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The centrepiece of this book is the diary kept by the celebrated agricultural reformer Edmund Ruffin during the eight months in 1843 in which he conducted an agricultural and geological survey of South Carolina. A vivid and informative account, the document offers a unique understanding of the state's planation economy during the late antebellum period. Ruffin believed that programmes of amelioration and diversification would relieve the argicultural depression of the state and help preserve its embattled system of slavery. At the request of Governor James Henry Hammond, Ruffin examined the different farming methods in use and the resources available for improvement. A published report of 1843 was the formal outcome; the diary was his private running commentary. Beginning in late January, Ruffin's field work took him through scenes of abandonment and desolation, down stumpy cart paths in unfamiliar terrain, and through thickly overgrown swamps, exposing him to severe weather and disease. During his travels through the state, he examined marl deposits, visited numerous plantations, met with agricultural societies and eminent South Carolinians, and even hunted alligators.Ruffin completed his survey by mid-September. This volume goes well beyond mere documentary reproduction. William M. Mathew offers an extended biographical supplement devoted to the prominent South Carolinians encountered by Ruffin, giving special attention to their farming practices and political philosophies. In his introduction Mathew recounts the preoccupation underlying Ruffin's survey and the reasons why it fell far short of its objectives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ruffin the Agriculturalist
If you're looking for something about Edmund Ruffin and the coming of the Civil War look elsewhere (like maybe the first volume of his diary). In this fascinating work, Edmund Ruffin recorded his observations on South Carolina when he undertook an agricultural survey at the request of Gov. James Henry Hammond who soon became one of his closest friends. You can see that Ruffin fell in love with South Carolina years before he became a leading fire-eater. This book also shows that Ruffin had a scientific and reforming mind. In this and his other book on Ruffin, editor William Matthews argues that Ruffin's agricultural reforms had a limited impact despite what Avery Craven and others have maintained. Regardless, Ruffin was one of the Old South's leading intellectuals and it is good to see more of his work coming into print, especially as this book does not directly deal with the impending crisis. ... Read more

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The National Parks of the United States provide some of the world's most spectacular examples of a wide range of geological features. From the shores of Cape Cod to the volcanoes of Hawaii, this book teaches the principles of physical geology by example, re-creating the history of the earth and the development of its landforms, mountains, rivers, and oceans. By presenting a brief outline of the science of geology, and devoting chapters to individual geographical regions, the authors describe in detail the stunning geological features of each park. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Where are the photos?
This is such a huge book and has some great information in it but the book has only black and white photos and they are very small. For the price I expected colored photos and large enough to see what they were showing.

Geology of U.S. Parklands, Fifth Edition
I teach a course in geology of America's National Parklands at a community college. I have tried another book for the required text for the course, with mixed success. Thereforewhen I found out thatGeology of U.S.Parklands, fifth edition, was being released, I ordered it for the courseeven before I had seen my review copy.Previously when traveling I haveconsultedThe Geologic Story of the National Parks and Monuments by thesame authors, and was sufficiently impressed with the content, clarity ofwriting,and extent of coverage that I eagerly ordered the revisedversion.In my opinion this new book is THE one to use for similar collegecourses, and should also serve well for travelers with or without geologictraining who want to know more about the geology of the magnificent federalparklands of our nation.There is a sufficient short course on generalgeologic principles in the initial chapter. I like the clarity, accuracy and dry humor of the text, which is better than the style and content inthe book previously used - Geology of America's National Park Areas byBrooks Ellwood.Although the latter is quite a bit less expensive and hasbetter quality if not more useful pictures, it is often too simplistic formy use in this course.I may have more to say after having used Kiver andHarris book as a text for a quarter or two, but my initial reaction to itis very favorable.Other books cover the geology of one or a few parkareas, but this book has the entire country including Hawaii.However, forsome reason the parklands of Alaska are excluded, probably because theirinclusion could add many pages to what is already a massive volume (902pages).I should have liked to see higher quality photographs and a lowercost, but other than those minor quibbles, this book will very likely setthe standard to which all others on the subject will strive. ... Read more

