This vivid introduction to economic geology not only describes the most important deposit types, but also the processes involved in their formation. Magmatic, hydrothermal and sedimentary processes as well as weathering and alteration are explained in the framework of plate tectonics and the history of the Earth. The chapter about fossil fuels includes unconventional deposits and the much-debated fracking. Other topics covered are exploration, mining and economic aspects like commodity prices.

Origin and Mineralogy of Clays, the first of two volumes, lays the groundwork for a thorough study of clays in the environment. The second volume will deal with environmental interaction. Going from soils to sediments to diagenesis and hydrothermal alteration, the book covers the whole spectrum of clays. The chapters on surface environments are of great relevance in regard to environmental problems in soils, rivers and lake-ocean situations, showing the greatest interaction between living species and the chemicals in their habitat. The book is of interest to scientists and students working on environmental issues.

A complete visual reference for meteorite classification, this atlas combines high resolution optical microscope images with detailed descriptions. It provides a systematic account of meteorites and their most important classification parameters, making it an essential resource for meteorite researchers. Each chapter starts with a description of the meteorite class, with a summary of the mineralogical, chemical and isotopic characteristics of the group. The full-color images are taken in plane- and cross-polarized light and reflected light, and arranged to highlight textural variations in meteorites. Specimens are grouped to show the effects of increasing thermal alteration and shock, as well as variations in chondrule size and type. Chapters on iron meteorites, pallasites and mesosiderites are included, photographed as mounts in reflected light, to show the range of textural variations that accompany these meteorites. Images from the book can be downloaded from www.cambridge.org/9780521840354.

An invaluable reference that helps geologists recognize and differentiate the many types of natural fractures, induced fractures and artefacts found in cores Atlas of Natural and Induced Fractures in Core offers a reference for the interpretation of natural and induced fractures in cores. The natural and induced fracture data contained in cores provides a wealth of information once they are recognized and properly interpreted. Written by two experts in the field, this resource provides a much-needed tool to help with the accurate interpretation of these cores. The authorsinclude the information needed to identify different fracture types as well as the criteria for distinguishing between the types of fractures. The atlas shows how to recognize non-fracture artefacts in a core since many of them provide other types of useful information. In addition, the text’s illustrated structures combined with their basic interpretations are designed to be primary building blocks of a complete fracture assessment and analysis. The authors show how to recognize and correctly interpret these building blocks to ensure that subsequent analyses, interpretations, and modeling efforts regarding fracture-controlled reservoir permeability are valid. Presented in full color throughout, this comprehensive reference is written for geologists charged with interpreting fracture-controlled permeability systems in reservoirs as well as for students or other scientists who need to develop the skills to accurately interpret the natural and induced fractures in cores.

This concise, clear and handy–sized volume, aimed at the undergraduate level, provides an introduction to the observation, description and identifi cation in thin section, using the polarizing microscope, of samples of the commonlyoccurring rocks and minerals. Illustrated with a wealth of full colour thin section photomicrographs, and with the original images enhanced by new examples and a revised text, the book explains how to observe mineral and rock samples under the microscope. The book highlights the important diagnostic features of minerals and deals with all rock types – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic – each with equal emphasis and authority, giving students the knowledge and confi dence to begin to identify specimens for themselves. While intended for students in geology, geography, civil engineering and materials science, the book stands on its own as a beautiful collection of photomicrographs and a permanent source of reference and fascination for all those interested in the nature and science of the world of rocks and minerals.

General concepts; Weathering and alterites; Sampling; The systems of pore-space; Patterns of weathering; Micromorphological descriptions; Partly weathered minerals; Alteromorphs; Definitions; Preservation of shapes and volumes; The content of alteromorphs; Criteria for a genetic classification; Alteromorphs and processes of accumulation; Poro - alteromorphs and further evolution; Lithorelics, alterorelics, nodules, pisoliths; Composition, origin and morphology; Evolution; Bridged nodules and development of iron crust; Pisoliths in bauxite; Secondary oxides and hydroxides.

ATLAS OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGES An extensive compilation of case studies in structural geology and geomorphology for interpreting remotely sensed images In the Atlas of Structural Geological and Geomorphological Interpretation of Remote Sensing Images, a team of experts delivers an extensive collection of over 20 different examples of structural geological and geomorphological studies by remote sensing. The book demonstrates how to properly interpret geological features and gather robust and reliable information from remote sensing images. This atlas contains high-quality colour images that depict a diversity of structures and geomorphic features from different tectonic regimes and geographic localities in the Americas, Europe, and Australasia. While its primary emphasis is on structural geology, geomorphology is considered in some depth as well. The examples also cover geological hazards, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the background of remote sensing, including foundational concepts and the classification of remote sensing based on data type, source, platform and imaging media Comprehensive discussions of geomorphology, including explorations of lava fissures, badlands and beaches In-depth explorations of structural geology, including discussions of deformation bands, fault lines and earthquake effects Several examples of how to trace hydrological processes such as glacier retreat, changes in drainage patterns and bar formation Perfect for advanced students and researchers in the geoscience community, Atlas of Structural Geological and Geomorphological Interpretation of Remote Sensing Images will also earn a place in the libraries of practicing professionals with an interest in the interpretation of remote sensing images.