fascinating geological features, including the Old Red Sandstones of Cromarty and the Black Isle, which carry the secrets of life during ‘the Age of Fishes’, and the thin sliver of fossil-bearing strata which hugs the coast from Golspie to beyond Helmsdale that dates back to Jurassic times and which records the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAll landscapes are built on rock: from hard stone for building with, to the softest clay or sand. Each piece of rock is a storehouse of prehistorical information; even a simple pebble from the garden has its own complex tale to tell. Geology is the great detective science that can unlock these secrets. In this entertaining and eye-opening book, the authors take a deep dive – quite literally – into their home county of Essex. We are all living in an ice age, an ongoing event that has hugely affected Essex over the last 3 million years. Yet this county was born more than 500 million years ago. Our story begins when the land we know as Essex was part of a large continent close to the South Pole, tracing the geological processes that continue to shape the countryside around us. The form of the land, boulders on village greens, road cuttings, cliffs, stones in church walls – they can all bring geology to light in unexpected and fascinating ways. Aimed at a general readership with no scientific background but equally appealing to the seasoned geologist, chapters progress from fundamentals to intricate details of geological investigations and cutting-edge research. Richly illustrated with photographs and colour diagrams, here the geology of a county is visualised and brought to life as never before, along with pertinent environmental insights in the light of climate change that is happening now.Trade ReviewI have one word left for this book 'brilliant'. -- Chris Darmon * Down to Earth *I was stunned by the quality of the photographs and diagrams which support the clear and lucid text...Ian and Ros Mercer take the reader on a fascinating journey encompassing Essex's geological history. -- Nicholas Pierpoint, Magazine of the Geologists' AssociationThe authors have done a great service to the naturalist community in producing enjoyable, readable text without sacrificing erudition...Essential for anyone with an interest in Essex and soft-rock landscapes, this book is also for the person who just thinks they might be interested. After a few minutes you surely will be. -- Dr Chris Gibson, British Naturalists AssociationI thoroughly recommend this book. It is one of the best I have reviewed in recent years. -- Jon Trevelyan, Deposits MagThis book is an exemplary treatment of the subject and is highly recommended. -- Mick Massie * The London Naturalist *Table of Contents1. Reconstructing Essex 2. The rocks of Essex 3. The deep history of Essex 4. The geological structure of Essex 5. The drowning of the island 6. Seashores and swamps 7. Palm trees and crocodiles 8. Giant sharks and shell banks 9. Ice age Essex 10. Looking into the Essex landscape 11. Uncovering Essex geology 12. Rock and people 13. The future of Essex rock Sites and views of Essex Geological collections and displays Index Maps and charts About the authors

Read more less

Book SynopsisFull of wonder and forensic intelligence' Isabella Tree, author of WildingA moving account of Madagascar told by a researcher who has spent over fifty years investigating the mysteries of this remarkable island.Madagascar is a place of change. A biodiversity hotspot and the fourth largest island on the planet, it has been home to a spectacular parade of animals, from giant flightless birds and giant tortoises on the ground, to agile lemurs leaping through the treetops. Some species live on; many have vanished in the distant or recent past. Over vast stretches of time, Madagascar's forests have expanded and contracted in response to shifting climates, and the hand of people is clear in changes during the last thousand years or so. Today, Madagascar is a microcosm of global trends. What happens there in the decades ahead can, perhaps, suggest ways to help turn the tide on the environmental crisis now sweeping the world.The Sloth Lemur's Song is a far-reaching account of Madagascar's pastTrade Review‘Full of wonder and forensic intelligence, The Sloth Lemur’s Song is a love song to the astonishing evolution of Madagascar. It is a fascinating journey from the island’s origins to the complex tensions of the present day, with Alison Richard the most considerate and engaging of guides.’ Isabella Tree, author of Wilding ‘This book is an encyclopedia of wonders, but it’s also a riveting story of evolution through time in a land utterly unique. Madagascar is arguably the most amazing place on Earth. Richard knows it as few outsiders ever will, and its praises have never been better sung.’ David Quammen, author of Spillover ‘Truly mind-blowingly epic … For every adventure you need a perceptive, intelligent and compassionate guide. Ours is author Alison Richard whose life's work has been Madagascar … a tale of enchanting and endangered biodiversity’ Resurgence and Ecologist ‘[A] Masterpiece … Revelatory’ Madagascar Conservation & Development ‘Brilliant … This is simply a wonderful book. Richard tells Madagascar’s often improbable history with vivid detail and personal story based on her research, all backed up with the latest scientific thinking … You will enjoy the stories so much you may not notice that your world is expanding.’ Cool Green Science blog ‘A love story; an ode to Madagascar. Throughout, the author interweaves first-person accounts of her extensive experience as a field biologist, detailed and accurate accounts of the natural history of the island, up-to-the-minute summaries of the latest scientific studies spanning everything from botany to geology to climatology, with the binding ‘through line’ of the Malagasy people and their relationship to the landscape.’ Anne Yoder, Duke University

