Böcker i Introducing Earth and Environmental Sciences-serien

Our world is made of rock. Although much of the Earths surface is covered by vegetation, concrete or water, if one digs down far enough solid rock will always be found. Those who live in a landscape where rock outcrops are obvious will have wondered about the kind of rocks they are looking at and how they came to be where they are now. This introductory book explains in simple terms what geology can tell us about the world. Many objects of great beauty and which excite our curiosity, such as crystals or fossils, are to be found by examining rocks. Those searching for and examining such objects gain much more by knowing how and when they originated. In particular fossils, whilst interesting in themselves, tell us from their context in geological time of biological evolution and these clues give an insight into the origins of life on earth. Copiously illustrated this book is intended for those whose interest in geology has been awakened, perhaps by media coverage of earthquakes or dinosaurs and want to know more. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.

Examines the principal causes of sea level change focusing on the issues of vertical land movements and changes in ocean volume. This is followed by a discussion of the geological evidence for past changes in sea level.

A concise, highly illustrated introduction to stratigraphy, the study of rock layers and layering. Stratigraphy is used in the study of sedimentary and layered volcanic rocks and is a key component of the search for fossil fuels.

People have been fascinated by minerals since prehistory. The attractions of minerals lie in their colours, their beautiful crystals and the discoveries of their uses and the metals that can be obtained from them. Minerals receive attention from a wide variety of people: mining executives, collectors, prospectors and scientists unravelling their molecular structure and origins. But, for someone new to mineralogy, the subject can appear to be overwhelmingly complex.In Introducing Mineralogy John Mason considers the essence of mineralogy in a clear and logical manner. The book begins with the basic chemistry of minerals and the way in which the mineral kingdom is classified. It then considers mineral occurrences, both typical, such as the minerals that largely make up common rocks like granite, and atypical, such as concentrations of rare metals in ore-deposits. The ways in which minerals are studied using microscopes and the importance of careful observation and interpretation are discussed and the topics of mineral collecting and related issues are addressed. The final chapters explore the uses of minerals, both industrial and scientific, and take a look at environmental issues associated with mineral extraction and usageLavishly illustrated in colour and complete with a glossary, the book is aimed at students embarking on courses in the Earth Sciences and at the amateur collector who wants to find out more about the colourful rocks they may find when out walking.

An introduction to the science of geophysics which deals with physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment.