Geology For Dummies

Get a rock–solid grasp on geology
Geology is a vast, intricate, and complex subject — but that doesn′t mean it has to be difficult to grasp. Whether you′re looking to supplement classroom learning or are simply interested in earth sciences, this friendly, approachable guide gives you a straightforward introduction to the study of the earth, its materials, and its processes.
Home sweet home — get an introduction to geology and the development of modern ideas about our planet
It′s elemental, my dear — review the building blocks of earth — elements, minerals, and rocks — and get acquainted with some basic chemistry
Pass your plate — discover why the theory of plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology, and how the interaction of plate movements forms, destroys, and recycles rocks
On the surface — get the 411 on the five main forces for geological change on the earth′s surface — forces of gravity, flowing water, ice, wind, and waves
Open the book and find:
Plain–English explanations of the chemistry you need to know
How geologists determine the age of rocks
The history of geologic thought
Five major extinction eventsin earth′s history
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
The theory of plate tectonics
An introduction to thegeologic timescale
The most common geologic hazards
Learn to:
Grasp the study of the earth, its materials, and its processes
Recognize rocks, minerals, and geologic marvels
Score your highest in geology courses

Spis treści:
Introduction.
Part I: Studying the Earth.
Chapter 1: Rocks for Jocks (and Everybody Else).
Chapter 2: Observing Earth through a Scientifi c Lens.
Chapter 3: From Here to Eternity: The Past, Present, and Future of Geologic T hought.
Chapter 4: Home Sweet Home: Planet Earth.
Part II: Elements, Minerals, and Rocks.
Chapter 5: It’s Elemental, My Dear: A Very Basic Chemistry of Elements and Compounds.
Chapter 6: Minerals: The Building Blocks of Rocks.
Chapter 7: Recognizing Rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Types.
Part III: One Theory to Explain It All: Plate Tectonics.
Chapter 8: Adding Up the Evidence for Plate Tectonics.
Chapter 9: When Crustal Plates Meet, It′s All Relative.
Chapter 10: Who′s Driving This Thing? Mantle Convection and Plate Movement.
Part IV: Superficially Speaking: About Surface Processes.
Chapter 11: Gravity Takes Its Toll: Mass Wasting.
Chapter 12: Water: Above and Below Ground.
Chapter 13: Flowing Slowly toward the Sea: Glaciers.
Chapter 14: Blowing in the Wind: Moving Sediments without Water.
Chapter 15: Catch a Wave: The Evolution of Shorelines.
Part V: Long, Long Ago in This Galaxy Right Here.
Chapter 16: Getting a Grip on Geologic Time.
Chapter 17: A Record of Life in the Rocks.
Chapter 18: Time before Time Began: The Precambrian.
Chapter 19: Teeming with Life: The Paleozoic Era.
Chapter 20: It Should Have Been Called Mesozoic Park: When Dinosaurs Dominated.
Chapter 21: The Cenozoic Era: Mammals Take Over.
Chapter 22: And Then There Were None: Major Extinction Events in Earth′s History.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 23: Ten (Plus) Ways Humans Act as Geologic Agents.
Chapter 24: Ten Geologic Hazards.
Index.

Nota biograficzna:
Alecia M. Spooner has been teaching various Earth and Environmental Sciences for seven years. She has earned degrees in Anthropology (B.A., University of Mississippi), Archaeology (M.A., Washington State University), and Geology (M.S., University of Washington). Her research includes interdisciplinary studies of paleoecology, paleoclimatology, an d archaeology. Currently she teaches at Everett Community College and enjoys developing active–learning science curricula.

Okładka tylna:
Get a rock–solid grasp on geology
Geology is a vast, intricate, and complex subject — but that doesn′t mean it has to be difficult to grasp. Whether you′re looking to supplement classroom learning or are simply interested in earth sciences, this friendly, approachable guide gives you a straightforward introduction to the study of the earth, its materials, and its processes.
Home sweet home — get an introduction to geology and the development of modern ideas about our planet
It′s elemental, my dear — review the building blocks of earth — elements, minerals, and rocks — and get acquainted with some basic chemistry
Pass your plate — discover why the theory of plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology, and how the interaction of plate movements forms, destroys, and recycles rocks
On the surface — get the 411 on the five main forces for geological change on the earth′s surface — forces of gravity, flowing water, ice, wind, and waves
Open the book and find:
Plain–English explanations of the chemistry you need to know
How geologists determine the age of rocks
The history of geologic thought
Five major extinction eventsin earth′s history
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
The theory of plate tectonics
An introduction to thegeologic timescale
The most common geologic hazards
Learn to:
Grasp the study of the earth, its materials, and its processes
Recognize rocks, minerals, and geologic marvels
Score your highest in geology courses