Presents an illustrated field guide to geology that explains the evolution of the Earth.

A FIELD MANUAL FOR THE AMATEUR GEOLOGIST not only describes the science of geology, but also demonstrates practicing geology in the field. The book introduces the geologist's core concepts, tools, and techniques, and requires no prior training in geology. Beginners can learn to identify landforms, minerals, rocks, and fossils, and experience, firsthand, the excitement of geological discovery.

Now in its fifth edition, this highly sought-after manual is a key reference source in geoscience offices and field camps throughout the world. This latest edition has been revised to keep up to date with modern changes and developments and the traditional essentials have been maintained, providing useful reference information across all areas of geoscience.

How were the Appalachian Mountains formed? Are the barrier islands moving? Is there gold in the Carolinas? The answers to these questions and many more appear in this reader-friendly guide to the geology of North Carolina and South Carolina. Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas pairs a brief geological history of the region with 31 field trips to easily accessible, often familiar sites in both states where readers can observe firsthand the evidence of geologic change found in rocks, river basins, mountains, waterfalls, and coastal land formations. Geologist Kevin Stewart and science writer Mary-Russell Roberson begin by explaining techniques geologists use to "read" rocks, the science of plate tectonics, and the formation of the Carolinas. The field trips that follow are arranged geographically by region, from the Blue Ridge to the Piedmont to the Coastal Plain. Richly illustrated and accompanied by a helpful glossary of geologic terms, this field guide is a handy and informative carry-along for hikers, tourists, teachers, and families--anyone interested in the science behind the sights at their favorite Carolina spots. Includes field trips to: Grandfather Mountain, N.C. Linville Falls, N.C. Caesars Head State Park, S.C. Reed Gold Mine, N.C. Pilot Mountain State Park, N.C. Raven Rock State Park, N.C. Sugarloaf Mountain, S.C. Santee State Park, S.C. Jockey's Ridge State Park, N.C. Carolina Beach State Park, N.C. and 21 more sites in the Carolinas! Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press