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Our world is made of rock. Although much of the Earth’s 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.
Graham Park’s introductory book has swiftly established itself as a key resource for those looking for a straightforward explanation of what geology tells 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. 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 of dinosaurs, and want to know more. It has proved an ideal primer for those considering the study of earth sciences more formally. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.
1. Crystals, minerals and gemstones
2. Volcanoes and melted rock
3. Shaping the land
4. Mud, sand and other deposits
5. Moving continents and making mountains
6. Earthquakes and faults
7. Squeezing and stretching - rock deformation
8. Geological time and the age of the Earth
9. Fossils - a history of life
10. Turning the pages - Earth history
11. Geology and industry
Glossary
Graham Park is a professional geologist living in the north of Scotland. He hopes that this book will have the same impact on others that his first reading about geology had on him in kindling a lifelong fascination with his subject. He is the author of The Making of Europe: A Geological History (2014).
Reviews of earlier editions:
"This remains a key resource for both amateur and professional geologists alike, remarkably squeezing virtually all the basics of our subject into some 135 pages with many informative illustrations."
– European Geologist
"For any basic level geology book to succeed, it needs to be well written and include great pictures and diagrams – and this book does not disappoint – This little guide (it is only 134, A5 pages long) covers everything you would expect from a basic level geology book, including the rock cycle, plate tectonics, fossils and industrial uses for geology. It also includes a great glossary, which these days is essential given that geology seems to have spawned a different language only distantly related to English."
– Deposits Magazine
