Reading the Earth: Landforms in the Making

Book Description

Written for earth science teachers, civil engineers, photographers, archaeologists, park rangers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts of all kinds, this comprehensive guide to landforms and landscapes provides rich illustrations and detailed captions of some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Natural features including mountains, volcanoes, rivers, glaciers, plains, plateaus, and deserts are covered, with examples from around the world.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent basic reference on geology and geomorphology.......2007-04-18

I quite like this book. It is very well illustrated with abundant photographs and useful diagrams. The text is well-written: clear, concise and informative. It is much shorter and much more accessible than your average geology or physical geography textbook, but covers almost as much material. Would serve armchair geologists, amateur naturalists, and students very well. Contrary to the opinions of another reviewer, this text has no more inaccuracies than your standard textbook.

very helpful and beautiful.......2006-06-15

This book is so easy to read and the pictures are really helpful as well as being nice to look at. This book got me through my geomorpholgy class- the assigned book was far, far inferior.

Good Book for the Teacher, Student, and Professional.......2006-03-21

I purchased this book several years ago when studying for my profesionaly geologist's registration. The photos and narrative were good for refreshing my memory on terrains and aspects of geology I had not thought of since college. I loaned out my copy of the book to other geologist studying for their registrations and never got it back. I purchased a copy recently for my wife who is teaching highschool science. The book and photographs have been useful for her for illustrating geology to her students. Its a top notch book for almost any audience.

A Pretty Picture Book But..........2005-06-05

The idea behind this book is commendable. Apparently the concept was to give brief, non-technical discussions of the geological processes which cause landforms and to illustrate the results of these processes with hundreds of beautiful color photographs and a few simple diagrams. Unfortunately, the only part of the concept which was well executed was the photographs. The accompanying text is poorly written and riddled with errors. The errors range from the numerical to the conceptual to the geographical. This was particularly disappointing since an apparently qualified geologist, Donald R. Coates, is listed as the book's technical advisor. The number and types of errors in the book cause me to wonder if Coates, or any other geologist, even read the text. Due to the high level of errors, this book is totally inappropriate for its target audience, non-geologists with an interest in landforms and the geological processes behind them. Geologists who want to thumb through the photographs may find the book interesting, but hardly worth the substantial price.

I'll give few examples of the errors that I noted during what began as a thorough read but which soon became a page flipping scan, since I did not want to devote the time to reading such a poorly executed text. Many of the errors are numerical in nature, some perhaps caused by incorrect conversions from metric to English measurements. On page 41, the author correctly gives the grain size distribution of sedimentary particles, using the metric system. Sand size particles are correctly given as ranging from 1/16 to 2 mm. However, on page 271, sand size particle are said to range from 0.01 to 0.25 inches. Doing the English to metric conversions, one finds that this is in error by a factor of more than three!

Another major numerical error is in the book's statements of the thickness of the earth's crust. On pages 10 and 11, the thickness of continental crust is given as either 125 miles, as much as 120 miles, or one thirtieth of the earth's radius, or about 135 miles. Oceanic crustal thickness is given as 65 miles. The best current estimates for crustal thicknesses range from a maximum of 70 km (about 45 miles) for continental crust to about eight km (about 5 miles) for oceanic crust. That means that the book's figures are in error by a factor of three for continental crust and a whopping factor of 13 for oceanic crust. More confusion is evident on page 211, where the crustal thickness of the Colorado Plateau is given as the more or less correct value of 25 miles, but the author states that this is "very thick". How could 25 miles be "very thick" when he gives the typical crustal thickness as 125 miles? Actually, the thickness of the Colorado Plateau is average for the Continental US.

Another type of error is in the incorrect use of simple geological terminology. For example, on page 39 there is a photo of a sample of vesicular basalt which the caption describes and amygdaloidal. (Amygdules are mineral-filled vesicles). In the area of simple geography, which looking at a basic atlas would correct, we are told on page 220 that the river partly encircling the Spanish city of Toledo is the Ebro. At least the Ebro is in Spain, but it is located hundreds of kilometers north of Toledo, and flows into the Mediterranean. The river at Toledo is called the Tajo (Tagus in English) and flows into the Atlantic.

I could go on but the above gives an idea of the factual and conceptual errors contained in this book. The number and type of errors tell me that they are caused by more than just sloppy editing. They must stem from a profound lack of knowledge of the subject matter on the part of the author. They render what could have been an excellent pictorial explanation of landforms into a book that is worse than useless, since it delivers so much false information to its intended, and unsuspecting, lay audience.

Reading the Earth: Landforms in the Making.......2003-03-25

Reading the Earth: Landforms in the Making written by Jerome Wyckoff is a richly appointed book with pictures explaining why there are so many different features on the Earth that we tread upon. This book is illustrated with 556 photographs and 75 drawings and has and extensive index of over 6,000 page entries that makes information easy to find.

