Book Description

Since publication of the 2^nd edition, there have been considerable advances in instrumentation, and far-reaching developments in applications for small-scale geophysical surveys. Much more can now be done in the field by way of processing and data display, and even interpretation.

Covering applications in mineral exploration, engineering/environmental studies, hydrogeology and archaeology, this book puts emphasis on practical applications and the common problems and pitfalls. Simple interpretation methods are discussed with particular emphasis on preliminary interpretations as important elements in field quality control.

Field Geophysics Third Edition has been revised and updated for the modern world but keeps its popular handy pocket size for use in the field. This edition includes:

• New sections on the use of hand-held GPS receivers, capacitatively-coupled resistivity methods and Controlled Source Audiomagnetotellurics (CSAMT)
• Specific guidance in the use of common field instruments, including possible problems and how to avoid them
• Expanded treatments of transient electromagnetics, and the advantages and pitfalls of the use of dataloggers and automatic reading in the field

Field Geophysics Third Edition provides practical information and assistance to anyone engaged in small-scale geophysical surveys on the ground. Geophysics students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, employees in geophysical and engineering consultancies, geophysicists and geologists in government surveys and mining companies, field archaeologists and hydrogeologists will all find this book useful. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very pratical guide...
John thinks of every eventuality in the field, and especially recommends a very natty rubber mac - I can just see him in it! This book covers every geophysical field technique useful for four or less people (which does NOT include remote sensing, as the person above seems not to recognise). It is written in the same dry, and sometimes faintly sarcastic vein, that anyone who knows him will recognise.

Field Geophysics
This book covers almost all of the current geophysics topics. It gives a sometimes too brief description of the equipment. Reviews the theory and discusses field operations with many helpful hint to stay out of trouble. The book does not cover remote sensing or the metal detector which too many geologists have written off as mearly a hobby ... Read more

Book Description

• The role of field data acquisition in the broader disciplines of glaciology and glacial geomorphology
• Logistical preparations for fieldwork
• Field techniques in glaciology such as investigations on ice and meltwaters
• Field techniques in glacial geomorphology ranging from investigations on glacial landforms and sediments
• International case studies show each method in practice

Book Description

Intended as an introduction to the field, Modern Global Seismology is a complete, self-contained primer on seismology. It features extensive coverage of all related aspects, from observational data through prediction, emphasizing the fundamental theories and physics governing seismic waves--both natural and anthropogenic. Based on thoroughly class-tested material, the text provides a unique perspective on the earths large-scale internal structure and dynamic processes, particularly earthquake sources, and on the application of theory to the dynamic processes of the earths upper skin.
Authored by two experts in the field of geophysics. this insightful text is designed for the first-year graduate course in seismology. Exploration seismologists will also find it an invaluable resource on topics such as elastic-wave propagation, seismicinstrumentation, and seismogram analysis useful in interpreting their high-resolution images of structure for oil and mineral resource exploration.

Key Features
* More than 400 illustrations, many from recent research articles, help readers visualize mathematical relationships
* 49 Boxed Features explain advanced topics
* Provides readers with the most in-depth presentation of earthquake physics available
* Contains incisive treatments of seismic waves, waveform evaluation and modeling, and seismotectonics
* Provides quantitative treatment of earthquake source mechanics
* Contains numerous examples of modern broadband seismic recordings
* Fully covers current seismic instruments and networks
* Demonstrates modern waveform inversion methods
* Includes extensive references for further reading ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A serious introduction to global seismology
The Lay & Wallace provides a good starting description of global seismology. Chapter 1 deals with the historical development and the topics of global seismology. Chapter 2 concerns elasticity and seismic waves. The concepts of strain and stress are introduced. The mathematical content is limited (all you have to know is the partial derivatives) and a lot of figures help you to understand. By the way, this book uses the same boxes as the Aki & Richards to focus on a particular point. The equation of motion and the wave equations are derived.
Chapter 3 deals with Body waves and ray theory.The eikonal equation is introduced,and the body of this chapter concerns travel time propagation, partitioning of energy at a boundary,wave attenuation and scattering in really simple terms. Once again, a lot of figures and documents help the understanding.
Chapter 4 focuses on surface waves and free oscillations and starts with free-surface interactions, Rayleigh and Love waves and their dispersion. Tsunamis are also considered, with only two equations but 6 figures and documents. The end of the chapter is devoted to free oscillations of the earth with once again a lot of documents.
Chapter 5 deals with seismometry, that is what are the instruments used in seismology. This chapter provides differents maps of global networks of seismometers. Chapter 6 considers seismogram interpretation (identification of seismic phases). This is applied to source location. The concept of inversion is introduced with no big deal of maths. The end of the chapter concerns then the generalized inverse and requires more maths. Chapter 7 concerns the determination of Earth structure, and appears in continuity with the previous chapter. No less than 56 figures plus documents are provided to help the understanding of the earth's structure. Seismic tomography is described in simple terms. Then each "layer" of the earth is characterized in terms of seismology.
Chapter 8 focuses on seismic sources, and introduces equivalent body forces, elastostatics, elastodynamics in a very simple way. The seismic moment tensor is introduced here.
Chapter 9 deals with earthquake cinematics and dynamics. It describes the classical 1D Haskell source, the source spetrum. The concepts of stress drop, particle velocity and rupture velocity are explicited. The end of the chapter is devoted to magnitude scales, seismic energy, aftershocks, and the scaling relations of earthquakes.
Chapter 10 tackles the problem of waveform modeling. Finally Chapter 11 deals with seismotectonics and provides plenty of interesting documents.

