Evolution of Sedimentary Rocks

Evolution of Sedimentary Rocks approaches the study of physical and historical geology from an entirely new point of view. Treating the earth as a single huge geochemical factory, it considers many of the problems that have puzzled geologists for 200 years and works toward solutions through a synthesis of global data. This book assumes of its readers only a modest background in chemistry and geology, at either the high school or college level. Upon that base the authors begin to build immediately a quantitative as well as qualitative interpretation of earth processes and earth history. Among the problems considered are the nature and amount of materials being deposited in the oceans, the nature and rate of continental denudation, the origin and cycling of sedimentary rocks, and the evidence for and causes of the evolution and migration of continents. Untraditional as it is, Evolution of Sedimentary Rocks gives the serious introductory student a view of geoscience more challenging and more relevant than that provided by the descriptive approach so long accepted as the basis for an appreciation of our planet or for later specialization in geology. Because of its emphasis on transfer and cycling of water and materials on a global scale, it gives an excellent foundation for environmental studies.