Geology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Jan Zalsiewicz has written a concise introduction to geology that is but readable and understandable for people new to the field. His first chapters tell the story of how geology developed as a science and how geologists developed the major theories of the Earth's geological history. While doing so, he manages to introduce and explain many of the concepts of geology as well. The next chapters do a deep-dive into the geology of the deep Earth and the surface areas of the planet. He then explains how geological fieldwork is performed and how geologists help hunt for the Earth's resources. He also explains what geologists can and cannot predict about natural catastrophes like volcanos and earthquakes. Finally, he provides an excellent show more summary of the Earth's history.

The book is highly recommended. Although it includes numerous illustrations they are all in black and white and not always easy to decipher. show less