Read more less

Book SynopsisRevealing the incredible diversity of fossilised plants and animals preserved for millions of years, this book profiles 300 examples of the most common and fascinating fossils, using an entry by entry approach. By including examples from all of the major variety of fossilised life, from preserved trees and grasses to molluscs, trilobites, fish and dinosaurs, Fossils offers a truly comprehensive overview of fossils from every continent and gives a sense of the huge amount of natural history available to us in the fossil record. Each fossil is illustrated with a clear and informative colour photograph, accompanied by informed and accessible text. The fossilised plants and animals are grouped by order, then within each order by family (and, where necessary, within each family by subfamilies). For easy reference, each entry includes a table of information on scientific name, order and family, habitat, distribution, geological period and dimensions.Table of ContentsIntroduction Plants Invertebrates Vertebrates Glossary Timeline Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Isle of Skye offers a magical combination of wild land and breath-taking natural beauty. Skye's geological history involves some of the most ancient rocks on the planet; a grandstand view as the Highlands of Scotland were formed over 400 million years ago and the development of one of the mightiest volcanoes ever to blow its top. Skye is also known as Scotland's 'dinosaur island', yielding the remains of many species of plant and meat-eating creatures that stalked land some 140 million years ago. Finally, the rocks forged in earlier times were shaped into the familiar hills and glens of today by the passage of ice as a great freeze gripped the land. This book provides key information about the formation of the island and the on-going processes of natural landscape evolution that continue to leave their mark on these spectacular vistas.Trade Review'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 *Table of ContentsAlan McKirdy has written many popular books and book chapters on geology and related topics and has helped to promote the study of environmental geology in schools. Before his recent retirement he was Head of Information Management at Scottish Natural Heritage.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a book about an ocean that vanished six million years ago - the ocean of Tethys. Named after a Greek sea nymph, there is a sense of mystery about such a vast, ancient ocean, of which all that remains now are a few little pools, like the Caspian Sea. There were other great oceans in the history of the Earth - Iapetus, Panthalassa - but Tethys was the last of them, vanishing a mere moment (in geological terms) before Man came on the scene. Once Tethys stretched across the world. How do we know? And how could such a vast ocean vanish? The clues of its existence are scattered from Morocco to China. This book tells the story of the ocean, from its origins some 250 million years ago, to its disappearance. It also tells of its impact on life on Earth. The dinosaurs were just beginning to get going when Tethys formed, and they were long dead by the time it disappeared. Dorrik Stow describes the powerful forces that shaped the ocean; the marine life it once held and the rich deposits ofTrade ReviewReview from previous edition Vanished Ocean is an ideal book for those who are already widely read in natural science. It should appeal strongly to legions of former science students who, having since made their way in the world as accountants and personnel managers, hanker for the interest ad excitement of a life they once glimpsed but were unable to grasp. * Ted Nield, Literary Review *'Vanished Ocean' is an ideal general reader for students and those who are already widely read in natural science. * Ted Nield, Geoscientist *A wealth of nourishing knowledge revealed through the history of Tethyan Realm. * Ted Nield, Geoscientist *'Vanished Ocean' is an ideal book for those who are already widely read in natural science. * Ted Nield, Literary Review *A well argued contribution to one of the great scientific debates of the last 30 years. * Jonathan Beard, New Scientist *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Tethys the Sea Goddess ; 2. Pangea the Supercontinent and the Birth of Tethys ; 3. Extinction, Evolution, and the Great Cycles of Life ; 4. Tethyan Fecundity in the Jurassic Seas ; 5. Black Death to Black Gold ; 6. The Greatest Flood of All Time: Rise and Fall of the Seas ; 7. End of an Era: The Debate Continues ; 8. Portrait of the Tethys Seaway ; 9. Closing Ocean, Rising Mountain ; 10. Death Throes of an Ocean ; 11. Epilogue: Perspective on the Future ; Further Reading ; Glossary of terms