This book provides an excellent overview of global seismology. It should be extremely useful to teachers (valuable source of documents for your class) and also for those who want to start seismology. Additional reading will be necessary, eventually.

a very complete seismological book
This is an excellent book in seismology. It covers all modern aspects of this science in a complete way. The main advantage for both undergraduate and graduate students in using this book is that the Mathematical aspects are treatised without heaviness.

Reference book for current seismology
Lay & Wallace is an excellent blend of theory and observation. Enough equations to get you started, but not the overwhelming number you see in other theoretical seismology volumes. The best part is the reprinting of important result figures from scattered scientific journals. It is wonderful to have all these in one place. The major missing material is a treatment of computational aspects. I hope they put out new editions every few years with new figures from the journals.

Good (advanced) introdution to quantitative seismology
This book is not for the casual reader. It is written for first year graduate students. To really understand it, you need to know some advanced math,at leadt through differential equations. However, with that background, this is an excellent book. Much easier to read than Aki and Richards. I only wish the book was published when I was a first year graduate student.

There is a much better choice ......
This book is good only if you are not. The book by Aki & Richards is much better for a good seismologist. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive text and on-line learning combination for the non-majors chemistry course.Over 500 schools throughout the country have adopted Chemistry in Context in its first three editions. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Trek Into Indiana's Past
"Roadside Geology of Indiana" is a field guide perfect for anyone who wishes to learn about Indiana's ancient past by getting out and exploring the countryside.There is no better way to experience geology than to get outside and get one's hands dirty, and this book allows just that by providing a field trip excursion across every part of the state.Provided are outcrop sites and quarries to visit as well as brief histories of mining towns and other historical trivia related to Indiana's bedrock geology.Divided into routes along individual roadways, this book is a well-organized adventure from the Ordovician bedrock of southeastern Indiana through the Pleistocene glacial features that characterize the north.Need to pass through Indiana but want to learn something along the way?This book is perfect for Sunday evening drives or holiday layovers.So get out there and enjoy!

Excellent geology intro
As someone living in Indiana, I appreciate this book as an excellent introduction to Indiana geology. While much of the treatment is superficial, it covers a lot of ground and there isn't time to go into everything at much depth. It also provides substantial insight into historical use of surface and subsurface geological resources in the Hoosier state, and as such gives a taste of lifestyles over the last 150 years. Highly recommended.

Indiana actually has some geology
This is definitely one of the better books in this series (I own most of them).If you, like me, have always regarded Indiana as a place you have to drive through, you'll be as surprised as I to discover just how muchinteresting geology there is.It's a good read besides.

