The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks
by Dougal Dixon
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From exploring the basic principles of geology to starting a rock and mineral collection, The Practical Geologist is the perfect introduction to the world of earth science. Beginning with a history of the earth's formation and development, this book explores the substances that compose the planet, movements within the earth, the surface effects of weather and water, and underground landscapes. It shows you how to search for, identify, and extract samples of various rocks and minerals, and show more for each rock and mineral type there is a brief mineralogy and explanation of its locations. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curating specimens, and geological sites on the six continents. Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is the essential practical companion for natural science enthusiasts everywhere. Via words and pictures, this book explores the Earth's formation and development, the substances that compose the planet, movements within the Earth, and much more. 200 four-color photos; line drawings throughout. Index. show lessTags
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This is a decent introduction for those who didn't go to university (or yet to go, or just started) for geology and aren't afraid of some technical language. Sections cover what kind of gear is essential for the amateur or the professional geologist, concepts about major geological phenomena like plate tectonics and rock cycles, as well as written and photographic details of common rock and mineral types so you know where to find and identify them.
The Practical Geologist would be most useful as the start of a reference library. More details are needed to confidently identify rocks and minerals or be able to iterate how they got to be where they are found--basically, complement this book with field guides and read more books. In show more addition, follow this book's advice and supplement your library with your own geology field journals and local maps.
Ultimately this book fulfills it's purpose: it's a practical introduction--an introduction to build on. show less
The Practical Geologist would be most useful as the start of a reference library. More details are needed to confidently identify rocks and minerals or be able to iterate how they got to be where they are found--basically, complement this book with field guides and read more books. In show more addition, follow this book's advice and supplement your library with your own geology field journals and local maps.
Ultimately this book fulfills it's purpose: it's a practical introduction--an introduction to build on. show less
The introductory guide to the basics of geology and to collecting and identifying rocks
The introductory guide to the basics of geology and to collecting and identifying rocks.
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Dougal Dixon was born in Dumfries, Scotland in 1947. He received a bachelor of science degree in geology from the University of St. Andrews in 1970 and a master of science degree in 1972. He entered the publishing field in 1973 and became a freelancer in 1980. He is an internationally recognized authority on dinosaurs and is one of the most show more popular science writers in the United Kingdom. His books include After Man: A Zoology of the Future, The New Dinosaurs, Man After Man, and Time Exposure (aka The Age of Dinosaurs). He has also served as a special advisor for programs and motion pictures about dinosaurs in the United States, Great Britain and Japan. He received the Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism by the Educational Press Association of America in 1993, the Helen Roney Sattler Award in 1993, the Children's Book Council 1994 Outstanding Trade Science Book Award, and the Times Educational Supplement Primary Schoolbook Award in 1996. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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