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn immersive and fascinating journey into deep time, charting the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana througha billion years of Earth's history.Gondwana' is a mystery of geological history; a lost supercontinent and a place woven into the consciousness of all who inhabit its scattered fragments. Today, the people who live in Africa, South America, India, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Arabia spend their lives walking around on what's left of Gondwana. But what was life like when it was whole?The Road to Gondwanatraces the steps science took to find Gondwana, and the evolutionary journey of Gondwana itself. Our tour guide on this journey is Glossopteris an extinct tree that dominated the supercontinent for 50 million years, before vanishing in the most devastating event ever to strike life on this planet, the Permian mass extinction.Thisis a story about deep time and the challenges that face those who venture there. It's about the importance of imagination in science, and the reasons that the journey towards understanding is sometimes more important than the destination.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY SCIENCE PRIZE 2022 'A joyful collision of science, history and nature writing' Helen Gordon, author of Notes from Deep Time Adam Sedgwick was a priest and scholar. Roderick Murchison was a retired soldier. Charles Lapworth was a schoolteacher. It was their personal and intellectual rivalry, pursued on treks through Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Devon and parts of western Russia, that revealed the narrative structure of the Paleozoic Era, the 300-million-year period during which life on Earth became recognisably itself. Nick Davidson follows in their footsteps and draws on maps, diaries, letters, field notes and contemporary accounts to bring the ideas and characters alive. But this is more than a history of geology. As we travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain, it's a celebration of the sheer visceral pleasure generations of geologists have found, and continue to find, in noticing the earth beneath our feet.Trade ReviewA colourful and joyous romp through the not-so-sedate world of mid-nineteenth-century geology -- John Wright, author * The Forager's Calendar *Engaging and persuasive ... Everyone interested in geology should know about Murchison, Sedgwick and Lapworth -- Richard Fortey, author * The Earth: An Intimate History *This is history with its boots on ... Packed with vivid stories, The Greywacke brings to life an unlikely cast of characters who changed the way we view the world -- James A. Secord, author * Visions of Science *Whether trudging down Welsh ravines, scrambling in the Lake District, covering vast distances across rural Russia or hard going amid the crags of north-west Scotland, the writing puts us there, in the field, on the ground ... A great story well told -- Andrew Greig, author * At the Loch of the Green Corrie *A joyful collision of science, history and nature writing, The Greywacke shines a light on the almost superhuman feats of endurance, the unglamorous physical realities, the many, many hours of patient labour that the science of geology is built upon. Following the work of three important nineteenth geologists as they attempt to unlock the secrets of the rocks and the mysteries of geological time, it uncovers a story of friendships, feuds, triumphs and breakdowns. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Lapworth: a beautifully clear and engaging description of the mechanics of stratigraphic work and a wonderful portrait of a scientist who deserves to be better known -- Helen Gordon, author * Notes from Deep Time *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTelling the story of the four-billion-year history of Earth and life, this book attempts to answer some of our most fundamental questions: how did our Earth come to be? How did the Earth''s oceans, atmosphere, and climate form? How did life begin?Following the timeline of our planet, Earth and Life takes us from the creation of planet Earth to fluctuating global environments, from floods of lava and giant meteorites to great oceans and verdant landscapes. It takes us from the first life on our planet, to the evolution of various species, including the first humans, and explains how life has always changed the climate and environment on Earth.Life originated as tiny microbes from the ocean depths, formed mysterious reefs, then the first algae, marine animals, and, finally, plants and vertebrates that invaded the continents. The vast oceans eventually started to separate, as plate tectonics built up, and broke supercontinents in an ever changing geography. Roughly two billion years ago, marine photosynthesizing bacteria began to oxygenate the oceans and atmosphere, changing the biological landscape forever, and producing giant mineral deposits. Colour burst into the continents, from grey to red due to oxidized tropical weathering, and finally to green due to the first land plants and forests.Written with expertise and illustrated with clarity, this fascinating book is based on all the most recent scientific evidence and should be widely accessible. Whether you''re interested in geology, biology, or the wider natural world in general, if you are intent on understanding how Earth and life evolved, then this book explains it all.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Floating Egg begins with the search for an alchemist''s secret, and ends with the re-imagination of a past world. Each chapter is connected to a particular corner of north-east England, and each explores the uncertain line where myth is dissolved into science, and belief gives way to knowledge. Different episodes show how the fall of Constantinople converted the common rock of the Yorkshire cliffs into a source of extraordinary wealth and power, and how this in turn uncovered the inhabitants of a succession of past worlds; how a stone falling from the sky near this same coast changed the minds of all the natural philosophers of Europe; and how a new science was born on the top of the tower of York Minster. We learn about the cloak-and-dagger world of fossil trading in the town of Whitby; and we see the entire life-work of a forgotten scientific genius who died from consumption at the age of twenty-five, having revolutionised his science. The stories move fTrade ReviewA wonderful tome...beautifully structured...utterly fascinating... Reading The Floating Egg is a captivating experience because there is at least one surprise in every chapter... Roger Osborne has combined portions of history, biology, architecture, palaeontology, astronomy - and a large dose of humour - and produced the fascinating story of how geology came to be * The Times *His exploration of geology's Yorkshire roots is infallibly entertaining...A delightful book...quirky and thoroughly Yorkshire, and all the better for that * New Scientist *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhile the national parks and reserves of East Africa are widely known for their rich and abundant wildlife, there is another less celebrated but equally intriguing aspect to them. This book presents a new and exciting angle – the geological highlights of the region. East Africa’s cataclysmic volcanic legacy, caused by rifting of the landmass, has resulted in a rich source of geological wonders. These range from the seemingly endless plains of the Serengeti to the skyscraper walls of extinct calderas and the belching vents of the Nyiragongo Volcano. This handy guide escorts users around all the major – and some minor – parks of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and through the Virunga Mountains along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Descriptions of each park and its wildlife, both fauna and flora, preface discussion of the geological origins, influences and current conditions. Key geosites in the parks, and how to access them, are indicated. Maps, satellite images and diagrams, along with vivid photography, help to explain the dramatic landforms. For anyone planning a safari to the legendary East African game parks and reserves, this book adds a meaningful new dimension. Sales points: New geological perspective for traditional game parks; Features more than 70 parks and reserves; Reveals the drama of East Africa’s cataclysmic origins; An invaluable resource for tourists, safari goers and park guides.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Isle of Arran dominates the Firth of Clyde. A favourite haunt of holidaymakers, it is also a place of fascination for the geologist, offering a huge variety of rocks that represent a massive slice through geological time. From the ancient bent and buckled strata of Dalradian - a small fragment of the roots of the once mighty Scottish Highlands - the dramatic Northern mountains through which ice gouged its way during the Ice Age, to the relatively recent (some 60 million years ago!) rocks associated with the Arran volcano, the geological record tells an amazing tale. This book is a fascinating introduction to the landscape of Arran - one of the significant geological areas of the country.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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland are the products of some of the most dramatic events which have occurred in the Earth’s history. The Shetlands are the eroded roots of a vast mountain range that once soared to Himalayan heights and extended from Scandinavia to the Appalachians. Around 65 million years ago, this mighty chain was split asunder by the shifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates, and the North Atlantic Ocean was formed. In earlier times, the area was occupied by a huge freshwater lake – Lake Orcadie – which existed for almost 10 million years and was home to a wide range of primitive species of fish. Later, during the last Ice Age, the area was completely submerged beneath ice sheets which left an indelible mark on the landscapes of both island groups. This book tells the incredible geological story of the most northerly outposts of the British Isles.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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe south of Scotland has a long and turbulent geological past. Perhaps most notably, it marks the place where, 432 million years ago, an ocean, once as wide as the north Atlantic, was compressed by a convergence of ancient lands and then ceased to be. Deserts covered the land with thick layers of brick-red coloured rocks, known as the Old Red Sandstone, piled up and dumped by rivers and streams that crisscrossed the area. Around 432 million years ago, violent explosive volcanic activity gave rise to the prominent landscape features recognised today as the Eildon Hills. In later geological times, the area was blanketed with massive sand dunes, later compressed to create the building stones from which Dumfries, Glasgow and other towns and cities, were constructed. It is also the place where the modern science of geology was born. James Hutton, star of the Scottish Enlightenment, found inspiration from his study of the local rocks. Sites he described almost 250 years ago are still hailed as amongst the most historic and important rock exposures to be found anywhere in the world.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 *