Excellent work -- the new standard; well illustrated.
Another great Roadside Geology work, this time better than most.Who would have thought that Indiana geology could come alive like this?The book is so well illustrated with maps, photographs and drawings that it isfun just to flip through. At the same time, there is enough science here(though well written for the layman) that it provides an intelligent,in-depth treatment of thesubject.I recommend this to anyone in Indianaor nearby states; to anyone with an interest in mid-west geology; and toanyone with an interest in Indiana history and lore. ... Read more

Book Description

Biogeography relates the evolution of the Earth's biota to major episodes in the Earth's history such as climatic changes and plate tectonic events. Furthermore, biogeographic patterns have played a prominent role in the development of the theory of evolution. Thus biogeography has the potential to make important contributions to the field of geobiology.Paleobiogeography emphasizes how analytical techniques from phylogenetic biogeography can be applied to the study of patterns in the fossil record. In doing this, it considers the strengths and weaknesses of paleobiogeographic data, the effects of plate tectonic processes (specifically continental rifting and collision) and changes in relative sea levels in terms of how they influence the evolution and distribution of organisms. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Mark of Paleobiogeography
Just as the past has left its mark on our present, this book will surely leave its mark on the fields of paleontology and biogeography. With awareness for biodiversity and global change rating a top prioity in current research, study, and politics, it is more important than ever to be aware of the facts. This book addresses those issues from the dawn of life to the current situation. Lieberman's elucidation and writing abilities far out-pace either Gell-Mann or Steinbeck in quality. He is able to synthesize more than one field into a working theory that is understandable and resonable. "Paleobiogeography," is a must read for any amateur or professional interested in the fields of evironmental science, geography, biology, or paleontology. ... Read more

Book Description

Remote Sensing image analysis is mostly done using only spectral information on a pixel by pixel basis. Information captured in neighbouring cells, or information about patterns surrounding the pixel of interest often provides useful supplementary information. This book presents a wide range of innovative and advanced image processing methods for including spatial information, captured by neighbouring pixels in remotely sensed images, to improve image interpretation or image classification. Presented methods include different types of variogram analysis, various methods for texture quantification, smart kernel operators, pattern recognition techniques, image segmentation methods, sub-pixel methods, wavelets and advanced spectral mixture analysis techniques. Apart from explaining the working methods in detail a wide range of applications is presented covering land cover and land use mapping, environmental applications such as heavy metal pollution, urban mapping and geological applications to detect hydrocarbon seeps.The book is meant for professionals, PhD students and graduates who use remote sensing image analysis, image interpretation and image classification in their work related to disciplines such as geography, geology, botany, ecology, forestry, cartography, soil science, engineering and urban and regional planning. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive text has established itself over the past 20 years as the definitive work in its fields, presenting a thorough coverage of this key area of structural geology in a way which is ideally suited to advanced undergraduate and masters courses. The thorough coverage means that it is also useful to a wider readership as an up to date survey of plate tectonics.

The fourth edition brings the text fully up to date, with coverage of the latest research in crustal evolution, supercontinents, mass extinctions.A new chapter covers the feedbacks of various Earth systems. In addition, a new appendix provides a valuable survey of current methodology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Standard work on plate tectoncis
Condie's work has long been the standard work in plate tectonics.I've just read the 4th edition.As good as the previous editions.However, this is a volume for senior geology majors or graduate students.I hope Condie is contemplating the Millennium edition.One suggestion--re-draft all graphs to have common time scale including geologic time periods. ... Read more

Book Description

The basic philosophy of PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY is to present chemical principles that are essential for understanding environmental problems and then show how these principles can be applied to real-world problems. The latter goal is achieved by including a number of case studies in each chapter. The book is process oriented, emphasizing the tools needed to understand environmental problems, and is not a recitation of environmental problems and issues. Chemistry topics are developed from first principles and the focus is on those principles that are most useful in the environmental field. This text is more accessible than the larger, higher-level environmental geochemistry books on the market that assume familiarity with chemical and quantitative background material. The topical coverage is broad, including extensive material on the isotopic and mineralogical aspects of environmental issues and a significant chapter on the atmosphere. Case studies are integrated throughout to show the application of the various principles to real-world problems, and many of the very extensive set of end-of-chapter problems encourage students to become familiar with the scientific literature on this subject. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

3D-Groundwater Modeling with PMWIN
PMWIN is a robust simulation system capable of modeling groundwater flow and solute transport. It is easy to use and import figures of differing formats. The GUI (graphical user interface) is user friendly. The text presents all the information, graphics and illustrations of the GUI making it easy to understand and use. I highly recommend this program.

