Customer Reviews

Introduction to Environmental Geology (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Keller's text is a thorough exploration of both facets of environmental geology: natural hazards and the human impact on the environment. The text includes numerous case studies to illustrate the concepts, though most of them are set in the United States (especially the West Coast). Keller presents, in chapter one, four principles that are supposedly woven throughout the text. At the end of each chapter, he includes "Critical Thinking Questions", which I hoped would lead to vibrant in-class discussions. The other aspect of this book that led me to select it for undergraduate class was the CD-ROM, which promised to provide students with simulations of real-world environmental problem solving.

Alas, the book does not live up to its promises. My greatest disappointment is that the text is rather dry, and the Critical Thinking Questions rarely moved beyond synthesizing material from the chapter. I am also concerned that students explore environmental issues at both the local (for me, northeastern US) and global scales. Apart from a fairly thorough coverage of global warming and an occasional photo of an earthquake or volcano overseas, Keller seems content to focus on the US, especially his own home state, California. His only nod to Earth Systems Science is a few paragraphs crammed into the first chapter, along with mention of Gaia. The CD-ROM was less exciting for students than I had anticipated, and my class found the written part of the CD assignments difficult, and many answers were based upon previous ones, so if they got one wrong, they would get several wrong and do poorly as a result. Finally, I was disappointed by Keller'ss uninspired philosophical assertion in the final chapter, in which he insisted that "sustainable development" is possible and ought to be pursued. In a class discussion, the students all concluded that development and sustainability are mutually exclusive things.

The text is thorough and fairly accessable, but fails to move beyond being "like most other textbooks" despite the numerous ways it appears to do so at first glance.

very quick delivery highly recommend. Book is in very good used condition. will definately use this seller in the futures.
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This reference is fine for the general reader who wishes to understand the basics of Environmental Geology, however, the information it contains can be found for a much less expensive cost at any online site or library. Much of the information covered is also a general topic of most high school geology courses, though it contains a good amount of information concerning human impact on natural processes. The writing style is concise, though not so dense as to defer all but the most determined reader.

I am distinctly unimpressed by this textbook. At times the text is insultingly simple and other times it's simply the author trying to make you think that he's more intelligent than you. Also, EVERYTHING is global warming's fault according to this book, you will be quite annoyed if you don't accept that idea as an absolute.

I was completely satisfied with my recent purchase. my textbook came sooner than expected and was in excellent condition. I will definitely order my textbooks online next semester, it saved me a ton of money!

The book was received quickly, in mostly good condition. A little dirty, but nothing serious.

The class for this book was called Environmental Geology, but, in the end, I registered for a different class, so, there was no need for it.

I had to buy it for a class, but where do they come up with this stuff? This book is horrible. It continues the lie of overpopulation and a bunch of crap like that. Nothing but a brainwash.

this book isnt worth what they're asking for it. if you can get around it, DO NOT BUY THIS PICE OF CRAP BOOK! IT'S NOT WORTH IT!