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE RESEARCH CATEGORY IN SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2023 This edition of The Old Red Sandstone is the first truly new one for a century. It comes in two volumes: Volume 2 reprints the original, and now rare, first edition in facsimile with notes and glossary. Volume 1 explores how Miller wrote his book and why it was so important. Ross-shire born polymath Hugh Miller (1802-56), self-taught stonemason, geologist and writer, was famous in his lifetime across the English-speaking world. On one level, The Old Red Sandstone is a description of the geology of Cromarty, Ross-shire, with diversions into its scenery, history and folklore, but it is also an autobiographical memoir and work of literature. It was enormously popular on its first publication in 1841. The editors have combined their expertise – in history, English literature, Celtic languages and culture (Ralph O’ Connor) and palaeontology, museums, history of geology (Michael A Taylor) – to annotate the text of this most idiosyncratic book for a new generation of readers, and to provide a critical study. In a pre-Darwinian era, Hugh Miller reconciled his geological knowledge with his religious beliefs and his reader-friendly writings encouraged in others an interest in fossils. His writings are, as novelist James Robertson says in the Foreword, still very readable and relevant today. Trade Review'A critical study of Hugh Miller’s nineteenth-century geological writings, this two-volume set delivers a great deal of collective wisdom couched in impressively elegant prose.' Judges of the Research category in Scotland's National Book Awards 2023 in announcing The Old Red Sandstone as the winner. Table of ContentsVolume 1 (main headings of contents) Foreword by James Robertson Conception and Gestation: Why Miller wrote The Old Red Sandstone Anatomy: The book's structure and content Poetics: How The Old Red Sandstone works as literature Birth: How the books was published and marketed Reception: How and why it was read Appendix 1: How Miller turned his Witness articles into a book Appendix 2: The events surrounding the British Association meeting of 1840 Appendix 3: Miller's subdivision of the old red sandstone Appendix 4: Geology amd palaeontology then and now Appendix 5: The fossil specimens figured in the first edition of The Old Red Sandstone Appendix 6: Following in the footsteps of Miller Appendix 7: Recommended reading Volume 2 Forematter and frontispiece Explanation of the sections and plates Facsimile edition in 14 chapters End matter Additional notes Glossary

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlthough the history of orchards and fruit varieties is of great popular interest, there have been few academic treatments of the subject. This book presents results from a three-year project, 'Orchards East', investigating the history and ecology of orchards in the east of England. Together, the eastern counties of Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have a tradition of fruit cultivation comparable in scale to that of the better-known west of England. Drawing on far-reaching archival research, an extensive survey of surviving orchards and biodiversity surveys, the authors tell the fascinating story of orchards in the east since the late Middle Ages. Orchards were ubiquitous features of the medieval and early modern landscape. Planted for the most part for practical reasons, they were also appreciated for their aesthetic qualities. By the seventeenth century some districts had begun to specialise in fruit production - most notably west Hertfordshire and the Fens around Wisbech. But it was only in the 'orchard century', beginning in the 1850s, that commercial production really took off, fuelled by the growth of large urban markets and new transport systems that could take the fruit to them with relative ease. By the 1960s orchards were extensive in many districts but, since then, they have largely disappeared, with significant impacts on landscape character and biodiversity. For well over a century now, orchards have been romanticised as nostalgic elements of a timeless yet disappearing rural world. Even before that, they were embedded in myths of lost Edens, or golden ages of effortless plenty. A key aim of this book is to challenge some of these myths by grounding orchards within a wider range of historical and environmental contexts. Orchards are not timeless, and in some ways our relationship with orchards is a classic example of the 'invention of tradition'. What do our attitudes to this aspect of our heritage tell us about our wider engagement with the past, with nature, and with place?Table of Contents1. Orchards, Landscapes and History 2. Farmhouse and Commercial Orchards before c.1850 3. The ‘Orchard Century’, c.1850-1960 4. Garden and Institutional Orchards 5. Processing: Cider, Jam and Canning 6. The Recent History of Orchards 7. Fruit Varieties and the Nursery Industry 8. The Significance of Orchards 9. Conclusion

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the ASLI Choice Award, Atmospheric Science Librarians International""Winner of the PROSE Award in Earth Science, Association of American Publishers""Winner of the Special Book Award, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards""Winner of the Award of Excellence in Plants and Environmental Change, Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries""A detailed and authoritative account that reveals the rich and fascinating story of this unique landscape and its climate, geology and natural history. . . . Williams’s book offers a wonderful insight into how climate can transform the landscape across long stretches of time, as well as how delicately balanced are the ecosystems on which we depend."---P. D. Smith, The Guardian"This vivid historical survey by Earth scientist Martin Williams is the result of a lifetime’s work."---Andrew Robinson, Nature"Fascinating. . . . Engrossing. . . . When the Sahara Was Green covers the cyclical, gradual desiccation of the Sahara, the changing of its biomes, the nature of its current occupants, and even the question of its future. It’s formidably researched . . . but so warmly, approachably written that learning was never so pleasant."---Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Review"Given Williams’s deep well of knowledge, this book could have been bogged down by technicalities and jargon. Instead, When the Sahara Was Green is admirably accessible to a broad audience with only basic knowledge of geography and earth sciences. Furthermore, the book stands out for the numerous clear and well-designed illustrations that explain complex concepts."---Leon Vlieger, Inquisitive Biologist"Highly accessible . . . and filled with interesting facts about geological history."---Nicole Barbaro, Bookmarked"[A] fascinating and informative introduction to the history of the Sahara, the past and present lifeforms it hosts, and its role in the wider planetary environment . . . Read this book and spread interest in Earth’s largest desert."---Jeffery Hirschy, H-Environment