If you are interested in rock formations and tectonic plate activity, volcanoes and mountains, seacoasts and limestone caverns you'll fall in love with the easy prose and well-explained information in this book. There is information on glaciers and deserts, soluble rocks and sculpures by running water. Not to mention, there is extensive information about our changing planet from ancestral earth, inside the earth, crustal plates in motion to regimes of climate, weathering, and gravity movements.

This is an excellent book for high school aged children and older who have an interest about the ground we all walk upon. The prose are engaging and fascinatingly captivating and the author explains the workings of all of the Earth's systems.

I found that I read and reread this book several times and it is a welcome addition to your natural history self in your home library. This book is well worth the money spent as you'll find yourself referencing it many times. For instance there are references for lateral and terminal moraines, drumlins and fluting, and eskers these are explained well with illustrations so you can see what these parts of a glacier activity look like.

This is an excellent book for understanding why the earth is shaped as it is where it is.

Book Description

Algae are ubiquitous; a multitude of species ranging from microscopic unicells to gigantic kelps inhabit the world's oceans, freshwater bodies, soils, rocks, and trees, and are responsible for most of the global production of organic matter by photosynthesis. They thus play a fundamental role in the world's ecosystems and a reliable and modern introduction to their kaleidoscopic diversity, systematics, and phylogeny is indispensable. In this textbook, the main groups of algae (divisions or phyla) are considered in turn. Each chapter begins with a summary of the principal characteristics of the group and interesting aspects of ecology and evolution. The final chapter is a synthesis, in which the phylogeny of the algae is discussed in relation to the evolution of other living organisms, primarily on the basis of evidence from recent molecular studies. This book is the completely revised and updated edition of a highly acclaimed German work, which was heralded for its clarity as well as its breadth and depth of information. This new edition takes into account recent reevaluations in algal systematics and phylogeny provided by the powerful techniques of molecular genetics and electron microscopy, as well as more traditional life history studies. The book will be appropriate as an undergraduate text and as a reference for professionals in the field.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book.......2000-08-17

This book is special from students and teachears, specially marine biology. Can be inured during curses of career, for consultation and others themes. In definitive is excellent.

Excellent book.......2000-08-17

This book is special from students and teachears, specially marine biology. Can be inured during curses of career, for consultation and others themes. In definitive is excellent.

Algae of Hoek, Mann and Jahns: An excellent introduction........2000-04-09

In this book the autors present an authoritative introduction to this group of plants. They show us the importance of the systematics in phycology, and talk us about the naturality of the algae. In this book, are explored the characteristics of the major groups of this traditionally important group of organisms.

Algae of Australia: Introduction (Algae of Australia)

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Algae of Australia: Introduction (Algae of Australia)
Australia Biological Resources Study
Manufacturer: CSIRO Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Product Description

Algae are essential components of marine and freshwater habitats in and around Australia. They play a critical role in nutrient cycling, as food and shelter for invertebrates and fish, and some have considerable potential as biological indicators of the health of aquatic habitats. At least 12,000 marine, freshwater and terrestrial species are thought to occur in Australia, but many are yet to be described or fully documented. It is hoped that the series Algae of Australia will stimulate research, especially on the many poorly known groups and their habitats. This introductory volume includes essays on the history of research on Australian algae, their classification, fossil record, systematic relationships, ecology, biogeography and economic significance. Keys to the identification of the orders of algae are accompanied by an extensive bibliography, and 29 synoptic chapters provide an overview of the biology of the algal classes. The volume concludes with a glossary of more than 1500 technical terms.

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Introduction to Algae
Sundara S. Rajan
Manufacturer: Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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An Introduction to Phycology
G. South , and A. Whittick
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0632017260

Book Description

This text presents the subject using a systems approach and is therefore a departure from the more commonly employed phyletic approach. Topics covered include classification, cellular and sub-cellular organization, morphology and growth, reproduction and life cycles, evolution, phylogeny, physiology, ecology and the relationship between algae and man. All currently recognized algal divisions are covered, including the Cyanophyceae and the Prochlorophycota. Topics are treated in a concise and factual manner, each section providing an up-to-date review with extensive reference to key literature. The volume is profusely illustrated with line drawings and photographs, and synoptic tables aid the interpretation of the subject. An Introduction to Phycology is intended for use in undergraduate courses, but will also be a valuable reference text for postgraduates.

