Field Geology Illustrated Paperback – May 16, 2005

I have both editions and this edition is a remarkable improvement. However, the author who has vast experience in marine geology, decided to take up precious space in an early chapter on this topic since, according to him, we live on a planet covered by water. I think instead 15-20 pages introducing geologic maps and elementary structure(especially after his introductory chapter on the history of US geological surveying) would serve the reader far better--who probably will have little opportunity to particpate in 'field' marine geology.Maley lists standard field geology books in the reference section (Compton, etc), but field geology for the beginner/student involves understanding field maps, not just photos, as good as these pics are. A few pages covering geologic maps makes sense for a field geology book with over 700 pages.

A good updated general reference for field geology. Lahee's Field Geology sixth edition 1961 was the last good reference for this topic. All photos are sharp and in black and white. Eliminating color photos assists in viewing and understanding structures easier. Writing style was reasonably clear with some descriptions above a beginning geologist's understanding. A good geology dictionary would make a handy sidekick to this book.

"Field Geology Illustrated-2nd Ed." is a useful text for the recognition of geologic structures and processes in the field. The illustrations combined with the black and white photographs are well complemented by the text. The book is geared toward examples from western North America, especially the latter chapters on Groundwater, Mineral Deposits, and Public Lands-Records and Surveys. The 20 page glossary in the back is fairly comprehensive, and all in all, a very accessible text.

And still don't have a copy at home. I loan it out, it doesn't come back!I haven't decided whether to buy multiple replacements or to stop loaning it out ;-)

Useful, does what it sets out to do. It contains enormous amounts of information that will impress third party who is uninformed about geology that the reader actually knows something about the subject.

very informative. Excellent presentation

Tons of photos

Thank you!