Rocks firmly anchored to the ground and rocks floating through space fascinate us. Jewelry, houses, and roads are just some of the ways we use what has been made from geologic processes to advance civilization. Whether scrambling over a rocky beach, or gazing at spectacular meteor showers, we can't get enough of geology! The Geology Bookwill teach you: What really carved the Grand Canyon. How thick the Earth's crust is. The varied features of the Earth's surface - from plains to peaks. How sedimentary deposition occurs through water, wind, and ice. Effects of erosion. Ways in which sediments become sedimentary rock. Fossilization and the age of the dinosaurs. The powerful effects of volcanic activity. Continental drift theory. Radioisotope and carbon dating. Geologic processes of the past. Our planet is a most suitable home. Its practical benefits are also enhanced by the sheer beauty of rolling hills, solitary plains, churning seas and rivers, and majestic mountains - all set in place by processes that are relevant to today's entire population of this spinning rock we call home.

Get a rock-solid grasp on geology Geology For Dummies is ideal reading for anyonewith an interest in the fundamental concepts of geology, whether they're lifelong learners with a fascination for the subject or college students interested in pursuing geology or earth sciences. Presented in a straightforward, trusted format—and tracking to a typical introductory geology course at the college level—this book features a thorough introduction to the study of earth, its materials, and its processes. Rock records and geologic time Large-scale motion of tectonic plates Matter, minerals, and rocks The geological processes on earth's surface Rock that geology class with Geology For Dummies!

This practical guidebook provides a basic grounding in the principles of geology and explains how to apply them. Using this book, readers will be able to figure out whether they are standing on an ancient seafloor, coal swamp, or sand dune. They will be able to determine the geologic hazards in their neighborhood, where to look for fossils and minerals, or where best to drill a water well. In plain English, The Geology Companion sheds light on the processes that shape the earth and how geology affects people in their daily lives.

Aimed at B.Sc. students of geology, this introductory text develops a basic understanding of the Earth as a complex, evolving system of geological processes. This book will also be of immense use to those postgraduate students of geology who opt for this stream after graduating in disciplines other than geology. Geology as a science has recently gained increasing importance because of the current developments in oil and mineral exploration and also because of recent occurrences of earthquakes and tsunamis. This book covers the entire spectrum of the geologic concepts and relates them to the main processes of geomorphology, earthquakes and volcanoes. Important types of the three categories of rocks—igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic—that form the crust of the Earth are described with their characteristic mineralogy. Major structures that are born of tectonic activities are discussed. Palaeontological descriptions cover not only the plant and animal groups but also other evidences of life in the geological record and evolution. An important feature of the text is that modern stratigraphic methods of classification are outlined clearly, and the latest geologic time scale with numerical ages as approved in 2004 by the International Commission on Stratigrahy of the International Union of Geological Sciences is incorporated.

What processes and physical materials have shaped the planet we live on? Why do earthquakes happen? And what can geology teach us about contemporary issues such as climate change? From volcanoes and glaciers to fossils and rock formations, this user-friendly book gives a structured and thorough overview of the geology of planet Earth and beyond. Geology: A Complete Introduction outlines the basics in clear English, and provides added-value features like a glossary of the essential jargon terms, links to useful websites, and examples of questions you might be asked in a seminar or exam. Topics covered include the Earth's structure, earthquakes, plate tectonics, volcanoes, igneous intrusions, metamorphism, weathering, erosion, deposition, deformation, physical resources, past life and fossils, the history of the Earth, Solar System geology, and geological fieldwork. There are useful appendices on minerals, rock names and geological time. Whether you are preparing for an essay, studying for an exam or simply want to enrich your hobby or expand your knowledge, Geology: A Complete Introduction is your essential guide. David Rothery is a volcanologist, geologist, planetary scientist and Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University. He has done fieldwork in the UK, USA, Australia, Oman, Chile and Central America, and visited many other parts of the world.

Rocks firmly anchored to the ground and rocks floating through space fascinate us. Jewelry, houses, and roads are just some of the ways we use what has been made from geologic processes to advance civilization. Whether scrambling over a rocky beach, or gazing at spectacular meteor showers, we can't get enough of geology! The Geology Book will teach you: What really carved the Grand Canyon.How thick the Earth's crust is.The varied features of the Earth's surface - from plains to peaks.How sedimentary deposition occurs through water, wind, and ice.Effects of erosion.Ways in which sediments become sedimentary rock.Fossilization and the age of the dinosaurs.The powerful effects of volcanic activity.Continental drift theory.Radioisotope and carbon dating.Geologic processes of the past. Our planet is a most suitable home. Its practical benefits are also enhanced by the sheer beauty of rolling hills, solitary plains, churning seas and rivers, and majestic mountains - all set in place by processes that are relevant to today's entire population of this spinning rock we call home.

This introduction to the geology of California covers all major geomorphic provinces and is organized from north to south.