Essentials of Geology

by Stephen Marshak

This accessible introduction integrates traditional geologic concepts with the most recent theoretical advances, among them theories of plate tectonics and Earth systems science. The Second Edition has been carefully updated, including coverage of recent events such as Hurricane Katrina, and offers unparalleled multimedia tools for instructors and students.

Genres: Geology, Science, Textbooks, Nonfiction, School, Reference, Grad School

648 pages, Unbound

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Letizia]

It is a very interesting book and very well explained each subject, for an amateur in geology like me I think is a very good starting point to get to learn from new subjects.
It also have a lot of pictures from where you will understand better the subject.
The structure sentences are very easy to understand and, yes, there are words that need to be learned from a geologist vocab, but eventually you will get it.
My professor's lecture plus the book I have learned so much about the place I leave "Earth" and today I am capable of understanding my planet.
I have fallen in love again with the environment and the world.
It is simply an amazing college book!

BTW...is the cheapest geology book but like I said before.. are you an amateur? buy it used it might be aroung 5 bucks

[Kyle]

Excellent overview of all the major concepts of geology with plenty of great illustrations and examples. Marshak has a fairly conversational tone that works well for getting across all of the concepts. I wouldn't mind more mathematics (there is minimal to none), but that doesn't really detract from the book's value. It isn't focused on quantitative, but qualitative understanding of all of all the processes in the Earth system. Given the vast complexities of the subject, this does a good job of summarizing and giving you the main concepts so that you can apply them to the world outside.

[William]

A good prose supported by an introduction to geology.

[Alethea Hammer]

Enjoyed it a lot. It's a very basic textbook. But as I am very ignorant on this subject, I enjoyed it a lot.

[Wendy]

The digital, interactive version is fantastic for learning the material

[Autumn Lytle]

I read enough of this book for my geology class that it counts. Dude, this is so boring. All the cool stuff I learned was from lab, not the class or the book.

[Matthew Lubecki]

Great book on Geology. Marshak did a great job introducing topics in a digestible way and then moving onto more complex aspects. Marshak did a great job developing base level knowledge and expanding from there. Great analogies make the material very relatable. Great illustrations. Fantastic textbook that isn’t boring like a text can be. Also incorporated Google Earth to tour various geological sites in the world. Absolutely fascinating subject. Highly recommend that everyone reads this book to learn about the earth we live on.

[Eire Boudicca]

Thought this was a good, straightforward textbook. The writing was clear and understandable, and quite engaging for a textbook. I enjoyed reading it, and learned lots of new and interesting things about our planet!

[Kenneth Miller]

I liked the pictures and learning interesting topics in better depth that typically isn't shown in documentaries. Was required as part of my degree plan, I took it online at a 2 year, and enjoyed it. Got an A in the class.

[for-much-deliberation ...]

The supporting internet animations for this text are quite good, providing a clearer understanding of some geological concepts.

[Benjamin Plume]

I still refer to this on occasion when curiosity strikes. Well-arranged, easy to grasp presentation.

[Sab]

this textbook is really easy to read and the concepts are portrayed well, I excelled in my geology class because this textbook is well written.

[Amashi Niwarthana]

Thumbs up for Geology!