Practical Physical Geology

The first objective of this books is to provide the beginning student with some insight into a few selected topics in physical geology. The list of topics is certainly not exhaustive but includes those that are considered “building block” subjects, such as rocks and minerals and the elements of maps. More importantly, however, only topics with some practical orientation have been included. The second objective is to demonstrate how, with a very limited background in science and mathematics, one can easily solve seemingly difficult problems. Although the problems at the end of the chapters are hypothetical, they have their origins in dilemmas facing professionals daily in the field. The final objective is to give those with only a passing interest in geology an appreciation and an insight into how applications of this science are at work all around them.