Review by Choice Review
This nicely done general interest geology work emphasizes paleogeography, the evolution of life, and highlights of earth history. Each two-page section is designed to stand alone, and there is good consistency (such as map colors) between the sections, allowing the reader to move easily from section to section. The overall structure is time-based, starting at the creation of the universe. The general time-step is a geologic Period; within each step is a plate reconstruction showing ocean currents and both present and paleo place names. In between these steps, the editors developed special sections that expound on a subject of interest for that period. Examples are life on land, the Appalachians, metals, mass extinctions, Mt. St. Helens, and climate. There are some editorial glitches, such as the statement that the mineral fluorite is calcium sulfide. Otherwise, a good work for the educated layperson, or the geologist wanting a fairly succinct review of the current understanding of Earth's paleogeography and life history. Many good photos, figures, and maps; limited number of references; glossary. General; lower-division undergraduate. I. D. Sasowsky University of Akron
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Intended as an "inspiring introduction" to geology--ideally for some future earth-scientist--this slim volume more than meets its goal. Organized around the sturdy divisions of geologic time, it tracks continental drift as inferred from fossils, paleomagnetism, radioactive dating, or glaciation. The editors portray the evidence in two-page color spreads devoted to a specific topic, for instance, rocks such as coal or limestone that characterize ancient epochs. Their visual highlights are global maps, accompanied by drawings of life-forms contemporary with the era under consideration. Of course, mass extinctions mark the major geologic divisions, such as the Paleozoic/Mesozoic boundary, which coincides with the assembly of the supercontinent Pangea 270 million years ago. That by itself, as plausibly as a cosmic impact, could have globally changed the climate, a point the editors make to impress upon the young rock-jock-to-be that the earth's history supports rival interpretations of events. The tyros who will work on furthering earth science may fondly remember devouring this excellent info-jammed atlas. Gilbert Taylor
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