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover one of the Scottish Enlightenment's brightest stars. Among the giants of the Scottish Enlightenment, the name of James Hutton is overlooked. Yet his Theory of the Earth revolutionised the way we think about how our planet was formed and laid the foundation for the science of geology. He was in his time a doctor, a farmer, a businessman, a chemist yet he described himself as a philosopher – a seeker after truth. A friend of James Watt and of Adam Smith, he was a polymath, publishing papers on subjects as diverse as why it rains and a theory of language. He shunned status and official position, refused to give up his strong Scots accent and vulgar speech, loved jokes and could start a party in an empty room. Yet much of his story remains a mystery. His papers, library and mineral collection all vanished after his death and only a handful of letters survive. He seemed to be a lifelong bachelor, yet had a secret son whom he supported throughout his life. This book uses new sources and original documents to bring Hutton the man to life and places him firmly among the geniuses of his time.Trade Review'In his attention to the social context of Hutton's life and work, Ray Perman provides a welcome addition to the still short First Geologist bookshelf. James Hutton: The Genius of Time helps us to appreciate Hutton and the scientific fuse he lit' -- Andrew H. Knoll * Times Literary Supplement *'It is hard to see how Ray Perman's excellent biography of James Hutton is ever likely to be supplanted as the definitive account of Hutton's life and ideas' -- Ken Lussey * Undiscovered Scotland *'This engaging biography offers a rich and sympathetic account of one of the most important intellectual stars of the Enlightenment' -- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'Thought-provoking, easy-to-digest, and peppered with tales that could form the basis of a binge-worthy TV drama' * Scottish Field *'Perman deftly picks his way through Hutton's life explaining his complex theories and mind-stretching ideas' * History Scotland Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe island of Robert Graves, Joan Miro and Archduke Ludwig Salvador has become the most popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean with nearly 10 million visitors a year. Few, however, are aware of the 5000 year history of Mallorca and its resulting landscape featuring late Bronze Age navetes and talayots, Roman cities, and a major medieval trading port with one of Europe's largest cathedrals. Mallorca's landscape has been formed with a pattern of important country houses and enclosed fields, and the relics of major nineteenth century industries including textiles and shoe-making workshops. One hundred and twenty years of tourism, latterly on a massive scale, endangers much of what has gone before. Professor Buswell's pioneering work, based on more than ten years of local research, describes and analyses all these elements that together form the contemporary landscape. Written in an accessible style and well-illustrated with maps and photographs, this book will appeal to student and concerned reader alike and should be read by all who are inquisitive about what they see around them when they visit the island.Trade Review'Buswell's latest book has no peer in English....he draws on various epistemological perspectives to portray the landscape as a cultural artifact that is unique due to changing human settlement and exploitation, but also is a palimpsest bearing telltale signs of sequent occupancy never completely erased.' The AAG Review of Books'The chapters on the historical landscape changes are both enjoyable and informative. The reader is taken on a tour which begins with ‘Prehistoric Mallorca’ (ch. 4), runs through the Roman and Muslim occupations (ch. 5 and 6) through to Medieval and early modern Mallorca (ch. 7 and 8). Three final chapters in this block (ch. 9-11) cover the last two centuries, focusing on the development of manufacturing (principally textiles), demographic changes, the decline of the large estates that had dominated for centuries, and of course, tourism. There is a careful consideration throughout on rural-urban landscape interactions and the development of Palma, reflecting its size and importance. These historical chapters that form the ‘core’ of the book are highly readable and will have wide appeal to a non-academic audience. This is in part down to the inclusion of many fascinating factual ‘gems’ that make the narrative come alive. These range from descriptions of land tenants’ rents during the sixteenth century (paid in a mixture of cream cheeses, goats and cash), to changes in dietary preferences between the Muslim and Christian occupations. I particularly enjoyed the author’s many asides (harking back to themes covered elsewhere) and style of probing behind the facts, although not all his questions are answered in much depth, which might frustrate some readers. There is much to commend the structuring and presentation of the book. The chronological layout of the chapters makes them easy to dip in and out of, whilst helpful summaries reinforce key points. The illustrations are generous and useful, taking the form of coloured maps, photographs and tables. I found the historical maps and old photographs particularly welcome - I wish there had been more of these but space doesn’t seem to have permitted this. The reference list is impressive and an excellent resource in itself.' Island Studies‘The book is well illustrated and offers a panoply of archival photographs, contemporary images and sketch maps, but draws almost exclusively upon secondary research material. It is of direct interest to the teaching of Iberian geography at undergraduate level. This fascinating and informative book offers valuable insight into an island community that is little known beyond its Catalan and Castilian research roots.’ GeographyTable of ContentsList of Illustrations; Acknowledgements; Preface. 1. Introduction: Mallorca and landscape history; 2. Mallorca and the Mediterranean; 3. The physical basis of the landscape; Prehistoric Mallorca - early human imprint; 5. Roman and other empires in Mallorca: limited landscapes; 6. The landscape of the Muslims, 902-1229; 7. Medieval Mallorca, 1229-1519; 8. Early modern Mallorca, 1520-1820; 9. The long nineteenth century, 1820-1920: the beginnings of modernisation; 10. A beggar's mantle fringed with gold - Mallorca 1920-1955; 11. Mass tourism and the landscape - Mallorca 1955-2011; 12. Reflections on a theme of landscape change. Notes. References. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures – pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles. Pebble spotting is one of life’s simple joys. There’s nothing quite like searching the rocks on a beach until that special one catches your eye – a perfect shape, a gorgeous colour, an intriguing pattern. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought… Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home. This book contains entries on 40 different types of pebble, complete with detailed facts about the composite rock’s structure and where to find them, with examples including: Flint Feldspar veins Spotted slates Serpentinite Granite ovoids The rare rhomb porphyry – the holy grail of pebble hunting The book includes a space to ruminate on your own findings, taking note of the treasures that you pick up along the way and discovering the secrets of the stones beneath your feet. The Pebble Spotter’s Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn’t know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.Trade Review"A beautifully illustrated and very interesting little guide." - Tristan Gooley

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the ASLI Choice Award, Atmospheric Science Librarians International""Winner of the PROSE Award in Earth Science, Association of American Publishers""Winner of the Special Book Award, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards""Winner of the Award of Excellence in Plants and Environmental Change, Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries""A detailed and authoritative account that reveals the rich and fascinating story of this unique landscape and its climate, geology and natural history. . . . Williams’s book offers a wonderful insight into how climate can transform the landscape across long stretches of time, as well as how delicately balanced are the ecosystems on which we depend."---P. D. Smith, The Guardian"This vivid historical survey by Earth scientist Martin Williams is the result of a lifetime’s work."---Andrew Robinson, Nature"Fascinating. . . . Engrossing. . . . When the Sahara Was Green covers the cyclical, gradual desiccation of the Sahara, the changing of its biomes, the nature of its current occupants, and even the question of its future. It’s formidably researched . . . but so warmly, approachably written that learning was never so pleasant."---Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Review"Given Williams’s deep well of knowledge, this book could have been bogged down by technicalities and jargon. Instead, When the Sahara Was Green is admirably accessible to a broad audience with only basic knowledge of geography and earth sciences. Furthermore, the book stands out for the numerous clear and well-designed illustrations that explain complex concepts."---Leon Vlieger, Inquisitive Biologist"Highly accessible . . . and filled with interesting facts about geological history."---Nicole Barbaro, Bookmarked"[A] fascinating and informative introduction to the history of the Sahara, the past and present lifeforms it hosts, and its role in the wider planetary environment . . . Read this book and spread interest in Earth’s largest desert."---Jeffery Hirschy, H-Environment

