This textbook is designed to aid the student in geological map interpretation. The book starts with basic concepts such as dip and strike, and progresses through a variety of exercises based on folds, faults and unconformities, up to and including the interpretation of Geological Survey Maps. In order to give a sense of reality to the text, frequent reference is made to actual examples on which many of the problem maps are based. Also included in the text are exercises concerned with bore-hole interpretation and correlation. The book, which is in two sections, is unique in that the second section contains worked solutions to the questions set in the first half.

Geologic maps supply a wealth of information about the surface and shallow subsurface of the earth. The types of materials that are present in a location and the three-dimensional structure of the bedrock both can be gleaned from a clearly prepared geologic map. Geologists, civil and environmental engineers, land-use planners, soil scientists, and geographers commonly use geologic maps as a source of information to facilitate problem solving and identify the qualities of a region. Maps reveal the position of many types of natural hazards, indicate the suitability of the land surface for various uses, reveal problems that may be encountered in excavation, provide clues to the natural processes that shape an area, and help locate important natural resources. Suitable for lab courses in structural geology as well as field geology work, Spencer describes representative examples of features found on geologic maps and outlines procedures for interpretation and projection. Geometric techniques are explained using a step-by-step approach. Coverage of mapping methods includes tools that provide necessary data, such as Google Earth, GPS, GIS, LiDAR maps, drones, and aerial photographs. Challenging and engaging exercises throughout the text involve students in the mapping process and stimulate an appreciation of the extent and precision of information presented in geologic maps. Regional geology is an important component of lab and field mapping projects. As such, the Third Edition includes new maps of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain, Rocky Mountain Front Range, Yellowstone region, Moab, Utah, Shenandoah National Park, and Hawai’i. A new chapter devoted to tectonic maps also broadens students’ exposure. Ed Spencer brings over 45 years of teaching experience to the text along with valuable insight and clarity into the interpretation and preparation of geologic maps.

This is a discount Black and white version. Some images may be unclear, please see BCCampus website for the digital version.This book was born out of a 2014 meeting of earth science educators representing most of the universities and colleges in British Columbia, and nurtured by a widely shared frustration that many students are not thriving in courses because textbooks have become too expensive for them to buy. But the real inspiration comes from a fascination for the spectacular geology of western Canada and the many decades that the author spent exploring this region along with colleagues, students, family, and friends. My goal has been to provide an accessible and comprehensive guide to the important topics of geology, richly illustrated with examples from western Canada. Although this text is intended to complement a typical first-year course in physical geology, its contents could be applied to numerous other related courses.

Developed by three experts to coincide with geology lab kits, this laboratory manual provides a clear and cohesive introduction to the field of geology. Introductory Geology is designed to ease new students into the often complex topics of physical geology and the study of our planet and its makeup. This text introduces readers to the various uses of the scientific method in geological terms. Readers will encounter a comprehensive yet straightforward style and flow as they journey through this text. They will understand the various spheres of geology and begin to master geological outcomes which derive from a growing knowledge of the tools and subjects which this text covers in great detail.