3D-Groundwater Modeling with PMWIN
I was using earlier version of pmwin and 3-d visualisation was missing. Therefore I always in preferred to work with Visual Modflow with 3-D explorer and GMS. Now using version 5 of PMWIN with 3-D explorer, I was thrilled. Really it is wounderful and quite simple. I do not find it is less than other counter part Commercial Software. Its 3-D explorer is better than Visual Modflow 3-d explorer.

excellent primary text with latest software from start 2 end
To learn the groundwater modeling techniques, the students or the professionals need the suitable software and the textbook which explaines clearly the theory and the used software.The book must explaine the procedures step by step and from start to to the end.But nowadays, if you have not enough money to purchase the commercial modflow based software, it is a pity that you have to learn MODFLOW codes.It was the undesriable things.Hydrogeological modeling means interpretation.But there is no possibility to see visual something among the codes.I created the input and as a result output errors during the simulations with codes at the beginning.There is a good words in computer technology; Gap In Gap Out.It summurizes the best what i meant.Definitely all hydrogeologists have to know all background informations on groundwater modeling techniques and the structure of used softwares. But i think, groundwater modeling is more than a science, it is a art which must have a visual effect.So that I have looked for the best groundwater modeling book and the software since 1991.At the end, i have found, what i have ever looked for. This is this book which combines the latest modeling techniques and the latest modeling software.You can learn the latest modeling techniques written by the leading teaching experts and creators of PMWIN.This 344 pages textbook walks the practising engineers or students through the modeling process from start to finish.You don't need any other additional tool.This book has also the best groundwater modeling and contaminant transport modeling software. Especially it is the best learning asistance with example problems for the students and practising professionals.

With PMWIN ,groundwater modeling has never been so easy.It is more than a pre and post processor of MODFLOW family (88,96 or 2000);it is a great modeling environment in which you can find what you needed. You can also realize your all modeling and contaminant transport dreams with using all MOC3D, MT3D, PHT3D or RT3D family ( it was a dream for me ).

PMWIN is an advanced environment which has a digitizer, field interpolater, field generator and environment for the background images or dxf files.You can import vector or raster based images...create your own georeferenced background maps.You can interpolate your datas by using FIELDinterpolater and export your kriging results just in a minute with field generator.You can find 4 different interpolation methos.The most complex 3D preprocessing, such as surface or layer property routines take max.30 minutes.You can enter your values to cells, either in cell by cell method or in zonal method or using interchange options from the field interpolater program.

The PMWIN has a preference options the simulation can be performed either with MODFLOW 88,96 or 2000.The all datas will be controlled by the PMWIN, if needed you will be directed for the deficit inputs.After the modflow simulation has finished, the RESULTextractor gets your results in a matrix dialog. If you prefer to open your datas in an other application such as SURFER, it is also possible, you can export your matrix result. PMWIN creates two output files; one of them USGS's *.nam file, the other is the PMWIN's *.pm5 file.For example if you have only GE, you can also visualize your modflow code simulation results in GE environment because GE reads the modflows *.nam files.

If you have GE (it is an optional, low cost 3D visualization tool.It is the cheapest, the best and the easiest tool in the industry).I have tried the all other visulalzation tools, GE is the best, GE is the simple.If you wonder about the prices, it app.250 USD.The most complex and troublous datas will be shown so clearly in 2 minutes.PMWIN and GE or some other add on modules work seamlessly and perfect.The author and the programmer Prof.Wen-Hsing CHAING had thought everything.I have examined PMWIN with the most complex problems,the program has never stooped or the operating system has never collapsed.The PMWIN 5.1.7 permits 250.000 cells but with MF2K add on modules it can be reached up 640.000 cells. Again no problem, no colapse in system.If your operating system is stable, it works so unique.

If you are an unexperienced modeler or beginner,it is not problem.After one or two day with this book; definitely you will become more familiar.It is so simple that the visualization processes take just 2 minutes...you can create your own animations and import your animation scenes in many digital formats such as *.BMP, *.GIF and modify there and present.

With some additional add on modules which have been created again by the Authors of the book, you can merge with other modeling tools such as RT3D or PHT3D.I have contacted to Prof.wen-Hsing CHAING and learned that there will be a lot of add on modules...one of them is the surface water/groundwater interaction modules.I have also learned that GE will be used for the presentation of the surface waters and the meteorological datas.It means, PMWIN will be the best software in this industry.Many of the commercial modflow processors are still using Modflow 96. The MODFLOW 2000, PEST-ASP and the late version of the UCODE had been added in April 2001 to PMWIN.And it works without any problem since April 2001. I have contacted and got more additional information about the PMWIN and the book. I am gratefull to Prof.Kinzelbach and Prof.Wen-Hsiang CHAING who has written 3D GROUNDWATER MODELING WITH PMWIN and created,developed the PMWIN, GE and MODFLOW 2000 add on modules.I have found the best software and the best TEXTBOOK.This book is really excellent and can be advised both to the students,practical engineers and advanced groundwater modelers, as a compherensive guide to modeling and complete the exercises to refresh their knowledges.And also... Especially for the professors , this book will be an excellent primary text for a university course, or as asupplement to an existing curriculum.