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrace metals play key roles in life - all are toxic above a threshold bioavailability, yet many are essential to metabolism at lower doses. It is important to appreciate the natural history of an organism in order to understand the interaction between its biology and trace metals. The countryside and indeed the natural history of the British Isles are littered with the effects of metals, mostly via historical mining and subsequent industrial development. This fascinating story encompasses history, economics, geography, geology, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, ecology, ecotoxicology and above all natural history. Examples abound of interactions between organisms and metals in the terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine, coastal and oceanic environments in and around the British Isles. Many of these interactions have nothing to do with metal pollution. All organisms are affected from bacteria, plants and invertebrates to charismatic species such as seals, dolphins, whales and seabirds. ATrade Review'After introductory chapters describing the origins of environmental trace metals from mining and industrialization, the author devotes individual chapters to the resulting biological effects on the flora and fauna in the British Isles' terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine, and coastal environments. Each chapter begins with several pages of definitions for the various specialized terms in the material that follows, which should be very helpful for readers who have limited background in this subject. The approach is multidisciplinary, with the emphasis on biology, and the organisms discussed range from bacteria and plants to whales. The writing is aimed at general readers and should be accessible to readers with some introductory science background.' H. E. Pence, ChoiceTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. Metals and mining; 3. Biology of trace metals; 4. Terrestrial Environment; 5. Freshwater; 6. Estuaries; 7. Coastal seas and oceans; 8. Epilogue; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe monograph presents the results of studies of the organization of terrestrial geo (eco-) systems in the Pacific mobile belt - the tectonically and climatically active zone of contact between the mainland and the ocean, creating new land areas. A detailed evolutionary landscape-ecological concept based on a discrete empirical-statistical modeling of forest natural complexes at various stages of the geological history of the formation of the continental biosphere in the Northwest Pacific is presented. Based on the materials of large-scale landscape surveys conducted at experimental ranges, three spatiotemporal sections are described with a common trajectory of subaerial landscape genesis: 1) neo-specific, progressive - the stage of nucleation and upward evolution of volcanogenic island-arc geosystems of the Neogene-Quaternary age in the ocean environment, with the formation at the local level of the beginnings of zonal types of geographical environment and with the emergence of "climate unjustified" highly productive forests due to geothermal th power of active volcanoes; 2) subpacific marginal continental - the stage of their subsequent continental development as a young (Mesozoic) mountain-valley morphostructure, with the formation of buffer forest communities of evolutionary menopause; 3) subpacific regressive - the final stage of decaying evolution, due to the fragmentation and sinking of the marginal parts of the material, with the advent of continental islands with a "decrepit" denudation relief, active exogenous morpholithogenesis and a simplified structure of the forest cover. The climatic-genetic mechanisms of evolutionary landscape-ecological processes in various sectors of the Pacific megaecoton are described using simulation of these processes according to landscape forecasts for the next 100-200 years. According to the stability parameters of forest communities, chronological regularities of climatogenic phytocenotic transformations in the island-arc and marginal continental landscapes are revealed.Table of ContentsForewordIntroduction: The Contemporary State of the ProblemPart I: Pacific Ocean Mega Ecotone as the Object of Landscape Research -- Landscape-Ecological Organization of Continent-Ocean Mega EcotoneMethods of Empirical-Statistical Modeling. Part II: Ecology of Island-Arc Volcanic Landscape -- Regional Bioclimatic System of the Kuril Islands and its Evolutionary SignificanceVolcanogenic Basis of Island-Arc LandscapesSoil-Vegetation Cover and Microlandscapes in the Island-Arc Volcanic EcoregionStructural Organization of Island Volcanic LandscapeFunctional Organization of Island-Arc Forest EcosystemsEffect of Geothermal Energy on Forest Formation in Island Volcanic Landscapes. Part III: Evolutionary Ecology of Marginal-Continental Boreal Landscape -- Flora, Vegetation and Microlandscapes of Experimental Testing GroundStructural Organization of Forest Geo(Eco)SystemsFunctional Organization of Forest EcosystemsPart IV: Continental-Island Fading Evolution Landscape -- Putyatin Island as a Modeling ObjectMonosystem Organization of Continental-Island LandscapeFunctional Organization of Fading Evolution Land-ScapeExogenous Morpholithogenesis. Part V: Climatogenic Mechanisms of Evolutionary Processes -- Theory and Methods of Climatogenic Simulation of Evolutionary ProcessesClimatogenic Dynamics and Sustainability of Forest EcosystemsAbstract of Evolutionary Landscape-Ecological Concept. ConclusionsReferences.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe text discusses the tectonics of the Eastern Continental Margin of India, focusing on its evolution, structure, and seismic hazards. It presents the origin and exploration potential of passive margins, describes major structural lineaments, and explains the geodynamic evolution of the region.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the early 20th century, American earth scientists vociferously opposed the new, and highly radical, notion of continental drift. Yet 50 years later the same idea was heralded as a major scientific breakthrough, and today continental drift is accepted as a scientific fact. Why did American geologists reject so adamantly an idea that is now considered a cornerstone of the discipline? And why did they react so much more negatively than their European counterparts? This book, based primarily on archival resources, provides answers to these questions. It complements existing work on continental drift and the emergence of the theory of plate tectonics by providing the first detailed historical account of the American geological community in the 1920s. It also challenges previous historical work on this episode, much of which ascribes the rejection of continental drift to the lack of an adequate causal mechanism. Instead, the author shows that the rejection was largely based on the view thTrade ReviewOreskes's book contains much pertinent information that will be useful to those interested in the history of tectonics in the twentieth century, and she presents it lucidly, in a well-organized manner. * ISIS *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; Part 1: Not the Mechanism ; 1. Two Visions of the Earth ; 2. The Collapse of Thermal Contraction ; 3. To Reconcile Historical Geolgoy with Isotasy ; 4. Drift Mechanisms in the 1920s ; 5. From Fact to Theory ; 6. The Short Step Backward ; 7. Uniformitarianism and Unity ; Part III: A Revolution in Acceptance ; 8. Direct and Indirect Evidence ; 9. An Evidentiary and Epistemic Shift ; 10. The Depersonalization of Geology ; Epilogue: Unity and Truth ; Notes ; Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisPlate tectonics is a revolutionary theory on a par with modern genetics. Yet, apart from the frequent use of clichés such as ''tectonic shift'' by economists, journalists, and politicians, the science itself is rarely mentioned and poorly understood. This book explains modern plate tectonics in a non-technical manner, showing not only how it accounts for phenomena such as great earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, but also how it controls conditions at the Earth''s surface, including global geography and climate. The book presents the advances that have been made since the establishment of plate tectonics in the 1960s, highlighting, on the 50th anniversary of the theory, the contributions of a small number of scientists who have never been widely recognized for their discoveries.Beginning with the publication of a short article in Nature by Vine and Matthews, the book traces the development of plate tectonics through two generations of the theory. First generation plate tectonics covers the exciting scientific revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, its heroes and its villains. The second generation includes the rapid expansions in sonar, satellite, and seismic technologies during the 1980s and 1990s that provided a truly global view of the plates and their motions, and an appreciation of the role of the plates within the Earth ''system''. The final chapter bring us to the cutting edge of the science, and the latest results from studies using technologies such as seismic tomography and high-pressure mineral physics to probe the deep interior. Ultimately, the book leads to the startling conclusion that, without plate tectonics, the Earth would be as lifeless as Venus.Trade ReviewThis book is full of delightful surprises...I highly recommend this book as one for you if you want to be properly informed and royally entertained. * Pete Loader, Teaching Earth Science *...a super read; I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you have the slightest interest in the history of plate tectonics, do read this bookyou will not be disappointed! * Michael Brown, International Geology Review *The Tectonic Plates are Moving! is a rock-solid read... the pacing of the book is great, the irreverent jokes and anecdotes genuinely amusing, the overview of different schools of thought balanced, and the explanations lucid. * The Inquisitive Biologist *This book explains modern plate tectonics in a non-technical manner, showing not only how it accounts for phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, but also how it controls conditions at the Earths surface, including global geography and climate. * Ian Angus, Green Left Weekly *This is a great read for anyone interested in this fascinating subject. * Chris Darmon, Down to Earth *[A] packed account, richly contextualized. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *Roy Livermores book provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of the development of plate tectonics theory, from the earliest days of sea-floor spreading to current ideas on mantle plumes and the tectonics of Mars. It clearly describes the critical interactions of science, technology, human personalities and historical accidents. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, written from the point of view of a knowledgeable insider. * Roger C. Searle, Durham University, UK *Far from being a dense, jargon-laden history book, Livermore brings an accessible writing style and brilliant humour to the story, which certainly had me chuckling. If you know anyone (including yourself!) who is keen to find out more about our planet, give them this book. * Jonathan Scafidi, The Geological Society *Table of ContentsPart I: First Generation 1: Probably the best theory on Earth 2: The Paving Stone Theory of World Tectonics 3: Poles Apart 4: Plate Tectonics by Jerks 5: Plate Tectonics by Creeps Part II: Second Generation 6: Scum of the Earth 7: Continents and Supercontinents 8: All at Sea 9: Chilling Out 10: Ups and Downs 11: The Final Frontier

