Geologica: Earth's Dynamic Forces

by Robert R. Coenraads

Geologica is an informative study of Earth’s physical features, landscapes, plants and animals. The origins of the Earth are discussed, including the mechanism of tectonics—the force driving the movement of the continents. Over time, these tectonic forces thrust up mountains, build continents, and consume entire oceans. Lands meet and separate and the rocks that make up this planet are transformed from one landform to another. Following on from tectonics is a journey through the Earth’s geological history, presenting each geological time period since its formation. Learn how the Earth formed and how the continents and oceans have been continually transformed from continent to supercontinent and back. Discover how the underlying geological process shaped not only the landforms of the planet but the living things that inhabit it and their evolution. Geologica presents an in-depth insight into the different types of landscapes. Volcanoes, caves, deserts, glaciers, and deltas are explored in relation to their geological heritage. How each type of landform is created is revealed, followed by an exploratory trip into the most extraordinary examples found in all parts of the world. Mountain ranges, rift valleys, archipelagos, deltas, and geysers—and the geological processes that created them—are brought to life through pictures and mapping. Featuring over 700 color photographs of some of the world’s most impressive land-scapes, and detailed world and regional maps, Geologica is a useful resource for the student and an ideal reference book for the home library.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Reference, Nature, Earth Sciences, Geography

580 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

My name's Robert Coenraads and I'm holding a rock in my hand. That's because as well as being an author I'm also a geologist. I'm deeply interested in the our planet Earth, its fiery birth some 4,600 million years ago, and the evolution of its rich variety of life that exists today.

When I'm not writing books, I work in mineral exploration, searching the planet for exotic metals, precious gemstones and ornamental rocks like the piece of gem turquoise I have in my hand.

My great passion for writing blossomed since discovering the great joy of distilling humankind's vast reservoirs of knowledge and spiritual truths for others to enjoy and benefit from.

Over the years, I've been invited to write, contribute to, or consult on quite a number of books — grand 'coffee table style' publications packed with world-class photographs, mostly titles to do with the natural sciences such as Rocks & Fossils, Geologica, Natural Disasters and Extreme Earth because that is my area of expertise.

I especially enjoy my own personal creative writing — novels on themes which enable me to explore the intricacies of human relationships and potential.

I am also founding president of FreeSchools World Literacy in Australia, an organisation dedicated to the education of underprivileged children as I believe a good education is key to solving all of the world's problems. This is such a strong belief of mine that it can't help but reflect in my writing.

Reviews

[Sportyrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading snippets of this over the past ten years. It’s too long to read as one would a novel, but it was very well presented and written. Geology is a huge interest of mine, and I have read lots of non-fiction ones like this prior to joining Goodreads. I was clearing out my TBR books and came across this one as mostly read.

[Just Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always found the earth such an incredible and fascinating thing.

Powerful, beautiful and deadly.

This books is filled with stunning photographies, great explanations and it goes straight to the point.


Read: 01/04/16
1st rating: 4 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Educational / geography
Cover: 3 star
Will I recommend: Yes

[Hans Dunkelberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

It certainly has been time for someone to come along and exploit what progress photography has made in the last half century for such a book. Here are assembled really good, sharp images, often taken from the air, of well-selected, meaningful geologic structures. Many of the views are grossly unusual and at the same time, so coherently impressive to the eye that each of them opens the door to an own universe. Earth is thus revealed as a planet with a downright incredible multitude of landscape types.