Geological Journeys

by Nick Norman, Gavin Whitfield

Geological journeys - a traveller's guide to South Africa's rocks and landforms is an essential companion for car journeys. For those who wonder about the jaunty tilt of a mountain ahead, the unusual patterns of a road cutting, the colour and texture of the roadside soil, or the purpose of a distant minehead, this volume offers answers and explanations about features along all the major routes across South Africa, and some of the lesser, but geologically interesting, routes too. Also included are the three main metropolitan areas - Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban - so that city residents can understand the geological features surrounding them. Using familiar landmarks to pinpoint sites and subtle phenomena, the authors bring to light our rich geological heritage, its likely roots and often tumultuous history. Along the way, they also discuss the historical background, personalities and stories that relate to the landscape.

Genres: Geology, Nonfiction, Science

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book for anyone interested in what they are driving over. It may even make that section along the N1 through the Karoo a bit more interesting. The book has a geological map for each major route in South Africa with interesting stops along the way. The stops range from typical geological sites (i.e. road cuttings) to historical landmarks such as an old mine turned museum. Geological Journeys only uses jargon where it has to and explains the various terms well so it's good for the layperson. All in all a good informative book. I would also recommend reading "The Story Of Earth & Life: A Southern African Perspective on a 4.6-Billion-Year Journey" by Terence McCarthy and "The Rocks and Mountains of Cape Town" by John Compton for those who wish to delve even deeper into the Earth's prehistory.

[Elan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly detailed - this is definitely a book for the physical journey, when rocks can be touched and the landscape viewed- love it!