Dipl.-Ing.Cengiz DOGANGoeNueL (B.Sc & M.Eng in Hydrogeological Enginnerig)

A recommandable book and software for groundwater modeling
PMWIN is an excellent software for the simulation of groundwater flow and transport. This comprehensive software makes it easy to setup own groundwater problems. It comprises a lot of additional programs and useful tools which help to describe and analyse a problem very clearly. For example, a model for the simulation of single and multi-species transport is included as well as the full version of PEST, the famous code for parameter estimation. Many features facilitate showing and printing of the results. The book contains a lot of elucidations and examples. Some features are still in development but should be released soon, like 3D visualization and geochemical model. Alltogether a very recommandable book and software.

That's it
Excellent modelling environment. Flexible, robust, and approved software. Exemplary manual elucidates numerical and hydraulic background ... Read more

Book Description

The book discusses the ideas and creates a framework for building toward a theory of paleoclimate.Using the rich and mounting array ofobservational evidence of climatic changes from geology, geochemistry, and paleontology, Saltzman offers a dynamical approach to the theory of paleoclimate evolution and an expanded theory of climate.

Saltzman was a distinquished authority on dynamical meteorology. This book provides a comprehensive framework based on dynamical system ideas for a theory of climate and paleoclimatic evolution which is intended for graduate students and research workers in paleoclimatology, earth system studies, and global change research. The book includes an extensive bibliography of geological and physical/dynamical references.

Written by the late Barry Saltzman who was a distinquished authority on dynamical meteorology
This book provides a comprehensive framework based on dynamical system ideas for a theory of climate and paleoclimatic evolution
The book includes extensive bibliography of geological and physical/dynamical references ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (10)

Densely enjoyable
Thorson's discussion of frost heave is so wonderful I no longer resent picking those damn rocks out of the garden.Well, I still don't like those damn cobbles and pebbles but at least now it makes sense.I lived on sand in Schenectady, NY for awhile and I almost forgot how easy mending that lawn was, you could dig without a shovel, but New England called me home and alas this is a land of rocks, but walking through the woods here in Massachusetts with its stranded rock walls, whose existence in trackless woods makes one wonder who built them, so long ago that the trees surrounding them are well over 100 feet high, humbles one, such a long history, so many generations gone, you can feel the hard labor that must have gone into hauling these tons of rock, these walls that run up and down hillsides through woods that haven't seen farming in over 150 years.

I loved the soil talk, the geology, the history lesson, this is real history, the story of the people, explaining the reasons for the individual decisions of the many; the big history moves are the result of the many many little historical imperatives.

If you live in New England or any other glaciated terrain, you should read this book, you will find your surroundings, your own neighborhood woods, a source of new fascination.

Fascinating and comprehensive
This is a wonderful book.It blends science, history and art to create an interesting perspective on the stone walls of New England.Thorson discusses the geological aspects of stone, the various types of stone walls and how they were built as well as the process of frost heaving and the disintegration of old walls.I hope this book causes people who have looked at stone walls and have seen only rocks to take a new, deeper look at them.They, and "Stone by Stone" are quite poetic.

Solidly Magnificent
"The stone walls of New England stand guard against a future
that seems to be coming too quickly. They urge us to slow down
and to recall the past."

This is only one of the many observations that Professor Thorson
concludes his marvelous book with.I must admit that his final,
summarizing chapter actually brought a tear to my eye - hardly
to be expected from a book on geology and regional history
mixed with, amongst other topics, some anthropology.

In other words this book has enough of everything to satisfy
every curiosity you might have about those tumbled down rows
of stones found in just about every New England forest and
suburb.A surprising wealth of information on numerous topics.
Fascinating scientific and cultural and historical background -
far more than one would ever expect to encounter considering
the topic.And Professor Thorson's writing style is commendably
clear and readable, with a poet's affection for his topic.

Quite simply one of the best nonfiction books I think I have ever
read (and I read quite a lot), for its perfect fusion of research, understanding and sentiment.

