A Field Manual for the Amateur Geologist Tools and Activities for Exploring Our Planet

About this book

Praise for the first edition ..."A must-have volume for rock and fossil collectors, naturalists, and travelers ...ideal for the nature enthusiast with little or no background in geology." -Earth "Cvancara's Field Manual is the book for which I have been waiting for many years!" This fascinating guide is an important resource you'll want to have with you on any outdoor vacation, nature walk, or rock hunting expedition. A Field Manual for the Amateur Geologist not only describes the science of geology, but also shows you how to do geology in the field. This book introduces the geologist's core concepts, tools, and techniques and requires no prior training in geology. Beginners will learn to identify landforms, minerals, rocks, and fossils and experience, firsthand, all the excitement of geological discovery. More experienced "rockhounds" will find a wealth of useful information as well, including: * Easy-to-use mineral keys and landform keys * Unique chapters on the geologist's approach, exploring the geology of North American national parks, sleuthing stones, and prospecting for gold * Over 200 photographs and drawings * Lists of geological museums, geological surveys, and other resources Whether you are an amateur geologist, fossil hunter, naturalist, or simply a traveler with an inquiring mind, this handy field manual is sure to become a constant companion on your explorations of our planet.

Contents

THE LAY OF THE LAND: LANDFORMS. Introduction to Landforms. Stream--Related Landforms. Glacier--Related Landforms. Shoreline--Related Landforms. Wind--Related Landforms. Groundwater--Related Landforms. Landslide--Related Landforms. Volcanic Landforms. Rock Deformation--Related Landforms. Keys for Identification of Landforms. CONTEMPLATING THE PAST. Time and Geology. Reconstructing Past Events. Parks for Geologic Observation and Contemplation. MINERALS, ROCKS, AND FOSSILS: THE STUFF OF GEOLOGY. Minerals. Igneous Rocks. Sedimentary Rocks. Metamorphic Rocks. Fossils. HOW TO DO GEOLOGY. The Geologist's Approach. How to Read Geologic Maps and Cross Sections. How to Make a Mineral, Rock, or Fossil Collection. How to Sleuth Stone. How to Read Rock Weathering from Tombstones. How to Prospect for Gold. Appendices. Index.

Customer Reviews

Biography

ALAN M. CVANCARA, Ph.D., is a retired Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of North Dakota. His other popular nature books include At the Water's Edge and Sleuthing Fossils, both published by Wiley, and Exploring Nature in Winter.