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Pulitzer Prize-winning view of the continent, across the fortieth parallel and down through 4.6 billion yearsTwenty years ago, when John McPhee began his journeys back and forth across the United States, he planned to describe a cross section of North America at about the fortieth parallel and, in the process, come to an understanding not only of the science but of the style of the geologists he traveled with. The structure of the book never changed, but its breadth caused him to complete it in stages, under the overall title Annals of the Former World.Like the terrain it covers, Annals of the Former World tells a multilayered tale, and the reader may choose one of many paths through it. As clearly and succinctly written as it is profoundly informed, this is our finest popular survey of geology and a masterpiece of modern nonfiction.Annals of the Former World is the winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe updated textbook is intended to serve as an advanced and detailed treatment of the evolution of the subject of stratigraphy from its disparate beginnings as separate studies of sedimentology, lithostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, etc., into a modern integrated discipline in which all components are necessary. There is a historical introduction, which now includes information about the timeline of the evolution of the components of modern stratigraphy. The elements of the various components (facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy, mapping methods, chronostratigraphic methods, etc.) are outlined, and a chapter discussing the modern synthesis is included near the end of the book, which closes with a discussion of future research trends in the study of time as preserved in the stratigraphic record.Table of Contents

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn May 12, 2008, the Wenchuan County earthquake caused devastating loss of human life and property. Applying all the remote sensing technology available, the Chinese Academy of Sciences immediately launched into action, making full use of its state-of-the-art facilities, remote sensing planes, and satellites to amass invaluable optical and radar data. This unprecedented use of comprehensive remote sensing techniques provided accurate, up to the minute information for disaster management and has left us with a visually stunning and beautiful record that is as much a scientific achievement as it is an artistic one.Based on the accumulated data and images collected by the Project Team of Remote Sensing Monitoring and Assessment of the Wenchuan Earthquake, Atlas of Remote Sensing of the Wenchuan Earthquake documents the events as they happened in real time. The book covers the disaster from six aspects: geological, barrier lakes, collapsed buildings, damagTable of ContentsRemote Sensing Data. Geological Disasters. Barrier Lakes. Collapsed Buildings and Houses. Damaged Roads. Destroyed Farmlands and Forests. Demolished Infrastructure. Continuing Civilization.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis account shows the full range of Hugh Miller's interests - the lyrical description of the scenery and accounts of beautiful fossils show a deep affection for the Scottish landscape, while his role as a serious religious journalist and social crusader is highlighted in his discussions on the Disruption and the Highland Clearances.Trade Review'I warmly recommend this marvellously rambling book which is full of sensitivity and poetry, to anyone who loves Scotland or is a humanist, a sociologist, an ethnologist, a geologist, a palaeontologist or just a fossil fan.' Nature, November 2003Table of ContentsAcknowledgements / Forword / Notes of Maps / Map of Scotland / Map of the Inner Hebrides / Introduction / Following in the footsteps of Hugh Miller Today / References and Further Reading / Map of Inner Moray first / Map of Orkney and Caithness; The Cruise of the Betsey -; A Summer Ramble among the Hebrides; Rambles of a Geologist