Almost an answer to my prayers during so many long, wandering and wondering forest walks.
I encourage you to read this book.

More Geology Than Walls
When I picked up this book I thought: "How can an entire book be written about stones walls?"As it turns out the author did not write an entire book about stone walls.

The author gives us the hisory of stone walls starting with the formation of the earth, through formation of rocks, the ice age and finally American history.There is actually more about geology that stone walls themselves, although the author tried mightily to write a few hundred pages about them.

The geology and history is well-written and interesting.I learned quite about when walls were generally built and how the stones came to be that comprised them.However, the last third or so of the book - that part devoted to the walls themselves was often redundant.It seemed the author was searching for words to fill the pages and stretching - like the last pages of a term paper you know should be eight pages but you have to make the assigned ten pages.

A chapter on builders and technique would have been more useful than the stretched parts.

There are pearls of interesting history and I am not sorry I read the book.I just wished it had been shorter by an excision of the redundancies and "stretches".

Neat Trash
Thorson presents his case for the annual crop of stones on New England farms from an historical perspective and from his expertise in geophysics and geology.The writing style is clear but repeats information from one chapter to another.The basic premises are implied but not precisely stated and enlarged upon -1. Early settlers and farmers wanted land for growing food; stones "heaved" up every year on the land were looked upon as trash.The more land cleared of trees and brush, the more land available for growing food BUT the clearing added impetus to stones being heaved up.Settlers piled stones on boundaries of their fields, often leaving space between two lines of stones where brush and other trash was tossed.2. The marks on these stones are not glyphs or any form of record, they are merely stress marks.

Thorson's book is fun to read on two levels - first as a scholarly "comeback" meant to take the wind out of the sails of high-flown rhetoric on the ethnic and socio-economic origins and meanings of stone fences.Second, the bits of history and geological information are just enough to allow the reader to understand without being overwhelmed ala James Michener. ... Read more

Book Description

To effectively introduce core concepts, this first-year survey text shifts the focus from learning terminology to understanding—and observing—the range of earth's geologic processes.

At the end of every chapter, new On-the-Web activities encourage the use of web resources, Learning Actively exercises challenge students to apply their knowledge to their surroundings, and Chapter Summaries are now shorter to allow for faster review.

• The art program presents a level of detail appropriate for introductory students, and demonstrates naturalism as well as technical accuracy—ensuring that the basics are skillfully communicated.
• Geology at a Glance sections act as quick, visual reference tools summarizing difficult ideas using figures, photos, and flow charts.

Reviews (1)

A great book that shows that geology isn't a boring science
Mr. Chernicoff has written a book that makes geology look both fun and informative.The book itself is a pretty lengthy but filled with exicting information.Chernicoff is also a pretty good teacher, I recieved a 3.5 inhis class. ... Read more

Book Description

This work examines the issue of accelerated soil erosion, which has become an increasingly serious concern in the twentieth century. Aspects considered include on-site impact of erosion; application of soil science to problems of non-agricultural uses of soil, such as mineland restoration, urban uses and disposal of urban wastes; soil contamination and pollution by industrial activities; and athletic and recreational uses of soil. Soil Quality and Soil Erosion will be a useful text for soil scientists, agronomists, foresters, and environmental scientists as we enter the next century. ... Read more

Book Description

Until about 110 million years ago, the land we know as Oregon simply did not exist. The development of the state'Õs distinctive and beautiful landscapes is a classic and dramatic tale, 400 million years in the making and greatly affected by global events. In the beginning, Oregon's foundations lay far off the Idaho seacoast as tropical volcanic islands. Collision with these exotic terranes produced the first land that was truly Oregon. Subsequent eruptions of volcanoes in central and eastern Oregon --- where bananas grew and tiny horses browsed on figs and lotus leaves --- built the coastline westward. As the climate cooled, Columbia River basalts and collision with a chain of offshore seamounts built Oregon's coast to today's position, while faulting uplifted now-familiar mountain ranges. When mastodons and dire wolves prowled the Willamette Valley at the end of the Ice Age, great floods from Montana transformed the valley into a 100-mile-long lake. Today, earthquakes and eruptions still shape our landscapes.

