Product Description

The science of geology is going through a remarkable period of expansion and advancement. The New Penguin Dictionary of Geology contains over 7,500 fully updated definitions, making it the most extensive dictionary of the Earth sciences ever produced. It includes a full bibliography of up-to-date works covering all areas of geology. Authoritative and accessible, this new edition will prove invaluable to researcher, student and amateur geologist.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37117 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

From the Publisher

Some sample entries:

PERLITE

An hydrated, silicic, volcanic GLASS with curved, concentric, `onion-skin' cracks probably arising from volume changes associated with the HYDRATION. Used commercially for thermal insulation and as a rooting medium.

HYDRATION LAYER DATING

A dating method for OBSIDIAN artefacts based on the phenomenon of OBSIDIAN'S absorbing water at a rate dependent on its chemical composition and the ambient temperature.

CORE

1 The central part of the Earth extending from the GUTENBERG DISCONINUITY with the MANTLE at 2900km to the centre of the Earth at 6370km. The composition is predominantly iron and nickel, but it must contain some other element(s) to reduce the DENSITY to its known value. The outer core, from about 2900-4980km, is fluid, and the site of generation of the GEOMAGNETIC FIELD, while the inner core, below 5120km, is solid. 2 A cylindrical specimen of rock recovered by drilling.

About the Author
Dr Philip Kearey is the senior lecturer in geophysics at Bristol University. He is fellow and chartered geologist of the Geological Society of London and has published numerous papers in various scientific journals. He is the editor of 'The Encyclopaedia of the Solid Earth Sciences' (1993) and co-editor of 'Global Tectonics' (1990) and 'Introduction to Geophysical Exploration.' (1991) He lives in Bristol.

Customer Reviews

Ideal for undergraduates and postgraduates alike
This is an excellent book - essential for quick referencing of terms and expressions used in the field of geology. The title does not aim to be exhaustive - its aim is to give definition to 99% of popular terminology used by Earth Science students.
The format is clear and helpful, the cross-referencing being of particular use.
Advanced readers will also find the access to terminology beyond their usual field of specialisation, most useful. Typically a postgraduate will have specialists texts for his or her field of study, but lack a book that covers the broader fields of geology and geophysics.
The definitions are concise and to the point, and are not limited to strictly geological terms. "Cross-over" words, used for example in biology, geography or physics, as well as geology are included.
I have found this book most helpful in my postgraduate research and would recommend this text to any undergraduate or postgraduate student as a cost effective, quick reference guide.

Absolutley Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book has been the most useful geological book i have ever used. Its interesting and gets me through every essay, report or project i have to do. If you ever wonder about the definition of a geological word just wip out this trusty guide and discover everything you need to know. An easy to use guide to every geological word providing excellent, detailed definitions. A must to any and all people intersted into geology.

Helpful
this is an extrememly helpful book although it does tend to go into a lot of detail which is sometimes confusing as I am studying AS geology at present! It would be more helpful with diagrams to explain but it brilliant all the same.