Evolution of sedimentary rocks

by Robert M. Garrels

Evolution of Sedimentary Rocks approaches the study of physical and historical geology from an entirely new point of view. Treating the earth as a single huge geochemical factory, it considers many of the problems that have puzzled geologists for 200 years and works toward solutions through a synthesis of global data. This book assumes of its readers only a modest background in chemistry and geology, at either the high school or college level. Upon that base the authors begin to build immediately a quantitative as well as qualitative interpretation of earth processes and earth history. Among the problems considered are the nature and amount of materials being deposited in the oceans, the nature and rate of continental denudation, the origin and cycling of sedimentary rocks, and the evidence for and causes of the evolution and migration of continents. Untraditional as it is, Evolution of Sedimentary Rocks gives the serious introductory student a view of geoscience more challenging and more relevant than that provided by the descriptive approach so long accepted as the basis for an appreciation of our planet or for later specialization in geology. Because of its emphasis on transfer and cycling of water and materials on a global scale, it gives an excellent foundation for environmental studies.

397 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, I had to give up half way through this book. Not because I didn't find it useful, but because I found it way to boring to actually read. After all, this is a textbook, albeit from 1971. Normally these older textbooks are much easier to read than modern textbooks. This one was no exception to that rule. It was fairly easy to read. It is just that I've been over this material a few dozen times before and I couldn't force myself to read it again.

For those that are looking to read this book, it has everything and anything you'd want to know about sedimentary rocks if you're a beginner to the field and a little bit more. It is quite heavy on the chemistry in parts, so be prepared! The diagrams are nice and simplified compared to what I'm used to in the more modern textbooks where they cram a lot of stuff into one place.

Because it is from 1971, there are quite possibly a lot of things in this book that are not up to date for study of the scientific field. I would also not recommend this book for use as a historical document. There aren't any fun tidbits about this or that as a history book, but there are quite a few random facts that you'd not get from a more modern day textbook, either.