Geology is an extremely visual subject, and In Search of Ancient Oregon is a beautifully photographed, expertly written account of Oregon's fascinating geological story. Written by a passionate and professional geologist who has spent countless hours in the field exploring and photographing the state, In Search of Ancient Oregon is a book for all those interested in Oregon's present and past landscapes, plants, animals, and climates. It presents fine-art-quality color photographs of well-known features, including Mount Hood, Crater Lake, Smith Rock, Steens Mountain, the Columbia River Gorge, and Oregon's rugged coast, as well as scenic and more remote places, including Diamond Craters, the Owyhees, Abert Rim, Hells Canyon, the Wallowas, and Three Fingered Jack. Clear and compelling writing accompanies the more than 215 stunning photographs. Finally, here is a book that tells the tale of how Oregon's diverse landscapes, climates, and wildlife evolved --- and what we may expect in the future.

Until now, no book has presented this dynamic story in a way that everyone interested in Oregon's natural history can easily understand. Extraordinary photographs and the author's lucid explanations make this book both unique and essential for those curious about our own contemporary landscape. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Geology made accessible.
Ellen Morris Bishop's book has created a rich story about Oregon's origins that is extremely captivating. When I read her book I feel that I am going on an exciting time travel adventure in my own backyard. I have already given several copies as gifts to relatives and friends. Her book has inspired by mother to want to go backpacking!

Easily understandable: A good read and glorious pictures.
This is a great, very-non-technical book that describes Oregon's geology and its past climates and plants and animals in a way that the general reader can easily understand. I bought a copy to give to my brother (a wetland specialist) but ended up keeping that copy for myself. The photos of Oregon's mountains, coast, and deserts are outstanding. It's a great read, and links the history of landscapes and climates here to changes around the globe. A great book to help understand Oregon's landscapes.

In Search of Ancient Oregon
Buy this book to help you understand the geology and natural history of Oregon and to grace your coffee table and book shelf. It is written by a geologist who has published scientific articles on Oregon geology and other aspects of natural history in professional journals and books. The author, Dr. Ellen Bishop, has combined a knowledge of science with the ability to make complex concepts very understandable to nonscientists. The photographs, however, are enough by themselves to have this book on your coffee table or desk. I have been to many of the sites Dr. Bishop photographed and am impressed by her skill and experience. The photographs show not only the geology that she has written about in the text, but also the stark beauty of Oregon's landscapes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Book, Great Professor
This was the text for part of our Field Camp. I was fortunate enough to have the Dr. Fritz as my personal guide to Yellowstone National Park. I still use the book as a reference in my personal studies of U.S. Geology. It is must for anyone traveling to Yellowstone with even the most remote interest in Geology.

Yellowstone on a simplified Geological Feature a day
The title sums it all up. The book is indeed useful, you can find all sorts of neat features by using it, but it really is a bit simplified. Perhaps it's just me, but it was GREAT for my kids (8 and 11) who are both, well, they read. Anything. As long as they can catch it.

I got it at the park cuz I was really bored
I'm a nerd. I was left with nothing to read in the cold nights. I was also having trouble sleeping. I thought this book would help.

Yes it put me to sleep because reading about rock and millenia of dirt moving is tiresome.

But what I absorbed made me look at yellowstone in a new way. The book was quite clear-and I could see and easily understand how Americas greatest monument to beauty was madeof millions of years.

It's like seeing the Louvre after taking an art class. The paint on canvass comes alive with history and meaning.

So too if you read this. ... Read more

Book Description

A condensed version of Geology, 3/e, this textbook provides succinct, focused explanations of key points—ideal for non-majors who require a basic introduction to the field. Three themes (plate tectonics, environmental geology and natural resources, and planetary geology) appear repeatedly throughout the text to highlight the connections between core concepts. In addition, the authors provide examples from across North America and the globe.

• The art program incorporates a level of detail appropriate for introductory students—more effectively communicating core concepts in each figure.
• Geology at a Glance features act as quick, visual reference tools summarizing difficult ideas through figures, photos, and flow charts.
• A comprehensive suite of technology supplements facilitate both teaching and learning.

Reviews (1)

Fantastic...
As an earth and space science student teacher, I look for material that I can pass off to my class of middle school students. I use this text to augment THEIR text and my lesson plans. This book is a must for any type of earth science enthusiast. The articles and chapters are easily read and understood, and the diagrams are works of art. BRAVO! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excelent book, worth the price and more!
this book is clear, easy reading, and focused. It gave me all the answers I was looking for plus a lot more. The best book of organic geochemistry and petroleum geochemistry you can buy. I really recomend it. ... Read more