Manual of Phycology: An Introduction to the Algae and Their Biology

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Manual of Phycology: An Introduction to the Algae and Their Biology
Gilbert M., Editor Smith
Manufacturer: Chronica Botanica Co.,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 082608270X

A New Series of Plant Science Books Volume XXVII Manual of Phycology An Introduction to Algae and Their Biology

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A New Series of Plant Science Books Volume XXVII Manual of Phycology An Introduction to Algae and Their Biology
Verdoorn, Frans, ed.
Manufacturer: Chronica Botanica Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K7N1YK

Manual of Phycology Introduction To Algae

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Manual of Phycology Introduction To Algae
Gilbert M Smith
Manufacturer: CHRONICA BOTANICA CO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q9X3TK

Book Description

Authoritative and fully up-to-date, the Rough Guide to Scandinavia is the essential handbook to Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Covering both popular sights and less well-known destinations the 24-page, full-colour section and two additional 4-page, full-colour inserts introduce all of the regions highlights, from whale-watching in Norway and DenmarkÂ's vibrant nightlife to a husky safari through Lapland and SwedenÂ's chilly Icehotel. The new Â`author picksÂ' section of all the regions finest hotels and restaurants, will help you decide on the best places to stay, eat and drink, to suit every budget. There is plenty of practical advice on exploring the Scandinavian countryside, from FinlandÂ's frosty wilderness to NorwayÂ's wild mountain range. The guide takes a detailed look at Scandinavian history and contemporary life and comes complete with maps and plans for the entire region.

Book Description

A girl dresses in a bunny costume to earn her dad's approval. . . . A boy bakes a cake and takes out his dad in the same afternoon. . . . These are just two of the offbeat and utterly captivating scenarios readers will find in this collection of stories inspired by narrative artwork. Nine charcoal drawings, each one hauntingly surreal, were the creative spur for eighteen different authors. Pairs of writers were sent the same image and asked to write a story to accompany it. The results are fascinating: some of the couplings are strikingly similar; others couldn't be more different, and all make terrific reading.

Named a Top Ten Art Book for Youth by ALA Booklist.

Book Description

Presents a clear, simple and comprehensive overview of the phylogenetic approach to systematics, which has two major goals: reconstructing the evolutionary relationships among organisms and integrating the results into general reference classifications. Shows how the results of systematic research can be applied to studying the pattern and processes of evolution.

Phylogenetics: the Theory and Practice of Phylogenetic Systematics, Second Edition

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Phylogenetics: the Theory and Practice of Phylogenetic Systematics, Second Edition
WILEY
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Genetics | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0471391034

Book Description

"... destined to place itself at the center of the landscape of works on Italian Americana". -- The Harvard Book Review

Book Description

The first compilation of Bruce Lee photographs published in association with the Bruce Lee estate. This book reveals the full range of Lee's talents. It includes rare photos spanning from his early stage career in Hong Kong to his worldwide success as an actor and martial arts phenomenon. Selected with the assistance of Lee's widow, Linda Lee Cadwell, Bruce Lee expert John Little presents a photographic record, accompanied by descriptive commentary, of all facets of this fascinating man, from the start of his career to his untimely death a quarter century ago. Included are photos from Bruce's personal family photos, from his childhood years, through the early years in Hollywood, to the peak of his career as an international star.

Customer Reviews:

The Way of the Intercepting Fist.......2006-01-07

Many of the documentaries and biographies out there about Bruce Lee were unauthorized and created by shysters trying to cash in on his sudden death. This book, based on the recent video documentary "Bruce Lee: In His Own Words" is not only superior because it really is based on the master's own words, but the book and video are also endorsed by Bruce's widow and daughter. Here we get plenty of great photographs from Bruce's films, training, and family life. Meanwhile, Bruce's thoughts on acting, family, and his martial arts style (or, according to him, its dismissal of style) are true revelations for any fan of Bruce's classic movies. His thoughts on being a serious actor, rather than a martial arts "superstar," are quite a surprise; while his personal philosophy and attitudes toward martial arts mastery are both fascinatingly Eastern but surprisingly down-to-Earth and accessible for Western enthusiasts. So instead of fighting your way through all the frauds and fakes out there, get it from the master himself. [~doomsdayer520~]

Life and times of the true master.......2004-07-08

There are no limitations , save those that we create for ourselves... Bruce Lee

This is a great book if you are looking for a compilation of rare photos and facts.. Unlike most books out there that beat around the bush , This book showcases the man as he wanted to project himself to the world .The perspectives are variable throughout the book , giving the reader a vast panoramic view of the life and times of the much hyped martial arts superstar..

Frankly, if you're looking for a detailed description of his persona , you will find exactly that and more.. Full of great photos that give a realistic insight on the master , this book is a good buy if you are interested in the glam..

If you are a martial artist however , I would strongly suggest that you do not buy this book . There are various other books that will serve your purpose, books like 'The Tao of JKD'.

