Contents:
The first couple of chapters are a bit overly earnest, in a sweet nerdy way, but that falls away in the later chapters.
I was a bit surprised that Harry Hess wasn't mentioned in the chapter about the development of plate tectonics theory, but then as a Walter Alvarez devotee I'm used to hearing Uncle Harry promoted quite a bit H Interesting and well-written book about the basics of earth science. I was a bit surprised that Harry Hess wasn't mentioned in the chapter about the development of plate tectonics theory, but then as a Walter Alvarez devotee I'm used to hearing Uncle Harry promoted quite a bit Harry was Walter's dissertation advisor at Princeton.
And to be fair, there were others who developed the theory. I'm just so used to hearing about Uncle Harry that I noted the omission. I can recommend this to geo-nerds like me who have an interest but not necessarily the scientific background. Apr 04, R. This book goes into great depth on many Geoscience topics in many different fields.
It also includes many newer concepts and discoveries that form an important foundation for explaining global and astronomical geologic control of our climate. Macdougall does an excellent job of tying together many far flung concepts throughout all of the Geosciences and then bringing them back together to explain global climate control factors.
Almost the entirety of the book is devoted to providing a strong foun This book goes into great depth on many Geoscience topics in many different fields. Almost the entirety of the book is devoted to providing a strong foundation in important Geoscience concepts. This is necessary to get the reader to the last chapter with an adequate understanding of the basics so that the title question can be asked and answered - Why Geology Matters? The last chapter does an excellent job of revealing why all of these varied geologic concepts and investigations matter to our everyday lives.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. Do your best to understand how the Earth works so that you might understand what will happen if we push the Earth systems too far with our utter disregard of protecting the Earth from ourselves. Answers many mysteries of our home planet, and enables humans to real understanding how earth is front and center our home, and what is possible due to the current health of our home, planet earth.
A clear and straight forward approach of what is possible, as well as the consequences, for our home planet, and for our children, and our children's children. One of the best books on earth science that I have read. Apr 10, Smh rated it really liked it. A very easy to read high-level review of many important aspects of earth science.
Anyone interested in a dispassionate explanation of the theories and information about climate change will find this book very useful. I hope the author updates this book at some point in the future as more information becomes available. Dec 30, Kylie rated it really liked it. Good science book for someone without a formal science back ground.
Thanks to the rock Dr. I had no idea how much our climate was regulated by geology. Jan 17, Miriam Burden rated it it was amazing. A very good book for those who don't necessarily have a formal education and for those who do! What is the risk of an asteroid striking Earth? Why does the temperature of the ocean millions of years ago matter today? How are efforts to predict earthquakes progressing? Sedimentary layers spanning the PermianTriassic boundary.
The interior structure of the Earth. Effects of the Tunguska impact Siberia. Seafloor magnetic polarity stripes.
Crosssection of a subduction zone. I have since moved to a mid price range college text book for further enlightenment. Our understanding of the history of the Earth has only really become at all clear over the past years and mostly over the past few decades.
The vast majority of living people would have no idea how this knowledge has been gained and most would subscribe to beliefs that are totally unsustainable given the evidence that geology reveals. This book is one of the most readable science books I have read, and I have read many. It is well within the capabilities of most high school level students but does not talk down at all to the reader.
The true story of the almost inconceivable depths of time and events that have had to unfold before our short spark of human existence could ignite should fill anyone with awe.
Those who fear science based truth should at least make some attempt to understand what evidence exists and how it is currently interpreted if they wish to go on claiming that " the truth shall set you free" while refusing to submit any of their traditional beliefs to the scrutiny of all this newly discovered and understood evidence. When I studied Geology for Junior Secondary school over 55 years ago so little was known and it seemed a very dull subject. I can only hope today's students are aware of how lucky they are to have this and similar books to read and can face reality with courage and intelligence.
I was pleasantly surprised how easy a read this was - with mother Earth as the main character - Macdougall explains just about every major aspect of the Earth and ties it all back to geology. I still may do so Now my request - Mr. Macdougall, please write the book "Why Ocean Matters" - you would do mother Earth a great service. One person found this helpful 2 people found this helpful.
This is one of the best books on geology that I have ever read. The author very clearly explains concepts and terms that a non-geologist can understand, but that also shows the author's expertise in the subject. A learned geologist reflects on the beautiful cocktail of natural sciences called geology and how it explains so much of modern life. This a well written from the heart trail through the impact of geology on our understanding of not only our Earth, but planetary science. One person found this helpful.
Why Geology Matters Decoding the Past, Anticipating the Future. by Doug Macdougall (Author); May ; First Edition; Paperback $, £ eBook. Buy Why Geology Matters: Decoding the Past, Anticipating the Future on Amazon .com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on qualified orders.
A clear and straight forward approach of what is possible, as well as the consequences, for our home planet, and for our children, and our children's children. One of the best books on earth science that I have read. This was an easy read and suitable for non-geologists, such as myself. As an old person but new student of geology, it kept me entertained while staying in my son's hospital room during his IL-2 treatment.
The author believes the next major extinction will be primarily due to man's activities. See all 19 reviews. Most recent customer reviews. Published on February 8, Published on January 17, Published on September 10, Published on August 28, Published on August 27, Published on August 9, Published on May 13, Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers.
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