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In 1980, the radical theory was proposed that a comet or meteor struck the Earth 65 million years ago, wiping out the dinosaurs and 70 percent of all other species. "Night Comes to the Cretaceous" is the first comprehensive and objective account of how this incredible theory has changed the course of science. 35 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Lack of objectivity.An embarassinglyone-sided shill.
I was hoping for a balanced analysis supporting the dinosaur extinctions via an asteroid doing a number on mother earth.Instead I got a steady dose of denunciations towards anyone who disagreed with the asteroid theory.The tone is palatable at first but after a while repeating the same canard over and over does tend to get tiresome.Around page 170 or so I realized that I was reading an apologist for the asteroid theory.

I was very disappointed that other theories were given short shrift and at times almost mocked.This is a so so book about dinosaur extinctions but I am waiting for a truly meaty and balanced book.

A very clear account, but of questionable objectivity....
I did't find this book to be a particularly good review of the dinosaurs-vs-meteorite controversy. The narrative is clear and captivating, and accounts of the several open (or closed!) disputes, rooted in disparate fields of Earth sciences, is made accessible to the layreader or those with just a modest background in natural sciences. Nevertheless, Powell holds a one-sided approach right from the beginning, pointlessly crusading against some supposedly general backward attitude in geologists and paleontologists that actually never was there, except for a very few unfortunate cases. Everyone now agrees on evidence for a massive extraterrestrial impact dated around 65 million years ago, but the main issue is presently whether that was the ultimate cause of the mass extinction or other earth-bound factors and feedbacks played a role in driving interactions between physical environment and the biosphere toward a mass extinction. Powell leaves no room for such developments.
In particular, I'd have two specific objections to specific cases presented in the book: 1)On pages 172-174 taxonomic analysis of dinosaur diversity in the highest stratigraphic stages of the Cretaceous in Montana is reported as evidence in favour of a sudden crisis of the original ecosystem. Pete Sheehan and co-workers carried on their studies at the taxonomic rank of families, which resulted numerically stable with time approaching the K-T boundary. Only, John Horner recently reviewed their work at a species level, likely to be statistically and biologically more reliable indicator of biodiversity, and found out a steady decrease of dinosaur types through time. Such reconsideration of Sheehan's research thus reverses evidence against the impact hypothesis! 2) The section "Did impact cause all extinctions?" introduces the final part of the book which has absolutely nothing to do with the K-T event per se, and presents us with Raup's "impact-kill curve" which was originally just an interesting exercise in statistics, but lacking a solid connection with the actual geo-paleontological database of major mass extinctions (let alone minor ones..) and thus oversimplifies the subject. Yet the author all too enthousiastically takes sides with the "impactors" and loses objectivity, even falling in contradiction (Page 192:"Not enough firm evidence is available to corroborate the claim that impact is responsible for any other mass extinction boundary than the K-T event..." Page 196:"..how are we to escape the conclusion that not just in theory, but in practice, impact has caused many extinctions?")
More poignantly however, scientific arguments and debates against the "impact hypothesis" haven't been introduced thoroughly enough but too quickly glossed over, although numerous in the recent scientific literature...
Without deceiving myself of having read a downright objective account, I'm afraid this is the best available book about the (still ongoing...) debate, together with J.D.Archibald's "Dinosaur Extinction and the End of an Era: What the Fossils Say", which is possibly far more objective though...