Informative. Great Pictures. A Great Addition........2003-10-13

This book is a great addition to my collection of Bruce Lee books of pictures, filmography, philosopy and techniques. It has one of the best picture collections of all the books I've seen. The content isn't bad either. Talking about the life of the Little Dragon and some of the deep thoughts he had in his short life in this world. My fan-ography of the Jeet Kune Do Sifu is just starting, even if I have been a follower for years. This book is not a dissapointment. It will be a great addition to any collection.

a must.......2000-12-25

Bruce Lee was his own man.he had so much style&smoothness about him.this book highlights his world in front of the public&behind it.very detailed&very upfront.you get a very insightful look into his world&vision.a man who forever changed the world with his talent&craft.a man who was trying to make sense of his surroudings&the things that were in placed around him.He will never be forgotten.

Like looking through a family photo album.......2000-10-12

What an intimate look at the man behind the image! The book is highly visual--the text is very limited--but the photos are like none that I've ever seen in other books on Lee. I'm talking about the baby pictures of Bruce and Brandon, photos of Lee from behind the scenes in his movies (a kind of spooky one of him and Sharon Tate from what must have been just before she was killed), and pictures of he and his wife just sitting on the couch at home. It makes you realize that there's a man and father behind the superhero that appears in his films. I loved it.

Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (ISBN:0804832307)

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Bruce Lee: The Celebrated Life of the Golden Dragon (ISBN:0804832307)
John (ed.); text by Bruce Lee Little
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publ.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LC8HK2

Book Description

A study of the Civil War career of one of the war's most controversial figures, General George B. McClellan, who was dismissed by Lincoln from his post as commander of the Army of the Potomac, in 1862.

Customer Reviews:

Simply indispensable........1998-07-29

Written in a popular style, Hassler still manages to cover all the scholarly ground necessary for such a controversial figure. After 40 years still the best overview of McClellan's CW career. Head and shoulders over more recent works.

One of the few books that doesn't vilify General McClellan.......1998-06-21

A wonderful book that does what few Civil War authors have: point out McClellan's successes along with his failures. Most of the books written about McClellan ridicule him, while Hassler provides a much more detailed and introspecive look at the controversial General. Hassler skillfully avoids the anti-McClellan animus that seems to posess far too many Civil War historians - Check it out. It's a rare find.

General George B. McClellan: Shield of the Union.

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General George B. McClellan: Shield of the Union.
WARREN W., JR. HASSLER
Manufacturer: See notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RQH8FW

Book Description

Many of those who frequently interact with adolescents have resigned themselves to the fact that the period between childhood and adulthood is inevitably characterized by risky and unhealthy behavior and also a time when previously healthy children will experience the first signs of mental disorder. Likewise, the popular media often present the adolescent brain as a work in progress, unprepared for the developmental changes that drive unhealthy behavior, and vulnerable to the genetic influences that seem to undermine mental health. But in the last decade, scientists have come to grasp the plasticity of the adolescent brain. Although important findings from both animal and human research show the effects of early maltreatment on brain development and how these effects can be transmitted across generations, new advances in our understanding also promise strategies for reversing these and other genetic predispositions. Research now suggests that mental health professionals and concerned parents may be able to take advantage of adolescent brain plasticity by fortifying strengths, avoiding maladaptive behaviors, and counteracting genes that would otherwise promote mental disorder. At one time considered mutually exclusive, according to the argument diligently supported by Daniel Romer and Elaine Walker, nature and nurture actually work in concert, shaping the development of the mature individual. The implications for our views of the treatability of mental disorder could be dramatic. A central question which this volume addresses is: With treatment and preventive interventions, can we enhance healthy functioning, prevent potential maladaptive behavior, and alter the developmental course of psychological disorders? In June 2005, a diverse group of psychologists, neuroscientists, and researchers came together at University of Pennsylvanias Annenberg Public Policy Center to discuss this question theoretically and practically from a variety of perspectives. The presentations from this fruitful meeting have been synthesized into Adolescent Psychopathology and the Developing Brain: Integrating Brain and Prevention Science, a collection that offers prevention and neuroscience researchers the knowledge and background to embark on the study of developmental psychopathology, and the rationale to chart a new course.

Book Description

Anatomy of a Conflict explores the cultural aspects of the fierce dispute between activist loggers and environmentalists over the fate of Oregon's temperate rain forest. Centred on the practice of old-growth logging and the survival of the northern spotted owl, the conflict has lead to the burning down of ranger stations, the spiking of trees, logging truck blockades, and countless demonstrations and arrests.

Satterfield shows how the debate about the forest is, at its core, a debate about the cultural make-up of the Pacific Northwest. To talk about forests is to talk about culture, whether the discussion is about scientific explanations of conifer forests, activists' grassroots status and their emotional attachment to land, or the implications of past people's land use for future forest management. An engaging ethnographic study, this book emphasizes the historical roots and contemporary emergence of identity movements as a means for challenging cultural patterns. It makes a significant contribution to culture- and identity-driven theories of human action in the context of social movements and environmental studies.

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