Geology: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #574

by Jan Zalasiewicz

Ranging across the 4.6 billion year history of the planet, geology is the subject that encompasses almost all that we see around us, in one way or another, and also much that we cannot see, beneath our feet, and on other planets. The fruits of geology provide most of the materials that give us shelter, and most of the energy that drives our modern lives. Within the study of geology lie some of the clues to the extraordinary impact our species is going to play out on the planet, in centuries and millennia to come.

In this Very Short Introduction Jan Zalasiewicz gives a brief introduction to the fascinating field of geology. Describing how the science developed from its early beginnings, he looks at some of the key discoveries that have transformed it, before delving into its various subfields, such as sedimentology, tectonics, and stratigraphy. Analyzing the geological foundations of the Earth, Zalasiewicz explains the interlocking studies of tectonics, geophysics, and igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry; and describes how rocks are dated by radiometric dating. Considering the role and importance of geology in the finding and exploitation of resources (including fracking), he also discusses its place in environmental issues, such as foundations for urban structures and sites for landfill, and in tackling issues associated with climate change. Zalasiewicz concludes by discussing the exciting future and frontiers of the field, such as the exploration of the geology of Mars.

ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Geology, Audiobook, Nature, History, Earth

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Radiantflux · Rating 3 out of 5]

107th book for 2019.

It does what it says on the cover and offers a useful, short introduction to the field of geology.

3-stars.

[Jack Hruby]

I’m banning myself from the rating system until further notice. Too many 5 star reviews.

Anyway, definitely my favorite introduction so far. Very well written and engaging. A good portion of it is dedicated to the history of geology as a field of study which is interesting, but for a book this short I would have preferred it dedicated those sections to more geological concepts instead.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally found the answers to all my questions about rocks.

For a while I've been looking out for good books to explain the Earth's composition, the rock cycle etc. and this is a great little intro, a good complement to "A Brief History of Earth", which I listened to last year.

Reading these books, I still find it hard to grasp the sheer scale of what they're talking about - it's really mindblowing to think about the immense time span of geological history and the incredible balancing act that is life on earth, with the unusual combination of plate tectonics, climactic dynamics and chemical/environmental/atmospheric composition that he explains as the driving forces of our planetary history (he stresses in particular plate tectonics). To imagine the earth in its various forms - what it looked like in its first billion years, early life prior to oxygenated oceans and atmosphere, periods where the earth was considerably hotter and seas 100m+ higher - is a fascinating mental experience.

It was interesting also to read about how we know all of this - ingenious methods like drilling Antarctic ice and measuring the molecular composition of air bubbles, etc.

[Kaustubh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, concise yet accessible and easy-to-comprehend primer on geoscience. Dr. Zalasiewicz does a great job of succinctly piecing together a run-through from Earth's Hadean ages all the way to the Anthropocene including future uncertainty.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to it while playing elden ring. was a good general overview of geology but also had facts and specifics that i wasn’t aware of. was quite enjoyable

[Kai Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty basic however touches on a lot of ideas central to the discipline of geology.

[Mehmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the subject, though in the end I felt I needed a more structured introduction to the subfields of geology.

[Astasia Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very interesting! For someone who knows zero about geology this was a very good introduction!

[Rasmus Tillander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geologia on kyllä siistiä.

Iloitsin tästä lyhyestä johdatuksesta tieteeseen, josta en tiennyt ennestään juuri mitään. Opin jotain ja toisaalta jäi paljon kysymyksiä, johon haluan vastauksen. Erityisen siistiä oli geologisen ajan pohdiskelu ja historia siitä miten maapallo muuttui pari tuhatta vuotta vanhasta miljardeja vuosia vanhaksi.

Hahmotin myös ensimmäistä kertaa paleontologian merkityksen geologialle, mikä näin koko lapsuutensa fossiileista intoilleelle oli jotenkin sykähdyttävää. Toisaalta taas jäin pohtimaan luonnonvarojen luonnetta ja suhdetta kaikkiin maapallon sfääreihin.

Mutta olen innostunut! Veikkaisin, että jotain geologista luettavaa löytyy jatkossakin lukulistaltani.

[Akankshya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really concise book that covers all important aspects of geology from early theories of George Cuvier, paleontology in general (really enjoyed the bit on Mary Anning) to seismology and a brief account of earth in the geologic scale.
A useful introduction for anyone who wants to understand sedimentation, continental drift and most importantly I think, the carbon cycle given our current climate crisis.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent primer on Geology. After reading The Ends of the World by Peter Brannen, I was curious as to how the science behind the facts asserted in that book worked. I'm still in the camp that it takes a certain amount of faith to believe the claims of understanding of geohistory through the geological records, but this book was definitely helpful in highlighting the seriousness and work that generations of people have put into studying and investigating the world we stand on.

[Theda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty horrible. Disjointed, fragments of history, nothing concrete until over an hour and 20 minutes in. A lot of data, references to bits and pieces of geologic work and various disciplines. But nothing actually woven together - so a lot of info but little knowledge. oh well.

Gave it 2 stars because someone else might enjoy it.

[Ronald McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read overview of the history and discipline of geology. The series are great because you get an idea of the overall area, and then if interested, can read books on specific areas. Having a framework of understanding, provides a great basis and addition to your general knowledge.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and at times enchanting. One of the better Very Short Introductions I've read. I learned a lot, and I think in part that's because the author did a great job of telling an interesting story throughout.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to geology. Gives me perspective relative to current man-made problems. The world will take care of itself.

[Pete Missingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lives up to expectations - a short introduction to geology.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who is interested in science or learning about their natural environment will love this short introduction to the geology of the earth. Expansive, yet relatable.

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good shit

[Hanxiang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written introduction to geology that truly reminds me of how much fun it was back at school when I was fascinated by natural science.

[Michelle Bizzell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of basics that apply to paleontology but not enough that felt really geology specific to me. Where were the rocks? Can't fault it too much for lack of depth, as that is the selling point.

[Moira-ji · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good history of geology with basic ideas and more specific specialties or applications explained in the context of where, when, and by whom they came about

[Åsmund Heir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got what I came for - a basic overview of the field of geology

[Conor Laing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but with a short further reading section and missing a reference section.

[Charlie Moll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Świetna książka podsumowująca najważniejsze teorie geologiczne. Sporo nowych rzeczy się dowiedziałem czytając ją. Pomogła mi również w redagowaniu mojego pierwszego earthcachea.

[Nick Harriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short introduction into a very complex subject. A highly useful starting point.

[Aaron Clover]

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm a construction site worker. of course i get urges to learn about industrial minerals like bentonite and gypsum

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

i wish there were more images of rocks and minerals