A great description of science from the inside
This is one of the best science books I have ever read, and a great description of how science works from the inside. Scientists aren't impartial godlike figures, they're human beings just like the rest of us.This book details how a geologist, by bringing his father an interesting rock--a polished specimen that included the K-T boundary layer, deposited when the dinosaurs all vanished--started a controversy that revolutionized and redefined the entire field of earth sciences. Personally, I love it when that happens, that's how science is supposed to work, but people who have built their entire careers on the old view of things can have a very difficult time accepting a new paradigm, and will go to ludicrous extremes to defend the old one to their dying breath. The impact theory of extinctions is one of the scariest concepts I have ever come across, but I am a lot happier knowing how things really work.This is an utterly fascinating read, and I can't recommend it strongly enough. To anyone interested in geology, astronomy, dinosaurs, (who isn't interested in dinosaurs??), or the workings of science, I can only say---READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Night Comes to the Cretaceous
All in all, James Lawrence Powell did a superb job in writing this book. He is highly opinionated and interprets data in a manner to support his fundamental belief (that an asteroid caused the KT extinctions).
I advise readers to get a balanced view by also reading "The Great Dinosaur Extinction Controvery" by Charles Officer and Jack Page. I felt that Powell covered the topic very thoroughly and provided historical context to help the novice extinctions reader. I felt that the book was very weak in dicussing the paleontological aspects of the extinction. Next revision perhaps.

How Scientific Revolutions Actually Happen
One of the great scientific revolutions of our times has been the recognition that the biological evolution of Earth is influenced random impacts by comets and asteroids. When this concept was put forward in 1980, it was radical; today it is the accepted wisdom in paleontology, geology, and evolutionary biology. Jim Powell tells a fascinating story of the evidence for this transformation and of the scientists who have been protgonists in the struggle to understand this evidence and integrate it into our broader undestanding of our planet. This is one of the best books ever written to trace the history of a scientific controversy and of the people involved, warts and all. ... Read more

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This book, written by a group of internationally known experts, describes the evolution of the Pacific Ocean margins in terms of their interaction with oceanic plates.The work reflects changes in recent years in accepted views concerning the evolution of these margins.It is now thought that much of the crust of the margins may have grown through the gradual addition of discrete terranes of "foreign origin"--that is, of earth materials transported from other locations by tectonic processes.The margins discussed are those of western North America, Asia, Japan, Eastern China, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and South America.Also reviewed are the general concepts of oceanic plateaus and transported terranes, and the past motion of the Pacific Ocean Plate. ... Read more

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The interval between the Carboniferous and Jurassic eras is marked by major changes in the structure and character of the Earth and is associated with massive earthquakes, volcanic activity, and large-scale changes of life at the Permian-Triassic and the Triassic-Jurassic boundaries.In this volume, an international assemblage of geologists reveals a wide range of information about these events in the circum-Pacific region, as a conclusion to International Geological Correlation Programme Project 272. They explore the nature of the changes in the Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic, and suggest issues for future investigation through the study of paleontology, biostratigraphy, tectonics, magmatic and volcanic development, ore deposition, paleography and climate. As the circum-Pacific region becomes increasingly important for hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, this book will be an invaluable resource for researchers and students in stratigraphy and paleontology. ... Read more

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This combination of text and lab book presents an entirely different approach to structural geology. Designed for undergraduate laboratory classes, it provides a step-by-step guide for solving geometric problems arising from structural field observations. The book discusses both traditional methods and cutting-edge approaches, with emphasis given to graphical methods and visualization techniques that support students in tackling challenging two- and three-dimensional problems. Numerous exercises encourage practice in using the techniques, and demonstrate how field observations can be converted into useful information about geological structures and the processes responsible for creating them. This updated fourth edition incorporates new material on stress, deformation, strain and flow, and the underlying mathematics of the subject. With stereonet plots and solutions to the exercises available online at www.cambridge.org/ragan, this book is a key resource for undergraduates, advanced students and researchers wanting to improve their practical skills in structural geology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

horrible
As a student, this is one of the WORST books I have ever seen used in a college classroom: 1) There are huge math errors. 2) Examples are nothing like the problems.3) The variables are often not defined.4) The quailty of the binding is horrible.Mine fell apart after two weeks! 4) The verbiage is not clear.He doesn't say what he thinks he is saying. ... Read more

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The Geology of Fluvial Deposits represents the first published synthesis of research on the sedimentary geology of fluvial deposits. It sets out in detail the methods for the field and subsurface study of these sediments, and provides geologists with detailed descriptions of the building blocks of fluvial stratigraphic units, from lithofacies through architectural elements and depositional systems to large-scale stratigraphic sequences and basin-fill complexes. The book contains a new classification of oil and gas fields in fluvial reservoirs, with descriptions of selected case examples. Profusely illustrated and with an extensive reference to the recent literature this textbook will be welcomed by the student and professional alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Misleading publication information
This is a book that is being promoted as a first edition, even though the first edition came out in 1996.If this is a second edition with significant updates and additions, then that should be made clear in the book description.

