This beautifully illustrated book reveals the astounding variety and beauty of the rocks and minerals all around us. Many stunning images show rocks from deep within Earth, rocks created and altered by heating and melting, rocks ejected from volcanoes, rocks shaped by erosion at Earth's surface, and extraterrestrial rocks that have crashed into Earth. These spectacular photographs are accompanied by clear and non-technical explanations of the main processes responsible for creating rocks and minerals. Beneath our Feet is for everyone interested in natural history, especially those who visit museums and national parks. Beneath our Feet can also be used as an introductory textbook for school students, and for non-science major undergraduate students. Earth scientists will also be thrilled by this stunning collection of images.
Introduction
1. Looking at rocks and minerals
2. Juggling plates
3. Anything flows
4. A mantle of green
5. Hot stuff
6. Breaking point
7. All washed up
8. Turning up the heat
9. In hot water
10. A tight squeeze
11. From outer space
12. Seen one rock …
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Index.
"Excellent pictures and straightforward, informative text make Ron Vernon's Beneath our Feet almost a coffee-table book for the scientifically literature non-geologist – or anyone who's always curious."
– David Oldroyd, Nature
"Here is a book to enjoy [...] a series of magnificent photographs of rocks [...] with an intelligent, interesting and scientifically correct text written for those who know little, or even no, geology. It is unreservedly recommended. It will make an excellent gift or personal indulgence at a reasonable price."
– B. E. Leake, Mineralogical Society
"[...] a book of beautiful pictures of rocks – one hundred and seventy of them. Rocks from a distance, rocks close up, rocks in hand specimen and rocks in thin section. Unquestioningly, Vernon's first objective, which is to dispel the myth 'seen one rock, seen 'em all', is admirably achieved, as most people will buy this book for the pictures."
– Cherry Lewis, Geoscientist
"[...] beautifully illustrated [...] the pictures are incredible, guaranteed to make a rock lover out of anyone."
– The Tampa Tribune
"I can't think of a better, more appealing introduction to geology than this book, which has a huge potential readership."
– Preview (Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists)
"[...] a richly illustrated introduction to the rocks and minerals of planet Earth for everyone interested in natural history [...] well written and easy to understand [...] a good resource book to add to any library and will be an excellent reference for students who are learning about Earth Materials on Earth Systems."
– J. G. Liou, Episocles
"This is one of the most beautifully illustrated books that I have ever seen. It should be in every high school and public library."
– Gretchen Luepke Bynum, Journal of Geoscience Education