Read more less

Book SynopsisDas Eiszeitalter ist eine Zeit extremer Klimaschwankungen, die bis heute nicht beendet sind. Zeitweilig bedeckten gewaltige Inlandeismassen große Teile der Nordkontinente. Zu anderen Zeiten war die Sahara grün und von Menschen besiedelt, und der Tschadsee war so groß wie die Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Was sich im Eiszeitalter abgespielt hat, kann nur aus Spuren rekonstruiert werden, die im Boden zurückgeblieben sind. Die Eiszeit hat andere Schichten hinterlassen als andere Erdzeitalter. Dieses Buch beschreibt die Prozesse, unter denen sie gebildet worden sind und die Methoden, mit denen man sie untersuchen kann. Die Arbeit des Geowissenschaftlers gleicht der eines Detektivs, der aus Indizien den Ablauf des Geschehens rekonstruieren muss. Und diese Tätigkeit ist genauso spanned wie die eines Detektivs. Von den in diesem Buch vorgestellten Untersuchungsergebnissen werden einige hier zum ersten Mal veröffentlicht. Das Eiszeitalter ist auch der Zeitabschnitt, in dem der Mensch in die Gestaltung der Erde eingreift. Welche Veränderungen das mit sich bringt, kann jeder selbst verfolgen. Alle relevanten Daten sind frei verfügbar; dieses Buch beschreibt, wie man sie erhält. Dr. Jürgen Ehlers arbeitet seit 1978 als Quartärgeologe für das Geologische Landesamt Hamburg, wo er für die Geologische Landesaufnahme zuständig ist. Er hat darüber hinaus Forschungsprojekte im In- und Ausland durchgeführt. Zusammen mit Prof. Philip L. Gibbard, Cambridge, hat er für die International Union for Quaternary Research das Projekt ‚Extent and Chronology of Quaternary Glaciations‘ durchgeführt. Er gilt als einer der hervorragendsten deutschen Kenner der Eiszeitgeologie. Er ist Autor mehrerer Bücher über das Quartär (Enke und Wiley) und die Nordsee (WBG) und auch als Autor von Kriminalgeschichten bekannt geworden.Table of Contents1 Einführung: Am Anfang war die Sintflut / Präkambrium, Ordovizium, Permokarbon - die Eiszeiten der Erdgeschichte / Kasten: Eiszeit in der Wüste - Gletscherspuren in Libyen 2 Der Ablauf des Eiszeitalters: Günz, Mindel, Riss, Würm - gilt die Gliederung noch? / Milankovich und die Folgen / Spuren in der Tiefsee / Die Klimakurve / Die Schichtenfolge auf dem Festland hat viele Lücken / Wann begann das Quartär?3 Eis und Wasser: Heutige Gletscher - vom Kargletscher bis zum Inlandeis / Kasten: Verformbarer Untergrund, Schlagartige Vereisung? / Entstehung der Gletscher / Wie bewegt sich ein Gletscher? / Schmelzwasser4 Grundmoränen und Endmoränen - die Spuren der Gletscher: Die Grundmoräne – eine bunte Mischung? / Ferntransport – Nahtransport / Ablagerung von Moränenmaterial / Viele Untersuchungsmöglichkeiten – aber wie unabhängig sind die Ergebnisse? / Die Dynamik der Eisschilde5 Von der Gletschermühle bis zum Urstromtal: Abflussverhalten heutiger Gletscherflüsse / Spuren pleistozäner Schmelzwassertätigkeit / Fjorde, Rinnen, Oser / Sanderflächen und Schotterterrassen / Urstromtäler6 Karten - wo sind wir denn hier eigentlich?: Karten und Satellitenbilder - Basisdaten für die Eiszeitforschung / Projektionen und Ellipsoide - der Teufel steckt im Detail7 Wie weit reichten die Gletscher?: Europa - wie weit reichte das Eis? / Barents-See - die Entdeckung eines Eisschildes / Asien - das Rätsel von Tibet / Nordamerika - die Eiszeiten werden älter / Südamerika - Vulkane und Gletscher / Afrika, Australien, Ozeanien - wo gab es Gletscher? Und wann? / Antarktis - Ewiges Eis? / Versuch eines Überblicks8 Eis im Boden - die Formung der Periglazialgebiete: Heutiger Dauerfrostboden / Periglazialbildungen / Verwitterung und Einebnung / Blockgletscher - Gletscher (fast) ohne Eis / Verwürgungen und Bodenfließen / Frostspalten und Eiskeile / Pingos, Palsas und andere Frostbeulen9 Nilpferde an der Themse - die Geschichte der Warmzeiten: Vegetationsentwicklung / Entwicklung der Fauna / Verwitterung und Bodenbildung10 Ablauf der Enteisung: Eiszerfall / Nach dem Eis die Sintflut - Lake Missoula und andere Eisstauseen / Die Entstehung der Sölle / Gletscherschrammen und andere Spuren der letzten Eisbewegung11 Wind, Sand und Steine - die äolischen Prozesse: Dünen, Flugsand, Löß / Wasser in der Wüste - die Verschiebung der Klimazonen / Veränderungen des Regenwaldes / Spuren des Periglazialklimas 12 Was geschah mit den Flüssen?: Terrassen, Trockentäler, Deltas - fluviale Vorgänge / Der Rhein - beeinflusst von alpinem und nordischem Eis / Die Elbe floss zur Ostsee / Die sibirischen Flüsse und der größte See der Erde13 Nord- und Ostsee - die Geschichte der Randmeere: Die Entwicklung der Nordsee / Die Entstehung der Nordsee / Die Entstehung der Küstenbarriere mit den Inseln / Vom Eisstausee zum Randmeer - die Entwicklung der Ostsee14 Der Mensch greift ein: Ausbreitung der Menschen / Neanderthaler / Postglaziale Entwicklung15 Klimarekonstruktionen und Modelle: Vergletscherungsmodelle / Modelle der Meereskunde / Klimamodelle16 Literatur; Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less