Excellent book
"The Geology of Fluvial Deposits.." is an outstanding book on this matter. Mr. Miall, as usual, has got to achieve the main and crucial points regarding fluvial environment. This book is the best reference on fluvial sedimentation I have ever read. ... Read more

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Appropriate for one-semester courses in historical geology. This text assumes basic prerequisite coursework in physical geology.This exceptionally readable text gives students an in-depth and accurate picture of the complexities of Earth's history and life. The history of Earth is considered not only from the conventional surface approach but also from the perspective of Earth and its role as a member of the solar system. Plate tectonics is placed at a central position in the discussion of Earth's history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

fantastic book for beginners
This is really a nice book for those beginners like to know the evolution of earth, moon and the atmosphere. Its clear explanation and step by step procedure helps understanding the phenomenon easily. First few chapters are fantastic, not only for geology students but general people to understand the evolution and formation of earth. However, I encourage the author to use color photographs in it's next edition.

Excellent review of historical geolgy
As a practicing professional now 25yrs out of school I read this as a quick review of historical geology.Excellent organization with a highly accessible style.I especially appreciated the sections on the historical development of the North American Craton.As always, Condie's writings on plate tectonics and crustal evolution are authoritative. ... Read more

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In a series of entertaining essays, geoscientist Jelle Zeilinga de Boer describes how early settlers discovered and exploited Connecticut's natural resources. Their successes as well as failures form the very basis of the state's history: Chatham's gold played a role in the acquisition of its Charter, and Middletown's lead helped the colony gain its freedom during the Revolution. Fertile soils in the Central Valley fueled the state's development into an agricultural power house, and iron ores discovered in the western highlands helped trigger its manufacturing eminence. The Statue of Liberty, a quintessential symbol of America, rests on Connecticut's Stony Creek granite. Geology not only shaped the state's physical landscape, but also provided an economic base and played a cultural role by inspiring folklore, paintings, and poems. Illuminated by 50 illustrations and 12 color plates, Stories in Stone describes the marvel of Connecticut's geologic diversity and also recounts the impact of past climates, earthquakes, and meteorites on the lives of the people who made Connecticut their home. ... Read more

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Modern seismology has faced new challenges in the study of earthquakes and their physical characteristics. This volume is dedicated to the use of new approaches and presents a state-of-the-art in historical seismology. Selected historical and recent earthquakes are chosen to document and constrain related seismic parameters using updated methodologies in the macroseismic analysis, field observations of damage distribution and tectonic effects, and modelling of seismic waveforms.

Product Description
This volume provides the first comprehensive account of the geology of Sumatra since the masterly synthesis of van Bemmelen (1949). Following the establishment of the Geological Survey of Indonesia, after WW II, the whole island has been mapped geologically at the reconnaissance level, with the collaboration of the geological surveys of the United States and the United Kingdom. The mapping programme, completed in the mid-1990s, together with supplementary data obtained by academic institutions and petroleum and mineral exploration companies, has resulted in a vast increase in geological information, which is summarized in this volume. The synthesis of structural controls on sedimentation and magmatism during the tectonic evolution of Sumatra since the late Palaeozoic has provided a background for the formation of economic deposits of metallic minerals, coal, oil and gas. The volume provides a sound basis for future geological research and for the exploration of the energy and mineral resources of the island.

Also available:

Origin And Evolution of the Ontong Java Plateau - ISBN 1862391572
Aspects of the Tectonic Evolution of China - ISBN 1862391564
Volcanoes in the Quarternary - ISBN 1862390495 ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1898. This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

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Publisher: New York, Cincinnati [etc.] American Book CompanySubjects: GeologyNotes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more