Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Color Guide [Paperback]

Dorrik A.V. Stow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0123694515 | ISBN-13: 978-0123694515 | Publication Date: April 13, 2005 | Edition: 1

Sediments and sedimentary rocks cover 70% of the Earth's surface, and make up a significant portion of the geological record. Understanding the processes (physical, chemical and biological) that lead to formation of sedimentary material is key in disciplines ranging from geology to environmental science to archaeology. But before interpretation must come observation and identification: Stow's Field Guide is a must-have for this distinctly visual process

Professor Stow has culled his extensive research experience into a succinct guide designed for students and professionals in geophysics, geochemistry, paleontology, soil sciences, environmental sciences and more. Sections on field techniques and reader-friendly descriptions also make this guide accessible to amateur geologists.

* More than 400 color photographs and diagrams
* Extensive cross-referencing for ease of use in the field
* Examples from more than 30 countries
* Focus on economic applications

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The colored edging to the pages makes for rapid reference to different chapters. The grain-size comparator chart and sediment description checklist are very helpfully reproduced as flaps to the front and back covers of the book...recommended for inclusion in the backpack...this is definitely a book to have and use."
E. Maddocks for "Open University Geological Society Journal"

"An excellent and really beautiful book illustrating our fascinating discipline. It is more than a field guide, as it offers an introduction to basics in sedimentology as well...I can highly recommend this book!"
T. Aigner for Journal of Sedimentary Research

"There is no other sedimentological guide that combines such high-quality photos with such informative captions and text...Dorrik Stow's preface ends with the plea that this book should be taken in the field and used. [The book] is robustly constructed with this in mind, and the cost represents excellent value for what should be many years of service."
N. Woodcock for Geological Magazine

"A veritable tour de force which, as Arnold Bouma says in the Foreword, is a much needed addition to the literature of sedimentology. As a tool in the field kit, this book is excellent for professional geologists, teachers, students and amateur enthusiasts."
B. Sellwood for Sedimentary Geology

"This book is recommended for Academic Libraries that support geology programs, especially those with programs that include field work."
-Linda Zellmer, Head, Geology Library, Indiana University for E-STREAMS, Jan 2007

Book Description

The must have field companion featuring more than 450 color photographs and illustrations

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (April 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0123694515
• ISBN-13: 978-0123694515
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Mineralogy
  • #58 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Paleontology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb introduction to sedimentary rocks and structures., September 8, 2006

By 

J. P. Martinez "captain cosmic" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Color Guide (Paperback)

This book is one of the best introductions to sedimentary rocks and their structures that I have come across in 25 years.
It begins with a section on the structures found in sedimentary rocks. The diagrams are clear, concise, and very well explained. The photographs that go with them are among the best I've seen for demonstrating sedimentary structures. They are almost professional in their quality, and the features you are meant to see are actually visible in the photos (no 'eye of faith' required, unlike some other textbooks).
The rest of the book is divided into chapters dealing with each group of sedimentary rocks in turn. Ironstones, conglomerates, evaporites, limestones: you name it, it's in there. Again, the diagrams and photographs are faultless.
Finally, the book finishes with a section on how to interpret sedimentary structures in the field.
If only this book had been available when I was an undergraduate! I would thoroughly recommend this book to any undergraduate (or even post-graduate) geology student as the first thing to pack in their bag before setting off on field work.
As a final thought for geology students, the University of Southampton (where Dr. Stow works) has a superb website on the geology of the south coast of England. If you like the book, you'll love the website.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experienced Professional Geologist - Mining Company, November 28, 2008

By 

Mr. Nigel H. Maund "Professional Geologist" (Perth, Western Australia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Color Guide (Paperback)

This is the best geological field book of its type I have ever seen. The layout and illustrations are quite simply superb. As a field guide for the undergraduate, post graduate and professional geologist it is a must have. I only wish their were equivalent books available for igneous, volcanic and metamorphic rocks. No doubt someone will replicate the standard of this book and produce these titles. I await their arrival eagerly.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sedimentary Rocks In The Field, January 30, 2010

By 

Charles C. Digbhy "Digger" (DENVER, CO, US) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Color Guide (Paperback)

An excellent guide for field work and student use in the field. Well written and produced. A very high quality product. This probably is not a guide for an inexperienced beginner in field work.