This concise, clear and handy–sized volume, aimed at the undergraduate level, provides an introduction to the observation, description and identifi cation in thin section, using the polarizing microscope, of samples of the commonlyoccurring rocks and minerals. Illustrated with a wealth of full colour thin section photomicrographs, and with the original images enhanced by new examples and a revised text, the book explains how to observe mineral and rock samples under the microscope. The boo...

Provides a very clear guide to sedimentary rock types as seen under the microscope supported by practical aspects of slide preparation.

The Cenozoic or Tertiary Era, derives its name from the greek and means "recent life". It covers the long period of time ranging from 65 to 1.8 million years ago. For the great success of the Mammals, the Cenozoic is also called the Age of Mammals.Birds conquer the heavens, no longer dominated by the flying reptiles. Toward the end of this Age will come out early hominids.

Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth...

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Revenant—the basis for the award-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio—tells the remarkable story of the worst hard-rock mining disaster in American history.A half-hour before midnight on June 8, 1917, a fire broke out in the North Butte Mining Company's Granite Mountain shaft. Sparked more than two thousand feet below ground, the fire spewed flames, smoke, and poisonous gas through a labyrint...

"I can think of no better guides than Professors Ken Gregory and John Lewin to lead the reader through the conceptual basis of this exciting science."- Victor R. Baker, University of Arizona"A very readable and informative introduction to the discipline for senior undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers."- Angela Gurnell, Queen Mary University of London"Time will tell, but this book may well mark a turn...

"A splendid introduction to geology and paleontology for the lay reader. To compress Earth's history into a single, lucidly written volume is a major achievement." —Publishers Weekly, starred review"Few people have both the knowledge and the writing ability to capture such a long and varied history in a compelling manner. In A Short History of Planet Earth, J.D. Macdougal demonstrates that he is one of the few." —Earth

This book contains a wealth of information on all aspects of amber, it’s appearance, diagnostic properties, common treatments and imitations. Designed for the beginner or experienced, it will greatly assist those wishing to find out more about how to correctly identify amber. There is information on the physical and optical properties of amber. There is also details on the correct readings for amber, from various gemmological instruments, such as ultra-violet light, refractometer, to name ...

This textbook provides a unique and thorough look at the application of chemical biomarkers to aquatic ecosystems. Defining a chemical biomarker as a compound that can be linked to particular sources of organic matter identified in the sediment record, the book indicates that the application of these biomarkers for an understanding of aquatic ecosystems consists of a biogeochemical approach that has been quite successful but underused. This book offers a wide-ranging guide to the broad div...

This book takes a look at diamonds, in particular the common forms of diamond, rocks in which diamonds are found in nature, diamond types, electrical behaviour, thermal conductivity, chemical composition, crystallography, hardness, specific gravity, determining synthetic diamonds to natural, colour, clarity methods, diamond enhancements, & more…This is volume 14 of the Australian Gemstones series.Other books in this series include Early Australian Gemstone Discoveries, Earl...

Meteorites are the remnants of meteors from outer space that have survived the corridor of fire through Earth's atmosphere and landed on our planet. Rare, and bearing secrets about the formation of our Universe, these 'treasures from space' have fascinated people ever since they were first identified in the late 18th century as extraterrestrial arrivals. This jam-packed book by enthusiast and collector Ronnie McKenzie introduces the topic in straightforward language and is richly illustrat...

Did you think the mountain you see in the horizon is already high? Wait until you see the highest mountains in the world! In this book, we're going to climb the highest mountains and learn interesting facts about them. Know the world and gain knowledge that will make you curious and hungry for more! Grab a copy of this book today!