Geology: A Very Short Introduction

Description

Jan Zalasiewicz introduces the field of geology, its fundamental role in understanding the Earth and other planets, and its economic importance in the finding and exploitation of resources. He explains how geologists work today, and describes major discoveries such as plate tectonics, and the field's exciting frontiers such as the geology of Mars.

• Gives a concise introduction to the field of geology, which attracts many enthusiastic amateurs as well as academics and professionals
• Takes readers through the geology of the deep interior of the Earth to that of its surface, and to the geology of other planets and moons
• Considers the role and importance of geology in the finding and exploitation of resources
• Describes the development of geology from early beginnings, to revolutionary discoveries such as plate tectonics, and its practice today, including the role of fieldwork
• Discusses the place of geology in environmental issues, and in tackling issues associated with climate change
• Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over nine million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Jan Zalasiewicz, Professor of Palaeobiology, Department of Geology, University of Leicester

Jan Zalasiewicz is a Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Leicester, and before that worked at the British Geological Survey. A field geologist, palaeontologist, and stratigrapher, he teaches various aspects of geology and Earth history to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and is a researcher into fossil ecosystems and environments across over half a billion years of geological time. He has published over a hundred papers in scientific journals, and several books with Oxford University Press, including Rocks VSI (2016), and The Planet in a Pebble (2010).

Table of Contents

1:What is geology?
2:Geology: the early days
3:Modern breakthroughs and revolutions
4:Deep Earth geology
5:Earth surface geology
6:Geological fieldwork
7:Geology for resources
8:Geology for society and the environment
9:A very brief history of the Earth

Reviews

"If you do not want to have to wade through heavy tomes and are equipped with only school-level knowledge of science, to gain a basic appreciation of this subject, then this 150 page short book could well be just what you need." - Jonathan Cowie, Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation

"I have never read a better introduction to this vast, fascinating, and vital subject. It really is like seeing the world in a grain of sand." - Dr Ted Nield, Editor, Geoscientist magazine

"How much do we know about our home? Jan Zalasiewicz's brief history of Earth is fun to read, yet strong on science too. It's a clear and accurate guide to our planet, and also addresses the challenge of caring for the environment. Just right for that flight or a long train trip!" - Euan Nisbet, Foundation Prof. of Earth Science, Royal Holloway, Univ. of London