A Literary Companion to Geology engages students of geology by exposing them to talented authors who are passionate about this subject matter. Cross-disciplinary in nature, the carefully curated readings have a narrative theme and convey the excitement of research and discovery. Each reading is a discrete unit that prompts reflection on the nature of science, the role of observation, experimentation, new technologies, and the impact of luck in the scientific process. Various aspects of geology are contextualized, enabling students to see the relationship between geology and other fields such as engineering, computer science, and anthropology. The readings address high-interest topics including the nature and value of science, abrupt climate change, the geology of New York City, and what really leads to casualties during earthquakes. Designed as a companion reader to main geology textbooks, A Literary Companion to Geology will inspire readers to master material in the primary text, and explore the books from which the readings are excerpted. This fresh take on geology instruction is well suited to introductory geology lecture and laboratory courses, historical geology, and geomorphology.

This is a discount Black and white version. Some images may be unclear, please see BCCampus website for the digital version.This book was born out of a 2014 meeting of earth science educators representing most of the universities and colleges in British Columbia, and nurtured by a widely shared frustration that many students are not thriving in courses because textbooks have become too expensive for them to buy. But the real inspiration comes from a fascination for the spectacular geology of western Canada and the many decades that the author spent exploring this region along with colleagues, students, family, and friends. My goal has been to provide an accessible and comprehensive guide to the important topics of geology, richly illustrated with examples from western Canada. Although this text is intended to complement a typical first-year course in physical geology, its contents could be applied to numerous other related courses.