Field Geology offers a practical guide to observing rocks in the field and turning impressions into solid geologic interpretations. This classic text, designed as both a textbook and a pocket manual, teaches readers to identify rock features, read bedding and structures, and use maps and diagrams to build clear geologic conclusions. It emphasizes observation, inference, and the stepwise development of geologic reports, with plenty of emphasis on field techniques that help you distinguish surface features from the deeper story of the rocks.
The book covers how to recognize and interpret common field features, such as cross-bedding, terraces, beaches, and rock textures, and explains how topography and later processes shape what you see at outcrops. It also guides practical surveying, map construction, and the preparation of geologic reports, making it valuable for students, mining engineers, and civil engineers who work with geologic problems.
- How to observe rock surfaces, colors, textures, and structures in the field
- Techniques for reading bedding, stratification, and structural relationships
- Guidance on creating maps, sections, and block diagrams for geologic reports
- Strategies for formulating multiple hypotheses and testing them against field evidence
Ideal for readers of introductory and applied geology, as well as professionals who rely on solid field observation to solve geologic questions.