Synopses & Reviews
From exploring the basic principles of geology to starting a rock and mineral collection, The Practical Geologist is the perfect introduction to the world of earth science.
Beginning with a history of the earth's formation and development, this book explores the substances that compose the planet, movements within the earth, the surface effects of weather and water, and underground landscapes.
It shows you how to search for, identify, and extract samples of various rocks and minerals, and for each rock and mineral type there is a brief mineralogy and explanation of its locations. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curating specimens, and geological sites on the six continents.
Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is the essential practical companion for natural science enthusiasts everywhere.
Synopsis
From exploring the basic principles of geology to starting a rock and mineral collection,
The Practical Geologist is the perfect introduction to the world of earth science.
Beginning with a history of the earth's formation and development, this book explores the substances that compose the planet, movements within the earth, the surface effects of weather and water, and underground landscapes.
It shows you how to search for, identify, and extract samples of various rocks and minerals, and for each rock and mineral type there is a brief mineralogy and explanation of its locations. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curating specimens, and geological sites on the six continents.
Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is the essential practical companion for natural science enthusiasts everywhere.
About the Author
Dougal Dixon was a geology student in college and now is a well-known writer specializing in the earth sciences. He took part in the 1985 and 1987 British Open University/Earthwatch expeditions to the Askja caldera in central Iceland. Previous books include After Man: A Zoology of the Future, The New Dinosaurs, Man After Man, and Time Exposure.
Table of Contents
CONTENTSWHAT IS A PRACTICAL GEOLOGIST?
THE HISTORY OF THE EARTH
The Development of the Solar System
The Earth Solidifies
Inside the Earth
The Evidence for the Theories
THE SUBSTANCE OF THE EARTH
Minerals -- Rock Components
Mineral Shapes
Mineral Identification
Analyzing Minerals with Light
Common Minerals
The Rock Cycle and Igneous Rocks
The Rock Cycle and Sedimentary Rocks
The Rock Cycle and Metamorphic Rocks
EARTH MOVEMENTS
Plate Tectonics
Field Equipment
Using Field Equipment
Preparing a Field Notebook
Rock Deformations
Small-Scale Structures
Igneous Structures
THE EARTH'S STORY BOOK
History in the Rocks
Sedimentary Sequences
Unconformities
Fossils
EROSION AND GEOMORPHOLOGY
The Weather Cycle and the Effect of Rivers
River Patterns
Underground Landscapes
Ice
Coastal Erosion
Coastal Accretion
Homo Destructus
FIELD WORK TECHNIQUE
Techniques for Igneous Rocks
Techniques for Sedimentary Rocks
Techniques for Metamorphic Rocks and Drift
Granite
Dolerite
Basalt
Rhyolite and Andesite
Limestone
Chalk
Sandstone
Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks
Slate
Schist
Gneiss
Village Geology
Urban Geology
MAPPING
Mapping 1
Mapping 2
Mapping 3
Mapping 4
Mapping 5
Preparing and Curating Specimens
Preparing Reports
GEOLOGICAL SITES
Australia
Asia
Europe
Africa
South America
North America
GEOLOGICAL TIME SCALE
GLOSSARY
INDEX
CREDITS