Description
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 Now
Table 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.
